Little Things
GenreDrama
Created byDhruv Sehgal
Directed byAjay Bhuyan
Ruchir Arun
StarringMithila Palkar
Dhruv Sehgal
Theme music composerPrateek Kuhad
ComposerNeel Adhikari
Country of originIndia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons4
No. of episodes29
Production
Executive producersAditi Shrivastava
Anirudh Pandita
Ashwin Suresh
Production locationMumbai
CinematographyAniruddha Patankar
EditorSaumya Sharma
Running time15-40 minutes
Production companyDice Media
Original release
Network
  • Dice Media (Season 1)
  • Netflix (Season 2-4)
Release25 October 2016 (2016-10-25) –
15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)

Little Things is an Indian romantic comedy television series, created by Dhruv Sehgal,[1] who also starred in the lead role along with Mithila Palkar.[2][3] The series were directed by Ajay Bhuyan and Ruchir Arun and produced by Aditi Shrivastava, Anirudh Pandita and Ashwin Suresh of Dice Media. Its first season was premiered through the official YouTube channel of Dice Media, from 25 October 2016, to 22 November.[4] Netflix later purchased the franchise and its second season and third, was premiered on 5 October 2018 and 9 November 2019.[5] Its fourth and the final season was released on 15 October 2021.

Premise

The story revolves around Kavya Kulkarni (Palkar) and Dhruv Vats (Sehgal), a couple in a live-in relationship in Mumbai.[6] The series progresses with everyday life explored through conversation between the couple. The language used is English, with a few sentences in Hindi (used mostly in slang).[7]

Cast

Main

Recurring

Episodes

SeriesEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast releasedNetwork
1525 October 2016 (2016-10-25)22 November 2016 (2016-11-22)Dice Media
285 October 2018 (2018-10-05)Netflix
389 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
4815 October 2021 (2021-10-15)

Season 1 (2016)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected by [8]Written by [10]Original air date
11"FOMO"Ajay BhuyanDhruv Sehgal25 October 2016 (2016-10-25)
Dhruv and Kavya are on course to have a lazy plain Sunday even though they try their best to make it exciting. The fear of missing out on all the fun that they see their friends are having on social media makes Kavya spice up their day.
22"Have a Nice Day"Ajay BhuyanDhruv Sehgal1 November 2016 (2016-11-01)
The morning rush to go to work leads to a tussle between Dhruv and Kavya, spoiling both their moods for the rest of the day. As the irony of relationships goes, however, they still have each other to help fix a bad day.
33"Good Night"Ajay BhuyanDhruv Sehgal8 November 2016 (2016-11-08)
A sleepless night thanks to mosquitoes turns into a discovery that Kavya's ex-boyfriend is getting married, and a long conversation about exes follows.
44"Thank You!"Ajay BhuyanDhruv Sehgal15 November 2016 (2016-11-15)
It is a weeknight and Dhruv and Kavya's plan to have a good dinner at an Iranian restaurant gets canned. Kavya convinces Dhruv to attend her friend Shifa's house party and in the end, they end up having a late night out at a nearby fair.
55"Here We Go!"Ajay BhuyanDhruv Sehgal22 November 2016 (2016-11-22)
Fresh air and wine do wonders for Dhruv and Kavya as they open up like never before. Nestled in the middle of a vineyard, Kavya speaks her heart out to Dhruv about how she doesn't know what she wants to do with her life.

Season 2 (2018)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected by [11]Written byOriginal release date
601"Milk Cake"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal5 October 2018 (2018-10-05)
When an old friend comes to visit from Delhi, Dhruv is struck by how much has changed between them since their childhood.
702"Back Seat"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal5 October 2018 (2018-10-05)
After Kavya gets a big work promotion and Dhruv makes a difficult professional decision, they attend the housewarming party of a well-to-do couple.
803"Cheeti Aur Haathi"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal5 October 2018 (2018-10-05)
Kavya gets busier at work while managing a big project. Feeling restless at home, Dhruv struggles to find ways to bring in some income.
904"Mumbai Darshan"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal5 October 2018 (2018-10-05)
When Kavya's mother comes to visit, Dhruv takes her out for the afternoon and learns more about the person behind the parent.
1005"Leicester City F.C."Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal5 October 2018 (2018-10-05)
When Kavya hits it off with another man on a work trip, she begins questioning whether her relationship with Dhruv is good enough for the long haul.
1106"Bed & Breakfast"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal5 October 2018 (2018-10-05)
With Kavya feeling under the weather, weekend plans are cancelled in favour of a day at home, where she and Dhruv chill, chat and occasionally quarrel.
1207"Baalti Aur Magga"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal5 October 2018 (2018-10-05)
While attending a friend's wedding, a moment of intimacy between Kavya and Dhruv devolves into a full-blown argument about where they stand.
1308"Where Are We?"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal5 October 2018 (2018-10-05)
Following their fight, Kavya and Dhruv return home from the wedding, stopping at a familiar place for a heart-to-heart talk.

Season 3 (2019)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [12]
141"Migration"Sumit AroraaDhruv Sehgal9 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
A research stint takes Dhruv to Bangalore. As Kavya helps him settle in, unease over their upcoming months apart affects their remaining hours together.
152"Today of all Days"Sumit AroraaDhruv Sehgal, Garima Pura Patiyaalvi9 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
Dhruv quickly takes to his new surroundings and makes instant friends. Kavya struggles with loneliness at home and vulnerability at work.
163"Rectangles"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal, Abhinandan Sridhar9 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
Dhruv and Kavya grow accustomed to their individual lives. As Dhruv's fellowship ends, an awkward conversation stirs unease about his return to Mumbai.
174"Senior Citizens"Sumit AroraaDhruv Sehgal, Nupur Pai9 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
While visiting her hometown in Nagpur, Kavya's interactions with her ageing parents and childhood friends spark both concern and nostalgia.
185"Vertical Housing"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal9 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
Dhruv visits Delhi to help his mother pack up his childhood home, but pressure to marry and family tensions have him feeling frustrated and detached.
196"Jet Lag"Sumit AroraaDhruv Sehgal9 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
The couple is finally reunited, but life seems out of sync as Dhruv compares Mumbai to Bangalore and feels replaced by Kavya's new friendships.
207"The Sum of our Past"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal, Garima Pura Patiyaalvi, Abhinandan Sridhar9 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
Flashbacks illuminate each of Dhruv's and Kavya's early encounters with relationships and marriage. In the present day, a wedding ring triggers tension.
218"Migration II"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal, Nupur Pai9 November 2019 (2019-11-09)
Dhruv envies a friend's accomplishment. As sad news compels Kavya to consider transferring to Nagpur, the couple reflect on their evolving relationship.

Season 4 (2021)

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [12]
221"Circles"Sumit AroraaDhruv Sehgal15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)
Reunited after 14 months, Kavya and Dhruv reflect on their time apart, wondering if the physical distance created an emotional disconnection, too.
232"Family Holiday"Sumit AroraaDhruv Sehgal, Garima Pura Patiyaalvi15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)
On their Kerala holiday, Kavya talks a reluctant Dhruv into taking a bus tour, but the day trip isn’t without a few bumps in the road.
243"Fort Kavya"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal, Abhinandan Sridhar15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)
When Dhruv is unable to get out of a work commitment on Kavya’s 30th birthday, she spends the occasion in her own company, exploring and soul-searching.
254"Air Quality Index"Sumit AroraaDhruv Sehgal, Nupur Pai15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)
Kavya makes a brave career move. A meetup with Dhruv’s friends from Finland sparks questions about the future and why Dhruv really moved back to India.
265"Business Class"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)
While setting up their new home in Mumbai, Dhruv and Kavya discuss the pros and cons of marriage. An accident leads to a disappointing setback.
276"Got Your Back"Sumit AroraaDhruv Sehgal15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)
With Kavya listless at home and Dhruv struggling at work, three weeks pass before they realize the toll these things have taken on their relationship..
287"What's This Party For?"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal, Garima Pura Patiyaalvi, Abhinandan Sridhar15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)
While both sets of parents are visiting, Kavya and Dhruv host a gathering at home with friends — but no one is quite sure what the occasion is.
298"Full Circle"Ruchir ArunDhruv Sehgal, Nupur Pai15 October 2021 (2021-10-15)
In a merry mood, the couple enjoys a late night out, taking a pause to celebrate the present moment as they stand on the cusp of big things to come.

Production

Dhruv Sehgal, started writing for the new series in late 2015,[11][13] featuring Mithila Palkar who have previously acted in short videos by Dice Media and Filter Copy,[7] and have known each other since Palkar's time working at Thespo (Quasar Theatre Productions' annual theatre festival). Sehgal had asked her to audition for Filter Copy's new satire show on YouTube called News Darshan.[14][15] The series' first season was directed by Ajay Bhuyan and had an episode runtime of 15 minutes each.[8] The series is produced by Aditi Shrivastava, Anirudh Pandita and Ashwin Suresh. The second and third season was directed by Ruchir Arun, who is a National Award winner.[11]

Themes

The series explores multiple themes, related to everyday life and the problems and challenges faced in it. Season 1 explored themes like a fear of missing out (FOMO) caused by social media and late-night cravings for food. Season 2 explored more serious themes like personal and professional crises. Dhruv is seen reconnecting with an old friend and realising that they have grown apart. He is later seen quitting his job due to a loss of interest. Dhruv is then seen as being "aimless" while Kavya has received a promotion and a pay hike, which leads to fights as they realise the differences between them.[16] Other themes explored in the second season include Kavya getting attracted to a biker on an office trip, homophobia and the possibility of considering one's parents as friends.[17]

Season 3[18] further explores Dhruv and Kavya's relationship (which had hit a rough patch at the end of Season 2) with them venturing into a long-distance relationship.[19] They thus begin to face loneliness (due to staying apart from one another) and learn to deal with it. They eventually realize that they can also be happy with other people.[20] The two of them also have additional responsibilities and pity themselves. They reconnect with childhood friends and Kavya faces the fear of losing a loved one, her neighbour's dog, Kaju.[21] They both discuss the possibility of marriage and their views on the topic are explored through an episode consisting of flashbacks. While visiting their parents, they realize that they are growing old. Additionally, the season explores the social structures of the big cities, commenting on how the urbanisation results in a loss of humanity.[22]

Soundtrack

The music and background score is composed by Neel Adhikari, and the series features a theme song composed by Prateek Kuhad specially for it.[23]

Season 1[24]

Season 2[25]

Release

The first season of the series was premiered through Dice Media's YouTube channel, from 25 October 2016 to 22 November 2016.[26] It became a thundering success, with the first episode, which premiered on 25 October, gained over 15 million views, upon its initial release.[26] Later, Netflix collaborated with Dice Media, to acquire the rights for the second season,[27] which was released on 5 October 2018.[28] Netflix announced that the show would be renewed for a third season, with a release date of 9 November 2019.[19]

Reception

Rohan Naahar of Hindustan Times gave it a rating of 4/5 and went on to write "[The show] relies more heavily on performances than most others".[6] Soumya Rao, writing for Scroll.in, called the show "frequently charming, often relatable and never boring".[29] Prakhya Nair of The Red Sparrow rated it 3.5 stars and recommended it to "anyone who wants to delve in a real relationship for a while".[23] Anvita Singh, writing for The Indian Express, opines that "[The show] would have worked better if it had four episodes of 15 minutes each, instead of the eight episodes, each over 22 minutes long" and also critiqued that the second season lacked the show's "sweet-natured relatability".[30]

Other media

Season 1 of the series was published as a book by Penguin Random House in August 2017.[31][32] A 20-episode prequel audio series Little Things: Jab Dhruv Met Kavya narrated by Sehgal and Palkar was released on Audible in September 2022.[33]

Awards

Award Category Recipient Result Ref
MTV IWMBuzz Digital Awards 2019 Most Popular Actress in a Web Series Mithila Palkar Won [34]
Best Cinematography Aniruddha Patankar Won
Storyteller of The Year Dhruv Sehgal Won
Best Youth Show Little Things 2 Won
IReel Awards 2019 Best Actor in Comedy Series Dhruv Sehgal Nominated [35][36]
Best Actress in Comedy Series Mithila Palkar Won
Best Comedy Series Little Things 2 Won
Critics Choice Shorts & Series Awards 2019 Best Writing Series (Comedy/ Romance) Dhruv Sehgal Won [37]
Best Actor in Comedy/ Romance Dhruv Sehgal (share with Vikrant Massey) Won
Best Actress in Comedy/ Romance Mithila Palkar Won
Best Series (Comedy/ Romance) Little Things Season 2 Won
2020 Filmfare OTT Awards Best Comedy Series Little Things 3 Nominated [38]
[39]
Best Actor in Comedy Series Dhruv Sehgal Nominated
Best Actress in Comedy Series Mithila Palkar Won
Critics Best Actor in Comedy Series Dhruv Sehgal Won

References

  1. ^ Borah, Prabalika M. (9 January 2017). "The little things of life". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  2. ^ "Not thought of dating each other: Mithila Palkar on 'Little Things' co-star Dhruv Sehgal". The New Indian Express. 10 October 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  3. ^ Panicker, Anahita (8 September 2017). "Mithila Palkar, the girl from Dadar". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  4. ^ "Dhruv Sehgal - Mithila Palkar starrer web series Little Things to have a book version". The New Indian Express. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  5. ^ "Netflix announces Little Things season 3 with Dhruv Sehgal and Mithila Palkar, watch trailer here". Hindustan Times. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  6. ^ a b Naahar, Rohan (5 October 2018). "Little Things season 2 review: Netflix takes Mithila Palkar, Dhruv Sehgal's delightful show to the big time". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  7. ^ a b Maanvi (24 November 2016). "Forget the Train Chases; 'Little Things' is About Everyday Love". The Quint. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  8. ^ a b c "Little Things Season 2 Netflix: 5 little things to know before you watch Little Things Season 2". GQ India. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  9. ^ Rajesh, Srividya (14 October 2019). "Abhishek Bhalerao in Dice Media's Little Things Season 3". IWMBuzz. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  10. ^ Shah, Manali (3 November 2016). "Meet Dhruv Sehgal, the actor best known for playing the boyfriend". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  11. ^ a b c Sundar, Priyanka (20 September 2018). "Dhruv and Kavya's love matures in the second season of Netflix's Little Things. Watch trailer". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  12. ^ a b "Little Things – Listings". The Futon Critic. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  13. ^ Singh, Suhani (6 October 2018). "Whole Little Love". India Today. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  14. ^ "FilterCopy - News Darshan". YouTube.
  15. ^ Dutta Choudhury, Sonya (25 February 2018). "What it takes to be an online star". LiveMint. Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  16. ^ Rao, Soumya (16 October 2018). "Web series 'Little Things' aims big with season 2 but works better in its smaller moments". Scroll.in-US. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  17. ^ Roy, Priyanka (8 October 2018). "Little Things season 2 is big on little things". Telegraph India. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  18. ^ "Little Things 3 Review: Dhruv Sehgal-Mithila Palkar's Show Slows Down in the New Season". News18. 13 November 2019. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  19. ^ a b "Little Things Season 3 trailer: The Netflix series tackles the big things this time". The Indian Express. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
  20. ^ Srivastava, Soumya (9 November 2019). "Little Things season 3 review: Dhruv Sehgal, Mithila Palkar's show unites millennials and boomers in their loneliness". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  21. ^ Jain, Vaishali (13 November 2019). "Little Things 3 Review: Dhruv Sehgal-Mithila Palkar's Show Slows Down in the New Season". News18. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  22. ^ Arora, Akhil (8 November 2019). "In Season 3, Little Things Shines Outside Its Indian Millennial Focus". NDTV Gadgets 360. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  23. ^ a b Nair, Prakhya (13 October 2018). "Little Things - An extraordinary peep into the ordinary". The Red Sparrow. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  24. ^ Dice Media's Little Things, 24 April 2017, retrieved 27 January 2021
  25. ^ Dice Media's Little Things Season 2, 13 December 2018, retrieved 27 January 2021
  26. ^ a b Mehrotra, Suchin (6 November 2019). "Dhruv Sehgal On The Evolution Of Little Things, Moving To Netflix And His First Writers Room". Film Companion. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  27. ^ "Inside the Little Indian Studio That Now Has a Show on Netflix". NDTV Gadgets 360. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  28. ^ "Watch: Netflix releases trailer of Little Things 2; series premieres on October 5". India Today. 5 September 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
  29. ^ Rao, Soumya (16 October 2018). "Web series 'Little Things' aims big with season 2 but works better in its smaller moments". Scroll.in. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  30. ^ "Little Things 2 review: Mithila Palkar's show is a messy, long-winded discussion on love and life". The Indian Express. 5 October 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  31. ^ "Little Things, a web series, to be made into book". The Times of India. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  32. ^ "Penguin Random House India to publish Little Things, A Book Based On The Popular Web Series By Pocket Aces". Penguin Random House.
  33. ^ "'Little Things' is back with an Audible audio series!". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
  34. ^ "Full List of Winners - MTV IWMBuzz Digital Awards 2019". IWMBuzz. 13 November 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  35. ^ "iReel Awards 2019: List of Nominees". News18. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  36. ^ "iReel Awards 2019: Check Out The Complete List Of Winners". News18. 23 September 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  37. ^ "Made in Heaven, The Family Man Win Big at Critics Choice Awards". The Quint. 11 December 2019. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  38. ^ "Winners of the Flyx Filmfare OTT Awards". filmfare.com. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  39. ^ "Flyx Filmfare OTT Awards 2020: Complete winners' list - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 December 2020.

External links

Netflix original continuation series
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