Dupahiya Review: This hinterland comedy delivers humour and heart with stellar performances by Gajraj Rao and Renuka Shahane

The story revolves around Banwari Jha (Gajraj Rao) and his family—wife Malti (Anjuman Saxena), daughter Roshni (Shivani Raghuvanshi), and son Bhugol (Sparsh Srivastava).

If you’re looking for a comedy-drama that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, ‘Dupahiya’ is just what you need. It’s a true stressbuster that transports you to a fictional Bihar village, making you feel like you’ve met these characters in real life. Think ‘Panchayat’—but with its own unique charm and a fresh, engaging story.

The screenplay is tight, effortlessly weaving humour, emotions, and the everyday quirks of village life. With strong performances, catchy music, and a well-paced narrative, ‘Dupahiya’ delivers on all fronts. And let’s be honest—building an entire story around a stolen bike isn’t easy, but this series does it with style, keeping you hooked from start to finish.

A missing bike, a marriage twist, and village turmoil

The story revolves around Banwari Jha (Gajraj Rao) and his family—wife Malti (Anjuman Saxena), daughter Roshni (Shivani Raghuvanshi), and son Bhugol (Sparsh Srivastava). A prospective groom, Durlabh (Godaan Kumar), visits the Jha household to meet Roshni. However, when Roshni learns that Durlabh’s brother, Kuber (Avinash Dwivedi), lives in Mumbai, she declares Kuber as her choice instead. Meanwhile, Durlabh demands a bike as a wedding gift.

Despite their financial struggles, Banwari manages to buy the bike from his savings. But trouble begins when Bhugol, obsessed with making social media reels, sneaks out with the bike at night—only to have it stolen by a masked thief. Chaos erupts when the theft is discovered.

Banwari faces a dilemma—filing an FIR would tarnish the village’s spotless 25-year crime-free record, for which village Panch Pushplata receives an award every year. However, when ASI Mithilesh Kushwaha (Yashpal Sharma) learns of the crime, he insists that an FIR must be filed, pushing Banwari into an unexpected predicament.

A hilarious ride with sharp social commentary

Every episode of ‘Dupahiya’ delivers a punch, packed with laugh-out-loud moments. Set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, the series ensures that every character gets their time in the spotlight, thanks to a well-crafted screenplay. The setting feels authentic, with meticulous attention to detail—from the characters' diction and clothing to their mannerisms—bringing a fictional Bihar village to life.

Beyond the humour, the show subtly critiques societal norms. It touches on issues like beauty standards, as seen in the Sarpanch's daughter struggling with insecurities about her dusky complexion. Roshni, too, points out the stark difference in personal freedoms between village and city life. The series also takes a witty jab at the workings of the police, all seamlessly woven into its comedy, making ‘Dupahiya’ both entertaining and thought-provoking.

An ensemble cast that brings the village to life

‘Dupahiya’ reaches new heights, thanks to its stellar ensemble cast. Gajraj Rao shines as the Jha family patriarch, delivering a performance so convincing that he feels like a native Bihari. Shivani Raghuvanshi effortlessly embodies Roshni, capturing the nuances of a village girl on the verge of marriage. Yashpal Sharma brings his comedic best as ASI Mithilesh Kushwaha, while Sparsh Srivastava, fresh off his success in ‘Laapataa Ladies,’ proves his talent is no fluke. Bhuvan Arora showcases his range as Amawas, Roshni’s former boyfriend, and Renuka Shahane, with her impeccable Bihari dialect, once again proves her versatility.

While these seasoned actors were expected to deliver, ‘Dupahiya’ truly belongs to its character actors. Each one adds a distinct flavour, making the series stand out. Tipu (Samarth Mahor), Bhugol’s closest friend; Ghuttan (Manoj Singh Tiger), Tipu’s father; Madan (Chandan Kumar), the local journalist; and Kuber, the prospective groom—all contribute to the show’s unique personality. Even Brijendra Kala, in a brief role as a newspaper editor, steals the scene with his gyaan-laced banter to his team of reporters.

A heartfelt story woven with authenticity and humour

Director Sonam Nair not only succeeds but goes beyond in crafting a slice-of-life story that is both engaging and entertaining. However, the true architects of ‘Dupahiya’ are Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg, who have woven a relatable, heartwarming narrative.

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The plot is deeply rooted in its setting, with every detail feeling authentic. The dialogues are crisp, carrying the local flavour without sounding forced. The humour flows naturally, resembling real conversations rather than scripted comedy. Look for the sequences which feature light-hearted exchanges between Bhugol and Tipu and the lively launda naach performance by Bhugol and Amawas for a local strongman—both adding to the charm of this well-crafted story.

Verdict

‘Dupahiya’ actually succeeds in setting the standard for crafting hinterland comedies the right way. Every element feels authentic, with no false notes, and the storytelling flows seamlessly. This is a series that guarantees good laughter, great performances, and is potent enough to warrant a second watch.