Gullak Season 4 Review: Exploring the Heartbeat of Middle-Class India
4 min readGullak Season 4 Review: A Deep Dive into Middle-Class Realities
Gullak, the endearing series from TVF (The Viral Fever), returns with its fourth season, continuing to chronicle the lives of the Mishra family in small-town India. Directed by Shreyansh Pandey and written by Vidit Tripathi, the series has carved a niche for itself by portraying the everyday struggles and triumphs of a middle-class household with warmth and authenticity. In this detailed review, we explore how Gullak Season 4 maintains its charm while tackling new themes and challenges.
Plot Overview
Gullak Season 4 picks up where its predecessors left off, focusing on the Mishra family—Santosh (Jameel Khan) and Shanti (Geetanjali Kulkarni)—and their sons Anand (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) and Aman (Harsh Mayar). The series unfolds over five episodes, each centered around relatable themes that resonate deeply with the audience.
The season kicks off with the Mishras facing a bureaucratic threat to their home, setting the stage for a series of events that test their resilience and familial bonds. From dealing with the aftermath of a chain-snatching incident to navigating career aspirations and personal growth, each member of the Mishra family confronts challenges that reflect the realities of middle-class life in India.
Character Dynamics and Performances
One of the standout aspects of Gullak Season 4 is its stellar ensemble cast. Jameel Khan and Geetanjali Kulkarni deliver impeccable performances as Santosh and Shanti Mishra, portraying the complexities of a middle-aged couple with genuine warmth and humor. Their chemistry is palpable, whether they are bantering over daily chores or sharing tender moments that highlight their enduring love amidst life’s trials.
Vaibhav Raj Gupta as Anand and Harsh Mayar as Aman shine in their respective roles, bringing to life the contrasting personalities of the Mishra sons. Anand, the responsible elder brother navigating the challenges of a demanding job as a medical representative, and Aman, the rebellious younger son grappling with adolescent dilemmas and aspirations of becoming a novelist, add layers of depth to the narrative.
Supporting characters such as Sunita Rajwar as Bittu ki Mummy and Helly Shah as Dr. Preeti contribute to the richness of the storyline, providing moments of comic relief and emotional resonance that enhance the overall viewing experience.
Themes and Social Commentary
Gullak has always excelled in its ability to weave social commentary into its narrative without being preachy. In Season 4, the series continues to explore themes such as familial bonds, generational conflicts, societal pressures, and the pursuit of happiness amidst financial constraints. Each episode offers insights into the everyday struggles faced by middle-class families, capturing both the joys and frustrations of life in a small town.
The show addresses issues like corruption (highlighted in Santosh Mishra’s dilemma over bribery), the impact of crime on family dynamics (seen through Shanti Mishra’s trauma after a chain-snatching incident), and the complexities of parenting adult children (explored through Anand and Aman’s evolving relationships with their parents).
Direction and Cinematography
Director Shreyansh Pandey deserves credit for maintaining the show’s signature style and tone throughout Season 4. The episodes are beautifully shot, capturing the essence of small-town life with authenticity and attention to detail. The cinematography enhances the storytelling, creating an immersive experience that makes the audience feel like part of the Mishra family’s world.
Pandey’s direction ensures that the pace remains steady, allowing each character and storyline to unfold naturally while keeping viewers engaged with compelling narratives and poignant moments.
Writing and Dialogue
Vidit Tripathi’s writing is one of the strengths of Gullak Season 4. The dialogues are sharp, witty, and laced with colloquialisms that resonate with the show’s middle-class milieu. Tripathi skillfully balances humor with poignant observations, capturing the nuances of familial relationships and societal norms with sensitivity and insight.
The dialogue-driven nature of the series allows for intimate storytelling, where everyday conversations reveal deeper truths about the characters and their motivations. This approach not only enhances the authenticity of the narrative but also reinforces the show’s appeal to a diverse audience.
Critical Analysis
While Gullak Season 4 continues to deliver on its promise of heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters, there are moments where the narrative feels predictable or slow-paced. Some episodes may lack the dramatic tension or plot twists found in other contemporary series, opting instead for a more introspective exploration of everyday life.
However, this deliberate pacing aligns with the show’s slice-of-life genre, prioritizing character development and thematic depth over plot-driven suspense. For viewers expecting high-octane drama or intricate plot twists, Gullak may not offer the same level of excitement, but it compensates with its emotional resonance and authenticity.
Gullak Season 4 reaffirms its status as a gem in the realm of Indian web series, offering a poignant portrayal of middle-class life that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With its strong performances, nuanced writing, and insightful social commentary, the series continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate stories rooted in everyday realities.
Director Shreyansh Pandey and writer Vidit Tripathi have crafted a narrative that celebrates the ordinary yet extraordinary lives of the Mishra family, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and relationships. As the series unfolds, it leaves a lasting impression through its memorable characters, heartfelt moments, and timeless themes
of love, resilience, and familial bonds.
Rating: 4.5/5