As the first-ever Indian web series returning for a fifth season, Sony LIV’s Gullak maintains the hype. While many wonder what helped the series sustain its success over the years? Well, it’s the beauty of the show that it subtly blends the slice-of-life drama in an engaging watch, with not harsh attempts to grip viewers but touches hearts with the simple, chaotic, and quirky moments.
Plot
The World of Mishras returns yet again, but this time, the situation gets messier with new beginnings. The plot continues to follow the life of Santosh Mishra, his wife Shanti Mishra, and their two sons Anand Mishra and Aman Mishra. The seven-episode series yet again delights viewers with easygoing yet messy everyday drama.
The freshness of the new season can be seen with The Mishra house getting painted. But like we know, nothing really goes well until some drama; the new paint is no exception, with it taking longer than normal for the paint to dry.
Well keep these things aside the story grips viewers with new beginnings as Annu finally and smartly attempts to make his way for religional head at his office but for the promotion it will take nine months simultaneously his connection with Dr Priti grows while Aman returns home, leaving his studies but with a hidden new journey—and that is becoming a baba as he sees wider scope here than in studies.
While Annu and Aman make their choices, Santosh Mishra faces troubles all because of Shanti’s brother Pinky, and how this gets messier is a treat to watch. Amid the chaos surrounding every corner, neighbor Bittu Ki Mummy, who is now the head of a Mahila association, pokes her nose in every matter that elevates the drama in every episode.
Performances
Jameel Khan as Santosh Mishra is a delight yet again. What’s impressive is how well he transforms himself into the character so that it feels authentic. His accent, expressions, and body language—everything is the same from the first season till this one. We have been seeing the actor as Santosh for four seasons, and it’s impossible to imagine this story without him.
Geetanjali Kulkarni is sweet, simple yet fiery. She may seem easy, but her savage replies are a treat to watch. I love her character, and the sincerity with which she plays the part helps the show resonate.
Actor Anant V Joshi replaces Vaibhav Raj Gupta as Annu Mishra. However, the actor plays the role with conviction. It doesn’t seem that this is his first season, and that’s how effortless the actor presents himself.
Harsh Mayar brings in comedy, emotions, and drama to the storyline. He plays her part well. Special appreciation for his acting this time, as his character now explores a different arc, and he brings the story with truthfulness.
Sunita Rajwar as Bittu Ki Mummy, in this season, becomes a feminist but with a camera in hand, creating chaos wherever she goes. This season, we get to know her name, i.e Shalini, and the credit goes to her feminist energy. Her character not just brings laughter but sets the stage for drama every time.
Direction & Technical
Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF) with Arunabh Kumar, the series is directed by the trio Amrit Raj Gupta, Palash Vaswani, and Shreyansh Pandey. The trio brings back the slice-of-life drama with the same energy, but this time it gets messier. The minute details, from how middle-class people chase their dreams to how they fall into a trap with a relatable narrative, the show resonates with the viewers.
The dialogue needs a separate appreciation as they elevate the experience. My personal favorite dialogue is when Anand says, “Tumhe kya lagta hai mummy hum formals pehen ke bina payment majduri karenge?” And to this, Shanti replies, “Sahi baat, tum mummy thodi ho jo bina payment majduri karoge”. This one is savage, and there are many more, but it is best experienced when you watch it yourself.
Overall, Gullak 5 is worth watching, with slice-of-life drama getting messier, while the reliability and using real-life stances to narrate the story keep viewers invested and interested.
IWMBuzz rates ‘Gullak 5’ 3.5 out of 5 stars
