Gullak Season 4 reunites us with the beloved Mishra family. While the show retains its signature humour and relatable characters, there's a subtle shift towards maturity. We see the characters grapple with career pressures, relationship challenges, and anxieties of adulthood. The humour is balanced with heartwarming drama, exploring family dynamics and the complexities of life. Despite a slightly slower pace and fewer laugh-out-loud moments, Season 4 remains a comforting watch. It celebrates the imperfections of family life and reminds us of the simple joys of home. Fans of the previous seasons will find much to love, while newcomers can appreciate the show's relatable characters and heartwarming portrayal of middle-class life in India.
The Mishras are back! Gullak, the heartwarming web series from TVF, returned for its fourth season in June 2024, bringing back the familiar comfort and relatable humour that fans have come to love. But does Season 4 simply rehash the same formula, or does it offer something new? Let's delve into the gullak (piggy bank) itself, and see if there are any hidden treasures within.
Read Gullak Season 4 Review.
The Comfort of the Familiar:
Season 4 retains the core elements that have made Gullak such a success. The central characters - the middle-class Mishra family consisting of parents Santosh (Jameel Khan) and Shanti (Geetanjali Kulkarni), and their sons Annu (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) and Aman (Harsh Mayar) - remain as endearing as ever. Their everyday struggles, from financial constraints to sibling rivalry, resonate with viewers who see reflections of their own lives on screen. The witty banter, peppered with Santosh's signature sarcastic remarks and Shanti's exasperated sighs, continues to elicit laughter. The narration by the ever-present Gullak, voiced by Shivankit Singh Parihar, adds a layer of nostalgic charm, reminding us of simpler times.
Subtle Shifts and Evolving Dynamics:
However, Season 4 isn't just a rehash of old jokes. There's a subtle shift in the narrative, reflecting the characters' growth and maturity. Annu, now working as a medical representative, grapples with the pressures of professional life and societal expectations for success. Aman, on the other hand, navigates the world of college life, exploring friendships and budding romances. The parents, too, face their own set of challenges, as they contemplate their future and grapple with the anxieties of ageing.
Balancing Humor and Drama:
One of the biggest strengths of Season 4 is how it seamlessly blends humour and drama. The show retains its signature lightheartedness, with its quirky situations and witty dialogues. However, it also delves into some deeper themes, exploring the complexities of family dynamics, career aspirations, and the anxieties of adulthood. These moments are handled with sensitivity and honesty, avoiding melodrama while still evoking empathy from the viewers.
A Change in Tone: A Double-Edged Sword?
While the shift towards a more mature storyline is commendable, it does come with a caveat. Some fans who adored the light-hearted humour of the previous seasons might find this season a little less laugh-out-loud funny. The pacing can feel slower at times, as the narrative focuses on character development and introspection. This may not appeal to viewers who crave the fast-paced, gag-a-minute style of some comedies.
A Celebration of Imperfections:
Despite this, Gullak Season 4 remains a heartwarming watch. The show celebrates the beauty of imperfection, reminding us that families are messy, relationships are complex, and life is rarely picture-perfect. The characters' flaws and vulnerabilities make them all the more relatable. We see ourselves in their struggles and triumphs, laughing with them in moments of joy and empathizing with them during their challenges.
A Nostalgic Reminder of Home:
Ultimately, Gullak Season 4 is a nostalgic reminder of the comfort and warmth of family. It's a show that makes you yearn for simpler times, for shared meals around the dinner table, and for the unwavering love and support that a family provides. While it might not be the laugh riot some viewers expect, it offers a heartwarming and relatable portrayal of middle-class life in India, with a healthy dose of humour and a touch of maturity.
So, Should You Watch It?
Absolutely! If you're a fan of the previous Gullak seasons, you'll still find much to love in Season 4. It's a comforting watch that will leave you with a smile and a warm feeling in your heart. However, if you're solely looking for side-splitting humour, be prepared for a slightly more nuanced and introspective narrative.
Gullak Season 4 proves that even familiar stories can evolve and grow. It's a testament to the show's enduring charm and its ability to connect with viewers on a deeper level. So, grab a cup of chai, settle in with the Mishras, and let yourself be transported back to a simpler time, where laughter and love abound.
Comments