The conflict points of the 4th Season doesn’t quite hit the high notes of the previous one but still there is enough to joy
Starcast: Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Harsh Mayar, Sunita Rajwar and others
Director and writer: Shreyansh Pandey
Additional writer: Vidit Tripathi
Production Company: The Viral Fever Media Labs
Genre: Comedy/drama
Streaming site: Sonyliv
The production house of The Viral Fever (TVF) has made a strong place in the streaming space. They have produced quality shows like the three seasons of Panchayat, Kota Factory and Gullak etc. Producer Arunabh Kumar has backed stories that have resonated with audiences of different age groups. The first three seasons of Gullak were hugely appreciated for how it depicted a typical middle-class family with their quirks and eccentricities. For those who haven’t seen the first three seasons the story revolves around the family of Mishras headed by Santosh Mishra (Jameel Khan) and the wife Shanti (Geetanjali Kulkarni).
Gullak web series has always had a format of a new problem in every episode, this time this time too the story is peppered with new conflicts of different nature. This time the focus is on adolescence and the challenges faced by Santosh Mishra and Shanti. This aspect is covered through the younger son Aman (Harsh Mayar). His equation with the elder brother Annu (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) has undergone a significant change too, there are no longer the inalienable siblings. There is also the nosy neighbor played by Sunita Rajwar who lands up in the house of Mishras on odd occasions.
A strong aspect of this season is the depiction of adolescence along with the challenges faced by the parents in trying to find a way on how to deal with the growing defiance of their off spring. The situations are portrayed in a lighter vein but at the same time the proceedings never get frivolous.
Director Shreyash Pandey does a wonderful job in showcasing the perspective of both Aman and the parents without getting into a judgmental mode. The banter between the siblings and their dynamics is a major highlight of season 4.
The scenes of affection between Santosh and Shanti are also wonderful to watch. The love is portrayed through just a few words and glances, but it still makes a huge impact.
Sunita Rajwar as the troublesome neighbor continues to bring the house down with her antics. This time though the character goes beyond just fun, there is also an impactful transition scene in the final episode.
The voiceover by Shivankit Singh Parihar is also filled with comic punches that leaves you in splits. His voice over at important junctures adds a lot to the fun quotient. Much like the previous season this time to the storytelling is crisp, but on occasions the conflict points seem rather hurried as well. The show could have benefited with more flesh in writing.
Fortunetly the universe of Gullak has been expanded with the addition of a love story. Helly Shah as a possible love interest of Aman though underutilized has a charming screen presence and their scenes are quite cute. Here’s hoping that the romantic angle is developed more in the coming seasons.
Actors Jammel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta and Harsh Mayar succeesfully take off from the previous seasons. They are all brilliant in their respective parts. Gullak Season 4 is a must watch who enjoy slice of life dramas.
