Little Things Season 4 Review: Bumpy at times but lands safely

It has been five years since Little Things first came out on YouTube and ever since then, its two leads, Dhruv and Kavya, have been giving major relationship goals to Indian millennials. Times have changed, and so has the streaming platform. Having moved past their honeymoon phase, Dhruv and Kavya are now encountering real-world problems, financial crunch, and the challenges of being in a long-distance relationship.

Cast: Dhruv Sehgal, Mithila Palkar

Director: Ruchir Arun

Streaming on: Netflix

The fourth season begins with the LDR couple finally meeting after 14 months. It is interesting that the meeting location is neither Mumbai nor Nagpur and not even Finland. It is Kerala, God's own country, and the first three episodes feel more like a State-sponsored tourism ad playing to the tune of Masala Coffee's charming Kaanthaa song. There is very little happening in these episodes. Originally, the makers had planned to shoot the reunion in Finland but due to the pandemic and the subsequent travel restrictions, they had to rework the script. This unforeseen development leads to a lack of substance in the Kerala portions. 

Having known Dhruv and Kavya, it is but normal to expect an animated reunion in Kerala. But right from the first few scenes, it becomes quite evident that there's something missing between them. There is a discernible lack of intimacy, which is a result of them learning to live without each other. I wish the makers prodded more on this route rather than giving excessive emphasis to capture the beauty of Kerala.

However, this doesn't mean that these episodes don't provide us with some memorable portions. Take, for instance, the scene where they realise they had forgotten how much they loved each other, or Kavya enjoying her own company in Fort Kochi, or even that sweet little conversation in Munnar. They are the kind of scenes we have known Little Things to churn out with consummate ease. Thankfully, things get better when the couple is back in Mumbai. We are back right in the middle of this relatable relationship drama. We see how even the seemingly simplest of problems affect the couple. Kavya, who has just entered her 30s, encounters a chronic backache and Dhruv is now a research team leader who has to address the problems of his colleagues. Initially, they both find the setup hard, especially an ambitious, workaholic like Kavya. However, they still have 'each other's back' and as always... figure things out.

For a series, which started off as a cheesy, enjoyable rom-com, Little Things has come a long way. In the final season, we don't see Dhruv and Kavya arguing needlessly. Instead, they understand each other's insecurities and sort out their issues in a sensible manner. There aren't long-drawn conversations about microscopic issues like Sunday plans or what to order for dinner. It is now about the macroscopic issues of health, jobs, marriage, and kids.

The need to end the final season on a high pushes the makers to rush things up as the curtain falls. Take, for example, the troublesome relationship between Dhruv and his father. Despite the hype surrounding this equation, reconciliation happens too quickly. Nevertheless, it was heartwarming to see the two sets of parents bonding and accepting their kids' choices.

Over the years, Little Things has offered plenty of smiles and a large bundle of endearing moments. It is fitting that the final sequence of what is essentially a comfort series plays with the eargasmic Ek Din Aap running in the background. It is still bittersweet that we won't be able to see Kavya and Dhruv again. But like they say... All good things, however 'little', must come to an end.