What the Folks!
"What the Folks!" is a 5 episode family drama comedy web series by DICE Media which is directed by Ruchir Arun, A FTII alumni. This is the story of a Delhi guy Nikhil Solanki who visits Mumbai for his work and has to stay with his In-laws. The concept of this web series is very good and the story line is also interesting.
EPISODE 1: ARRANGED FAMILY
The episode starts with Nikhil, getting out of a cab and two guys on a bike pass by, unintentionally put dirt on Nikhil's pant and Nikhil tries to abuse them (being a Delhite) but then stops immediately realising that he is in Mumbai. This Delhi-Mumbai contrast has been shown smartly. Then, we see a series of a very relatable incidences. The makers have created many "Awww" moments like: In Laws pampering their son-in-law, Nikhil discussing about shady film "Gunda" with Anita, Rohan talking meaningful things with a touch of humour and Akshata's stupid philosophy about Freedom.
The casting done is good enough. Mr Vipin sharma as Prakash Sharma has nailed it completely. The way he speaks random stuff, completely reminds us of our own "Papa".The couple has managed to look so cute as well. Akshata (Anula Navlekar) freaking out after watching the dented car is surely an example of good acting.
After watching the first episode, we definitely want to know what happens next with his Father-in-Law's car. I even called my mother and recommended this web series to her.You also want to know what car? watch the episode 1 here.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFV-sju3UEk
EPISODE 2: THE MAD HOUSE
The second episode is all about a middle class family arguing over petty things. The expressions Mr Sharma gives when Nikhil calls him papa for the very first time is so pure and touching. It feels so humorous after watching Mr Sharma getting worried about his car yet choosing to say nothing to his very own son-in-law. On a deeper level it shows the hypocrisy of Indian In Laws who have this mentality of treating their son-in-laws like god regardless of anything they have done. In this episode, we get to see a very mature side of Mr Sharma when he willingly accompanies his wife to her sister's place.
EPISODE 3: CONDITIONS APPLY
The main noticeable thing in this episode is Nikhil and Anita's beautiful chemistry. Eisha (as Anita)has managed to look so pretty in the episode that I can't put my eyes off her. Mr Sharma disturbing Nikhil while he is on an very important video meeting and introducing him to his guests as "XYZ" Professional are some funny incidences. And an Aunty slipping into the washroom is another "ROFL" moment. This episode takes us to a family party mode. The toast of Mr Sharma is also very adorable and well written. And You completely get into a dancing mode when a panjabi folk song is played and everyone starts dancing.
EPISODE 4: STRUCK IN THE MIDDLE
Anita's argument with her parents about that "Log kya kahenge" thing is written very beautifully. Both the parties involved in the argument are right on their own sides, Its the generation gap that comes in between and The drama created connects the audience. Parents, being more mature than us, realise their mistake and put efforts to get it correct, is something that is so sweet to fall for. This episode ends with a cliffhanger but audience, being smart, knows in advance that it's completely inappropriate to kill Mr Sharma like this. Hence, the purpose is somehow defeated.
EPISODE 5: HOME
This is the season finale and the best episode of the whole series. The episode starts with a scene where Nikhil is completely tense and Mr Sharma is cracking his jokes, like Mouth-to-Mouth and Maternity hospital.This thing is totally hilarious. Mr Sharma getting timid about taking injection is something makes you realise that you have actually fallen for this person throughout the series. Anita's conversation with her parents over phone connects you well.
In this episode, Nikhil talks to his in laws about this extra sweet treatment he is getting from them and this is so meaningful that deserves to be watched and appreciated as well. Later on, when the In Laws start telling their expectations to Nikhil, that gives you good laughter. The moments like family playing the game of cards together and cheating and Laptop cover having a sticker of "Family" totally steals your heart. In short this whole episode is presented really well.
Now, Nikhil has got this offer to work in Mumbai only, would he accept the offer?
Will have to wait for season 2 for next errors of comedy.
What the Folks! is purely a light entertainment web series and the content made is actually very relatable but at some places it fails to connect as the relatabilty factor is not being glamorised by dialogues. They are so normal and day to day, which is a good thing but along with them, there should be some "Connect" that TVF uses in its web series. They also show relatable content but the difference is that in their relatable content, they develop a connect through their dialogues which is their USP. Their Characters are so engrossed in their lives but they know audience is watching them. And this creates enthusiasm in audience. This is the magic of glamour in dialogues and flawless direction.While in "WTF", you would find at some places, the content is so relatable but its going monotonous. Reasons being lack of glamour in dialogues. Like "Tamil Brahaman" dialogues in the very first episode. But such things are very acute in this web series, so we can surely ignore that. Another thing I noticed in WTF is this that there is no influential character in the web series that people could recall forever. Like They have Mikesh in "Permanent Roommates", Navin in "Pitchers" and Chitvan in "Trippling". So more work could be done on character building. This thing is something that is small but it has the capability of converting a good web series into excellent. But I won't say Dice Media has failed in their job. They have certainly delivered a great content and I would seriously recommend this web series to people.
Stars: 3.5/5
Hitesh Malik
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