A Suitable Boy Review Spoiler Free Vibrant Ambitious Adaptation
This spoiler-free review is based on the first two episodes. Immediately, BBC One’s new period drama A Suitable Boy depicts the many faces of newly independent and post-partition India in 1951. Episode one’s opening scene dives right into a vibrant traditional Indian wedding. The use of rich colour, beautiful music and the Lucknow setting blend to depict the optimism and beauty of India finding its freedom. It is a joyful celebration of Indian culture, introducing the viewer to an array of different personalities, from 19-year old Hindu Lata (played by newcomer Tanya Maniktala), whose rejection of arranged marriage differentiates her as a non-conformist, to the mischievous Maan (Ishaan Khatter) and the anglicised Arun (Vivek Gomber), whose character reminds the viewer of the remnants of British colonial rule in India (an Indian, he remarks ‘Look around you, a sea of brown’ to which his brother replies ‘Just like us....