Gullak Season 4 Review: Nostalgic Charm Meets Emerging Complexity

The Endearing Mishra Family

The core of "Gullak" has always been its relatable characters and their "chotey-chotey khushi-aur-gham" (little joys and sorrows). Santosh (Jameel Khan) and Shanti Mishra (Geetanjali Kulkarni) embody the quintessential North Indian middle-class parents, while their sons, Annu (Vaibhav Raj Gupta) and Aman (Harsh Mayar), represent the hopes and struggles of young adults. This season, the show continues to thrive on the everyday experiences that many of us have lived or witnessed, making the Mishra family's story a mirror to our own lives.

 

Familiarity and Its Perils

The fourth season of "Gullak," created and directed by Shreyansh Pandey, retains its charm by sticking to its roots. However, the risk of diminishing returns looms as viewers begin to crave more than just the familiar simplicity. The challenge is clear: how does a show maintain its essence while evolving to meet the expectations of its audience?

Image courtesy: Times Now

 

Everyday Issues, Extraordinary Resonance

In its five 30-minute episodes, "Gullak" explores a variety of themes that are both mundane and deeply resonant. From the giving and taking of bribes in the context of illegal structural additions to dealing with chain-snatching and its repercussions, the show delves into issues that hit close to home. The narrative also touches on the importance of maintaining one's values and self-respect ("sanskaar" and "atma samaan") while navigating the complexities of upward mobility and dealing with an unrefined boss.

 

The Struggle of Growing Up

One of the most compelling themes this season is the difficulty of "adulting"—a term even the show's all-seeing sutradhar (narrator) gullak uses. As the boys grow older, they face new challenges: Annu grapples with the demands of his job as a medical representative, while Aman explores teenage angst, relationships, and the allure of coffee shops and "naughty books."

 

Addressing Teenage Concerns

This tentative exploration of teenage issues, particularly around sex and growing up, marks a significant step for the show. Traditionally, "Gullak" has been a repository of clean family entertainment, often sidestepping such topics. However, this season begins to acknowledge these tricky areas, reflecting a more realistic portrayal of adolescence.

 

The Need for Complexity

Despite its charm, there's a growing sense that "Gullak" needs to evolve. The show has always celebrated the small-town, middle-class ethos, but now it hints at the potential for deeper, more complex narratives. The introduction of characters and situations that reflect a broader demographic and political landscape could add a new dimension to the show.

 

A Nod to Inclusivity

One of the standout moments in this season is the subtle yet significant acknowledgment of gender equality. The fact that dipping into X-rated books is portrayed as a gender-neutral activity is a refreshing change, highlighting that curiosity about such matters is not confined to boys alone. This progressive touch is a testament to the show's evolving perspective.

Image courtesy: The Statesman

 

The Challenge of Change

As much as we love the familiarity of the Mishra family's world, there's an underlying tension between staying true to its roots and embracing change. The potential for "Gullak" to become more politically aware and demographically diverse is clear. The reference to a character described as being part of a "gadhbandhan sarkaar mein mantri" (minister in a coalition government) hints at the show's capacity to delve into more nuanced and politically relevant narratives.

 

 Embracing the Future

"Gullak" Season 4 continues to offer the warmth and comfort of a beloved family drama. Its strength lies in its relatable characters and the authentic portrayal of middle-class life. However, as viewers, we are ready for more. The show's subtle shifts towards complexity and inclusivity are promising, suggesting that the Mishra family's journey is far from over. As they navigate the challenges of modern life, we look forward to seeing how "Gullak" evolves while staying true to its heartwarming essence.

 

In conclusion, "Gullak" Season 4 is a delightful return to a world we know and love. It's a reminder of the beauty of everyday moments, but also a call for the show to grow and reflect the changing times. Here's to hoping that the next season will bring even more depth and richness to the lives of the Mishra family.

Image courtesy: The Indian Idiot

 

FAQs Related To Gullak season 4

Q 1: What makes Gullak Season 4 stand out from previous seasons?

Answer: Gullak Season 4 maintains its relatable charm and authenticity while beginning to address more complex themes. This season delves into issues like bribery, teenage angst, and the struggle of "adulting," adding a layer of depth to the beloved Mishra family's everyday experiences.

 

Q 2: How does Gullak Season 4 handle the theme of growing up?

Answer: The season explores the challenges of growing up through Annu's job struggles and Aman's teenage dilemmas, including relationships and new experiences. This portrayal of "adulting" and teenage concerns marks a significant step in acknowledging the complexities of adolescence.

 

Q 3: Is there a shift towards more inclusive and diverse storytelling in Gullak Season 4?

Answer: Yes, the season introduces subtle but significant inclusivity, such as acknowledging gender-neutral curiosity about X-rated materials. It also hints at broader demographic and political themes, indicating a potential shift towards more diverse and complex narratives in future episodes.