SBS has beforehand introduced us documentaries about organized marriages by means of documentaries resembling Marry Me, Marry My Household and Indian Wedding ceremony Race however now it kinds the backdrop of a brand new drama, 4 Years Later.

Unashamedly, the collection positions itself as a Romance. Whereas Streaming appears to embrace them in reveals resembling Regular Folks, Heartstopper, Outlander, and Virgin River, it’s one thing of a rarity of late within the Free to Air house. Certainly as an SBS drama, I saved ready for the issue-based plot to rear its head.

Refreshingly, whereas tradition is ever-present in Mithila Gupta’s 8 x 30 min collection, it isn’t overwhelmed by issues of politics, race or immigration.

Fairly, the main focus is on younger couple Sridevi (Shahana Goswami) and Yash (Akshay Ajit Singh), how they meet, how they join and subsequently disconnect.

The narrative traverses a number of time intervals together with after they meet in Jaipur through household introduction, then a 4 12 months reunion in Australia, and the time in between.

Regardless of parental approval, Sri and Yash don’t precisely sizzle at first, however Sri’s fast dismissal of Yash will get the higher of his curiosity. Additional courting and dates handle whether or not she is enjoying laborious to get, in the end resulting in a conventional wedding ceremony.

However there has at all times been stress on Yash to pursue his medical profession for which the household has made nice monetary sacrifice. When he’s accepted right into a Sydney hospital it’s clear the newlyweds will probably be separated – it’s determined Sri will solely function a ‘distraction.’ Charming.

“It’s necessary for my household that I succeed… I actually must succeed.” – Yash
“Isn’t there a lot extra to life than simply work? For me I would like love. Large love.” – Sri

From there the collection quick ahead to, effectively, 4 Years Later, when a struggling Yash has summoned Sri to affix him on the south coast of NSW -but what has modified in the mean time?

There’s pleasure, concern, doubts, work stress, isolation and far to discover. With characters as forthright as Sri and Yash that is additionally a torrid storyline that would pivot in any course, and that’s simply the place Gupta leads….

Added to the human feelings of affection, separation and desires is the cultural conflict of Australia and India. The seashore backdrop is intoxicating (all of the water scenes are fantastically shot) however there may be isolation, a distinct set of values and social behaviour. Are you able to maintain onto your beliefs, or are there compromises to be made -and what of leaps into the unknown?

Underneath administrators Mohini Herse and Fadia Abboud the collection is held delicately collectively thanks to 2 very alluring leads all however baring their souls. Shahana Goswami as Sri yearns for household in addition to independence, bringing ardour, power and resolve. Akshay Ajit Singh as Yash is stuffed with ambition however there are flaws and flashes of delight and weak point.

The collection additionally options Kate Field, Luke Arnold and Roy Joseph as a part of the Australian ensemble.

Whereas it’s wearing custom and household expectations, the collection challenges conventions with a really fashionable outlook. There’s steamy intercourse earlier than marriage, swimming within the ocean in underwear, and even a reference to a sl*t drop dance transfer at an Indian wedding ceremony. Marigold Resort this ain’t…

However it’s additionally not a Bollywood perspective. Mithila Gupta’s script feels genuine to the Indian Australian expertise while injecting premium drama twists and turns. This makes it one in every of SBS’ most satisfying dramas in a while.

Finally 4 Years Later may very well be any of us, torn aside by a 4 12 months separation and the way we evolve or survive such duress.

4 Years Later screens in double episodes 9:20pm Wednesday 2 October (all 8 episodes at SBS on Demand).