How you write about the most famous Indian novel of our times? How you build a screenplay out of such massive book? Well, to answer the first question; I’m not here to write a book review of A Suitable Boy. I am here to talk about the screen adaptation of this important literary milestone.

As far as the oh-so-famous and beloved book goes; it was released in mid-90s, an important breakthrough of Indian storytelling on the world stage. A novel spanning two generations and weaving together stories of 4 families; although it’s written in English, but at it’s essence are Indian aesthetics. That’s what made it stand apart from it’s peers and really became an important part of Indian literature.

I read the book almost 20 years back, but it’s one of that story whose imprints stay in your heart forever. The fate of Kabir, passions of Maan, straightforward Pran, Mehra family members especially Lata; they just stay with you etched in memory. Because although the novel is set in newly independent India of 1950s, the stories of these people transcend to modern times too.

So, we can understand that it was a bit of challenge for taking these stories from book to in front of camera. Like me, millions of fans have been waiting for a screen adaptation for more than 2 decades now. Well, it’s not a movie but much better than that it’s a series. OTT platforms have given that option of taking such complex stories as Limited Series. However, the only complaint can be of episodes; for such a vast storyline, only 6 episodes feel like little bit challenging.

As the famous storyline goes; it’s mainly focused on finding A Suitable Boy for Miss Lata Mehra. After sudden demise of her father, her eldest brother marrying a Bengali and settling down more or less with his in-laws; the sole mission of Mrs. Rupa Mehra is to find a suitor for Lata within their community only. But what does Lata want? Like the book, the miniseries revolves around this question primarily.

It’s not like Lata doesn’t have options beyond which are being presented by her mother. Her brother’s brother-in-law (soon-to-be-famous-author of India) Amit is wooing her with his poems and then there is Kabir Durrani from her college life. First met in library and then love hitting a six on the cricket pitch, Kabir & Lata are the perfect example of star-crossed lovers. Not only they are from different religions but also their family lives differ. They fall in love too-much-too-fast but before crashing headlong in what feels like a teenage infatuation; there are all those gorgeous magical moments like the ferrying to Barsat Mahal on a misty dawn. This scene comes alive on the screen with the perfect direction and soothing music. Actually, their romance is more nuanced on the screen like Lata pleading her heart to Kabir and that parting shot of dejected, rejected Kabir. Oh, Kabir!

All is not lost on the screen although it indeed feels rushed. Having said that, what makes this adaptation worthwhile are the acting chops of all the actors. From the briefly visible Randeep Hooda to brilliant portrayal of Mrs. Mehra by Mahira Kakkar; everyone is shining in this ensemble cast. The most notable though are Tabu & Ishaan Khattar; with her intense, vulnerable Saeeda Bai and his embodiment of Maan Kapoor respectively. Although, people who have read the book and watching the series now can argue about Ishaan’s selection as Maan; but what he lacks in flamboyancy or handsomeness of Maan, he certainly captures the fervent passion of Maan oh-so-wonderfully.

So, to sum it up; it’s indeed worth your time to watch it once at least whether you have read the book or not. Ardent fans like me are all too familiar with the story line but still it’s quite interesting to see that Brahmapur of our heart coming alive on screen. As the cinematography and art direction captures the mood of the story perfectly and the nuanced approach to story presenting makes it worthwhile to experience. This is surely worth your time.