June 7, 2024 – SonyLiv’s beloved dramedy, Gullak, returns with its fourth season, bringing back the chaotic yet heartwarming lives of the Mishra family. This time, they return with a sense of maturity and conflict, captivating audiences with good writing and effortless performances by the lead cast.
The journey of Gullak began in 2019, during the pre-lockdown era when the OTT space was emerging in the Indian entertainment landscape. The Mishra family’s story, set in a small North Indian town, was like a warm hug, providing a wholesome alternative to the content high on crime, drama, gore, harsh language, and nudity. The makers have retained that warmth through to the fourth season.
Reunited with the Mishra Family
In this new season, we reunite with the Mishra family as they navigate the next phases of their lives. Annu (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) is struggling with his job as a medical representative, while his younger brother Aman (Harsh Mayar) grapples with teenage rebellion. Sunita Rajwar’s character, ‘Bittu ki mummy,’ continues to light up the screen with her presence.
Santosh Mishra (Jameel Khan) faces the conundrum of finding the right way to parent his children, and Shanti Mishra (Geetanjali Kulkarni) remains the family’s anchor. The familiar squabbling, quirks, and joy in life’s little things are constants, providing a relatable and endearing narrative.
Themes of Parenting and Growing Up
This season takes viewers on a journey as the parents strive to balance parenting while the kids come to terms with their changing world. Tackling more mature themes with sensitivity, the season is the riskiest yet. From nosy neighbors to the dilemma of giving a bribe and dealing with a defiant son, the story is infused with universal themes that resonate widely. The writing, by Vidit Tripathi, is relatable and humorously nostalgic.
Each main character is given a balanced arc, with more drama, twists, and emotional highs and lows without veering into melodrama. The chemistry of the cast, the sibling banter, and the dynamics are highlights, reflecting the vulnerability and raw honesty of the characters.
New Additions and Elements
This season introduces actor Helly Shah, adding a fresh perspective and hinting at a potential romantic angle. The narrative also includes brilliant narration by the titular Gullak (voiced by Shivankit Singh Parihar), and references from past seasons, creating a wholesome recall for viewers.
What Works and What Doesn’t
One of the show’s strengths is its concise format of five episodes per season, keeping the story crisp and leaving audiences wanting more. However, there is a concern that the narrative might feel stretched or repetitive. The makers need to expand the world of Gullak, and the introduction of new characters like Helly, Annu’s boss, and Aman’s friend Surya Narayan is a step in the right direction.
There’s also a sense that the show is becoming more emotional, which, while not detracting from the fun, does make it more poignant. The show’s gradual shift towards more complex and dramatic subjects indicates a willingness to take risks.
Conclusion
In a world where everyone is constantly pursuing goals, Gullak season 4 offers a refreshing pause to enjoy life’s simple joys and quirks. Backed by The Viral Fever (TVF), Gullak continues to be a delightful series, streaming on SonyLiv from June 7.
