Metro Park

Metro Park is an Indian web series that was launched in 2019 on Eros Now. The show offers a breezy take on the lives of Indian immigrants who aim to build their world in the heart of America while grappling with the confluence of their traditional Indian values and the American way of life.

The story is set in the titular Metro Park, a vibrant and bustling Indian suburban community which is somewhere in New Jersey, United States. Created by Abi Varghese and Ajayan Venugopalan, the show revels in the everyday mundaneness of its characters and presents a heartfelt perspective on the Indian diaspora.

The series primarily revolves around the Patel family, headed by Kalpesh Patel, portrayed by Ranvir Shorey. He is an entrepreneur who manages a convenience store with a quirk and runs a side business of questionable sessional services. Shorey presents his character with spontaneity and comic timing, navigating well between the candid moments of humor and deep-rooted nuances of being an Indian in America.

His wife Payal Patel, played by Purbi Joshi, complements Kalpesh with her own distinctive quirks and obsessive habits. She is a working woman who strives to maintain her family bonds amidst the hustle and bustle of their unique American life. Their hilarious arguments and heartwarming hustles trace the fine line of being a thoroughly modern Indian couple trying to adapt to the American lifestyle, while still holding onto their rich cultural heritage.

Their children, Pankaj and Kinjal, form the crux of the younger generation's story in the narrative. These characters fill the show with a youthful vibe and reflect upon the children of immigrants and their struggle to relate to a culture they have inherited, yet find somewhat alien in the landscape of America.

Omi Vaidya as Kannan Menon, a close family friend of the Patels who always seems to have something brewing up his sleeve, adds the extra spice to the story. His performance carries the show towards unexpected and humorous turns. The show also skillfully employs a wide array of secondary characters that beautifully represents the diverse cross-section of the Indian-American community.

Metro Park is a quintessential slice-of-life drama series that captures the melancholic emotion of nostalgia, the trials and tribulations of life in a foreign land, and the ardent desire to replicate a reminiscent ambiance of home. Each episode is layered with fresh, relatable, and contemporary dilemmas of life beyond borders, delivered with ample comic relief.

The show is an entertaining rollercoaster ride with episodic narratives that often lean towards social commentary encapsulated within funny situations. This gives the audience something to ponder over while they laugh at the witty deliveries and comic timings of the adept ensemble.

In the lush production aesthetic of Metro Park, the cultural essence of India and its diaspora lingers in every nook and corner. From the bustling grocery shop selling Indian edibles to the organized chaos of the family gatherings, every component contributes to the grandeur of Indian traditions and way of life within the American setup.

Despite the distinct cultural backdrop, Metro Park manages to strike a chord with universal themes of love, friendship, family ties, and the constant juggle between aspirations and responsibilities. It intelligently twists the cultural stereotypes, underlining the fact that life as an immigrant is too complex to reduce to mere clichés.

Metro Park's portrayal of a resilient Indian community, that makes a home away from home, is poignant, heart-warming, and amusing in equal measures. This well-crafted sitcom comfortably blends humor and sentimental moments, offering an entertaining watch that resonates well with audiences, regardless of their geographical or cultural orientations.

With sharp writing, clean comedy, and casting coup, Metro Park ultimately stands as a feel-good show that's closer to the reality of the Indian immigrant experience in America. It's a light-hearted exploration of the pursuit of the American dream viewed through the eyes of a vibrant Indian family, filled with delightful charm, amusing situations, and relatable dilemmas. It's a series that rubs off on the viewer, subtly ensuring they return for more, making it a delightful addition to the trove of Indian web series.