REVIEW - 'Never Kiss Your Best Friend' Season 2

In “Never Kiss Your Best Friend” Season 2, Best selling author Tani Brar moves back to London from Mumbai and is attempting to cope with double heartbreak. Her second book failed to captivate readers, and her once promising romance with former best friend Sumer also souring. She’s also lost the will to write; however, she must find it soon since Lavanyaa, a studio executive, expresses interest in adapting one of her story ideas into a web series. However this new opportunity also forces her to face her past as Sumer is brought on the project as a director. The rest of the show follows the duo as they attempt to keep their personal lives from clashing on set; this is all while they make sense of their conflicting feelings after their messy split.

While the writers have managed to retain the sappy and corny vibe of the show that made Season 1 such a wholesome watch, there are moments in Season 2 where the writing feels rushed or contrived. This is particularly visible in the build-up to each of the characters finding themselves in sticky situations. While they are interesting and unpredictable to watch, the manner in which the show resolves them comes across as hasty.

Somewhat Short and Hasty…but Still Warm and Fuzzy

The show definitely could have benefited from a few more episodes—or at least a slightly longer run-time—so the resolutions could have appeared less abrupt and more satisfactory and believable. Lavanyaa’s rival, the casually sexist Rajeev, is also written as a cookie cutter antagonist. The show could have benefitted from some flashbacks to their mutual past, rather than Lavanyaa’s constant verbal exposition of her relationship with Rajeev. Another pet peeve during this season is its emotional scenes are undercut by obvious product placements for the Zee5 streaming platform itself. These often take one out of the aforementioned emotionally stirring moments.

The lead pair of Nakuul Mehta and Anya Singh turn out to be the saving grace of Season 2. Both prove to be ever-reliable with their ability to bring effortless charm to even the corniest lines. They also provide wholesome feels when their characters interact on-screen together; this is even when initially the couple are constantly at loggerheads, both in the writer’s room and out. Sarah-Jane Dias is a new addition to the cast and does justice to the stoic Lavanyaa. Her camaraderie with Mehta was also season highlight, especially when she opens up about her addition problems to Sumer. Sumer as revealed in Season 1, has faced similar demons and proves to be an understanding and very loyal listener.

While somewhat hasty in parts, the show’s second season is still warm and fuzzy. (Photo credit: Zee5).

Tani’s New Love Interest Doesn’t Wow

Karan Wahi plays Tani’s new love interest, but unfortunately neither his monotonous character nor his performance leave a strong impression. The actor feels miscast here. Most of his character motivations are driven by him acting stubborn and childish. He also has a giant victim complex which becomes repetitive after some time.

However, it was a treat to see Jaaved Jaaferi’s charm and comedic skill utilized to its fullest here in a character tailor-made to his abilities. He plays Tani’s clownish uncle Bittu who is also the voice of reason in the Brar family. His character is further made memorable by Jaaferi’s funny ad-libs. Uncle Bittu also forays into his own little love story with an ex-flame along the way, and it was an impressive move by the writers to include a blossoming romance between an older couple in a show otherwise centered around millennial couples. The writers also do a commendable job at subtly weaving in callbacks to Season 1.

Season 2’s Warmer Moments Make it Worth the Trip

All-in-all, while the writing and characterization of the supporting characters can be a tad rough around the edges, there are plenty of warm and fuzzy moments that make the second season of “Never Kiss Your Best Friend” worth a watch over the weekend.