Dil Dosti Dilemma

Directed by Debbie Rao, based on Andaleeb Wajid's YA novel, Asmara's Summer, the seven-part show is set in Bengaluru and is predictable in the way the plot unfolds. But it also stays away from teen stereotypes, the kind of obnoxious kids, with acne, angst and attitude.

While Rao brings out the best in her young cast, led by Sen with fitting support from Jotwani, Pillai and Mayor, Vishakha Pandey needed to turn it down a notch as the over-enthusiastic Rukhsana. Sen and Jotwani make a cute pair – in spite of the height difference – and convincingly convey the playful flirtation of young love that’s trying to bridge social and class divides. Azmi and Sharma are on point as the textbook old-school grandparents. Seven episodes later, one feels invested in the little wins, little losses and big gestures initiated and experienced by the characters. Dil Dosti Dilemma is a low-cal, feel-good entertainer that gradually draws you in, just the way Asmara is drawn into Tibri Road.