For those looking for a break from the high-octane dramas and thrillers, Gullak 4 remains steadfast in portraying life as it is, with all its small joys and challenges
Director: Shreyansh Pandey
Cast: Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Harsh Mayar, Sunita Rajwar, Shivankit Singh Parihar
In the bustling landscape of Indian television, where grandiose dramas and high-octane thrillers dominate, “Gullak” Season 4 emerges as a refreshing oasis of simplicity and heartfelt storytelling. This season continues to chronicle the charmingly ordinary yet profoundly significant lives of the Mishra family, weaving a tapestry of everyday experiences that resonate deeply with the middle-class ethos. With its roots firmly planted in the quaint, nostalgic imagery of an earthenware piggybank—an emblem of frugality and familial love—Gullak, as usual, captures the essence of small-town India with an authenticity that is both endearing and evocative.
For those who came in late, the Mishra family consists of Santosh Mishra (Jamel Khan), an ordinary man with an extraordinary ego working in the Electricity Department. His work life is seldom showcased, but his personality and family interactions take center stage. Shanti Mishra (Geetanjali Kulkarni), his wife, is the family’s soul, providing the glue that holds everyone together. Their older son, Anand (Vaibhav Raj Gupta), is a Medical Representative, while the younger son, Aman (Harsh Mayar), is a college student navigating the trials of young adulthood.
Season four consists of five episodes: ‘Show Cause Notice,’ ‘Snatching,’ ‘Ghar Ka Kabada,’ ‘Teesra Pahiya,’ and ‘Pita, Putra aur Prem Patra.’ Each episode is packed with light-hearted daily banter and addresses issues dissected threadbare within the Mishra household. The series delves into themes of ethics, right and wrong, making the episodes engaging and thought-provoking. The bonding between the Mishra family members is palpable, showcasing the love and support that unite them.
Adding to the charm is Sunita Rajwar, who plays their neighbour Bittu ki Mummy. She steals the limelight with effortless acting, adding humour and spice to every scene she is in. Each episode becomes a poignant and uplifting tale of family bonding, ultimately highlighting the lengths each member is willing to go to for one another.
The dialogues are crisp, natty, and packed with rhetorical questions, and the pacing is light, ensuring that there is something in every episode that touches the right chord of the viewer’s heart. The talented and competitive actors deliver earnest and natural performances, making the characters relatable and inducing nostalgia. The casting is near perfect, and the on-screen chemistry among the actors enhances the overall viewing experience.
The series boasts moderate production values, efficiently brought to life by cinematographer Nikhil Arolkar. The visuals are complemented by a well-thought-out soundtrack by Arabinda Neog, and the episodes are astutely layered by editor Prashant Ramachandran. The production designs by Mayur Tripathi add to the authenticity and charm of the series, making it visually appealing.
Overall, Season 4, like its predecessors, continues to charm its audience with its relatable characters, engaging storylines, and heartwarming moments. For those looking for a break from the usual high-octane dramas and thrillers, the series remains steadfast in portraying life as it is, with all its small joys and challenges.
(This article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Brew News and The Free Press Journal)