The second season of "The Family Man," the hit series created by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, better known as Raj and DK, left audiences with a nagging question: What exactly happened in Lonavala? The ambiguity surrounding the Lonavala incident, involving Suchi (Priyamani) and Arvind (Sharad Kelkar), became a massive talking point, rivaling even the famous "Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?" query in its pervasiveness.
In "The Family Man," Suchi goes on a business trip to Lonavala with her colleague Arvind. The series implies that she may have either cheated on or considered cheating on her husband, Srikant (Manoj Bajpayee), with Arvind. The creators intentionally kept the details vague, sparking widespread speculation and debate among viewers.
Raj Nidimoru addressed the Lonavala arc's immense popularity, revealing that the team had not anticipated such a fervent reaction. "Lonavala we decided... I think there was such a misplaced excitement about it, maybe we shouldn't answer it," Raj said. DK added that they were aware of the potential backlash for not providing a definitive answer.
The decision to keep the Lonavala incident ambiguous was a conscious choice. According to Raj and DK, the audience should discover the truth alongside Srikant. DK explained, "Part of us was also thinking that when Srikant knows, let the audience know. Not let the audience know what Srikant does not know... It's unfair for the audience to know and Srikant not to know".
Priyamani humorously addressed the constant inquiries about the Lonavala mystery. She said that she has been flooded with messages, and is asked two things -- to reveal the Lonavala mystery and to disclose what she wanted to tell Manoj's character at the end of the show. In an interview, she offered two possible responses: "Whatever happens in Lonavala, stays in Lonavala," and "Ask Chellam sir, maybe he knows the answer," referencing a character known for knowing everything.
The creators' choice to leave the Lonavala question unanswered also touches on broader themes within the show. Co-director Suparn Verma highlighted the sexism inherent in the audience's obsession with Suchi's actions. He questioned why Suchi couldn't have her own life and privacy, suggesting that the intense focus on her Lonavala trip was disproportionate.
As for when the mystery might be resolved, Raj and DK have remained tight-lipped. While a third season of "The Family Man" is in the works, they are currently focused on other projects, including the Indian installment of "Citadel". For now, the Lonavala mystery remains one of the most talked-about cliffhangers in Indian streaming history, ensuring that "The Family Man" continues to resonate with viewers long after the credits roll.
