Director: Sonam Nair
Writers: Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg
Cast: Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, Bhuvan Arora, Sparsh Srivastava, Shivani Raghuvanshi, Yashpal Sharma
Runtime: 9 episodes of 30 to 45 mins each
Platform: Prime Video
Dupahiya Review
In the vibrant town of Dhadakpur, affectionately called the Belgium of Bihar, residents are gearing up to celebrate an impressive milestone—25 years without crime. However, just days before a joyous wedding, chaos erupts when a unique motorbike, intended as a wedding gift, mysteriously disappears. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a delightful romp as the bride’s family and her ex-lover embark on a whimsical quest to recover the stolen vehicle.
Gajraj Rao plays Banwari Jha’s character, the father of Sparsh Shrivastava is his son, Bhugol. The bride is played by Shivani Raghuvanshi who is Roshni. Renuka Shahane plays the role of Pushpalata, the Chief of Dhadakpur. The ex-lover is Amavas played by Bhuvan Arora.
Who do you think has stolen the bike? Will the thief be caught? Will the bride get married to her old lover? To know all the answers to all these questions, read our honest review of Dupahiya.
What Works
From a technical standpoint, the cinematography by Piyush Puty stands out. The visuals capture the quaint charm of Dhadakpur effectively, making the village feel like a character in its own right. The colourful and vibrant portrayal of village life adds to the overall appeal of the series. Additionally, the production values are commendable; the careful attention to detail in the set and costume design helps create an immersive experience for the audience. Commendable performances of all the characters have adapted to Bihari dialects and delivered with finesse.
What Doesn’t Work
The writing team, which includes Avinash Dwivedi, Chirag Garg, Shubh Shivdasani, and Salona Bains Joshi, crafts a storyline that has potential but occasionally feels muddled. While the central plot of the motorbike theft and the stakes of the impending wedding are intriguing, the execution has been uneven. Some comedic moments land well, while others seem forced, impacting the overall flow of the narrative. Makers, please note that you cannot make your audience laugh forcefully.
Technical Analysis
Story
Dupahiya directed by Sonam Nair, presents an engaging mix of comedy and drama set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur. The series kicks off with an exciting premise: the community is about to celebrate 25 years of being crime-free when the theft of a prized motorbike sends shockwaves through the village. This incident catalyzes a frantic investigation filled with unexpected twists that blend humour and heartfelt moments.
The performance by the ensemble cast, including Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, and Bhuvan Arora, brings a mix of warmth and charisma to their roles. Each character adds layers to the story, although some are underdeveloped, leaving the audience wanting more depth. The relationships and dynamics between characters are relatable. However, at times they lack the necessary nuance to elevate the emotional stakes.
Direction
From a technical standpoint, the cinematography by Piyush Puty stands out. The visuals capture the quaint charm of Dhadakpur effectively, making the village feel like a character in its own right. The colourful and vibrant portrayal of village life adds to the overall appeal of the series. Additionally, the production values are commendable; the careful attention to detail in the set and costume design helps create an immersive experience for the audience.
Star Cast
The review of Dupahiya would be incomplete if the performances of the lead actors. Gajraj Rao, portraying Banwari Jha, describes the series as a blend of humour and heartfelt emotions, highlighting a father’s journey to ensure his daughter’s happiness. Renuka Shahane, who takes on the role of Pushplata, the village chief, refers to it as a one-of-a-kind experience.
Shivani Raghuvanshi, playing the bride Roshni Jha, shares her excitement about the fun and challenges involved in bringing her character to life. Additionally, the series presents a new direction for Sparsh Shrivastava, who plays Bhugol, an aspiring influencer, while Bhuvan Arora’s character leans heavily on non-verbal expressions rather than dialogue.
Conclusion
Overall, Dupahiya promises a delightful viewing experience with its blend of comedy, dramatic tension, and small-town charm. It’s a commendable effort, showcasing moments of brilliance, but could benefit from tighter writing and character development. As it gears up for its launch on Prime Video on 7th March, this series has the potential to resonate with audiences, provided it embraces the heartwarming spirit that it aims to deliver. Dupahiya masterfully weaves together laughter and heartfelt moments, exploring the aspirations and dreams of everyday people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
We hope our review of Dupahiya will help you decide if you should watch it.
Watch the trailer of Dupahiya here:
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