Adam Vary
Updated on: October 8, 2024 4:26 am GMT
SBS has announced the premiere date for its highly anticipated original drama series, Four Years Later, which will debut on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The series, produced by Easy Tiger, will air double episodes weekly on SBS at 9:20 PM. Set against the contrasting backdrops of India and Australia, this eight-part series explores the intricate evolution of love over time and distance.
Created by Mithila Gupta, known for her work on Five Bedrooms and Bump, Four Years Later features an impressive cast, including award-winning actress Shahana Goswami, who plays Sridevi, and Akshay Ajit Singh, who portrays Yash. The show delves into the couple’s relationship as they navigate the challenges of a long-distance marriage following Yash’s acceptance into a coveted medical traineeship in Australia.
Characters and Cast
In addition to Goswami and Singh, Four Years Later includes a talented supporting cast featuring Kate Box, Taj Aldeeb, Roy Joseph, and Luke Arnold. The series is told through dual perspectives and examines themes of love, longing, touching on intimacy, duty, and the sense of belonging. Sridevi and Yash’s reunion after four years apart serves as a focal point, revealing the complexities that have developed during their time apart.
Thematic Elements
Four Years Later uses a combination of Hindi and English languages throughout its narrative, ensuring an authentic cultural representation. Filmed in scenic locations including Mumbai, Jaipur, and Sydney, the series aims to present a relatable love story while addressing issues of cultural identity and personal growth. The production team has emphasized the duality of both characters’ experiences—the exhilaration of reunion contrasted with the underlying challenges that accompany major life transitions.
Upon her arrival in Australia after four years, Sridevi finds herself confronted with expectations that clash with the reality Yash has built in his new environment. As she adapts to her surroundings, she begins to reassess her identity separate from her previous roles. Encouraged by her new friend Gabs, played by Kate Box, Sridevi explores newfound independence and purpose in a land that is both foreign and inviting. Meanwhile, Yash struggles with feelings of isolation as he balances his professional aspirations with personal sacrifices.
Production and Cultural Impact
The series is directed by a team that includes Mohini Herse and Fadia Abboud, showcasing a diverse group of writers, all of whom share South Asian heritage. This commitment to inclusivity extends to the production team, which comprises professionals dedicated to offering authentic portrayals of cultural relationships in contemporary settings.
Nakul Legha, the Commissioning Editor for SBS Scripted, expressed his enthusiasm for the series, stating, “Four Years Later is a modern Australian romance that captures the joy and heartache of trying to make love work across distances, cultures, and time. It is a truly original love story for our times.” His remarks underline the significance of the series in portraying the dynamics of love within the intricate framework of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Accessibility and Viewing Experience
In a bid to reach a wide audience, Four Years Later will be made accessible in seven languages, including Arabic, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Punjabi. Furthermore, all episodes will be equipped with audio descriptions to enhance the viewing experience for visually impaired audiences.
SBS’s Four Years Later reflects a growing trend in the film and television industry to tell authentic, culturally rich narratives that resonate with a global audience. As viewers look forward to October 2, it remains to be seen how the series will capture the hearts and minds of those who tune in to experience this unique love story.
As the premiere date gets closer, you can find more information about the series and watch the trailer on SBS On Demand.
