Gullak
Cast: Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Harsh Mayar
Director– Amrit Raj Gupta
In addition to anecdotal memories, Gullak, a TVF creation, inspires everyday characters like you and me to participate in, talk about, and enjoy the myriad flavors of our lives, so they can one day become part of a repository of endearing anthology series that make this The Mishra family’s story turns out to be one. Gullak is a hundred minute ladle of emotions, capturing life in a small town.
Van Sameer Saxena (Yeh Meri Family, tripling), Gullak features captivating stories about Santosh & Shanti Mishra (actors Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni) and their sons Annu and Aman (Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Harsh Mayar, respectively) striking the right chord while introducing you to flashbacks from your own childhood. With a storyline propelled by an explanatory voice of a seagull or a piggy bank, it is in crisis that these actors exude humor and complement it with a sweet, soothing feeling that is quite personal but universal.
Watch Gullak trailer here:
Shanti, the housewife, starts her fights at daybreak. She is the quintessential mother who speaks like an adult in a family of men who all need intervention for course correction. Her sarcasm-filled exchange with women nearby is highly an indicator of how a fresh and free character can do things differently during the day.
Santosh is the selfish, patronizing father, and his sons are two extensions. There is no plot that keeps the Mishra family together, it is their moods that drive the story and deliver a moral-of-the-story theme towards the end. It’s fascinating to watch the relationship dynamics with your family unfold before your eyes, as you break a tear, sigh and carry on. Subtle observations and seamless return to the household – mother, father and sons – do, however, evoke some dramatic moments.
Annu, the couple’s 22-year-old son, has now been at home for a year after choosing to prepare for the SSC exam. This in itself provides fodder for quarrels, and there are plenty of them. Then there is Aman, who is absent-minded and aimless. Together, the two brothers turn out to be retarded enough to laugh a little.
Gullak suffers from nostalgia, which sometimes brings it down. It also hits you constantly with self-discovery and remains stable. The series is not overloaded with complexities, but has a nice, humorous layout that fits well in accepted situations.
The director, Amrit Raj Gupta, should be credited for doing the balancing act with the script on hand and the delivery. Every now and then a day Gullak sure makes for a watch you won’t mind.
All episodes are streamed for free in the Sony LIV app.
Stars- 3/5
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