Amazon Prime Video’s latest offering, Dupahiya, takes viewers on a hilarious yet thought-provoking ride, blending rural comedy with sharp social commentary. This new show, set in the quaint village of Dhadakpur in Bihar, borrows its charm from the classic, slice-of-life films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Govind Nihalani. Much like Welcome to Sajjanpur and Nukkad, Dupahiya manages to be both fun and deeply reflective, seamlessly addressing societal issues without ever feeling preachy.
What is Dupahiya About?
Set in India’s “only crime-free village,” Dhadakpur has not witnessed any crime in 24 years. As the villagers eagerly await the celebration of their crime-free silver jubilee, an unexpected event disrupts the peace. The Jha family, led by the ever-watchable Gajraj Rao, is devastated when a dupahiya (two-wheeler) given as dowry for his daughter’s wedding is stolen. As chaos ensues, Pradhaan (Renuka Shahane) tries to hide the incident to prevent the wedding from being canceled, while the bride’s brother (Sparsh Srivastava) and her ex-flame (Bhuvan Arora) embark on a madcap mission to find the stolen bike before it’s too late. The situation gets more complicated with the arrival of a zealous cop (Yashpal Sharma) determined to uncover the crime.
A Strong Script and Endearing Performances
What truly sets Dupahiya apart is its simplicity. Despite its resemblance to shows like Panchayat, it stands independently with a unique flavor. The writing is crisp, sharp, and delivers the perfect mix of humor and social commentary. The dialogue, which maintains the earthy tone of rural India, remains relatable and resonates with a wide audience. It’s not just the words but also the impeccable delivery by the talented cast that makes these lines come alive.
Bhuvan Arora and Sparsh Srivastava shine with their fantastic comic timing. Playing characters far removed from their previous roles in Farzi and Laapataa Ladies, they bring freshness and brilliance to the screen. Arora, in particular, excels in bringing depth to his character, which keeps the viewers invested. Renuka Shahane, with her effortless grace, takes ownership of every frame she appears in, reminding us of her unparalleled acting prowess. Gajraj Rao, as usual, excels in portraying a man caught in a tough spot but manages to bring his own nuances to the role. Shivani Raghuvanshi’s character arc is well-rounded, with her standout monologue toward the end being a well-earned highlight. The ensemble cast, including the despicable groom Kuber (played by Avinash Dwivedi), rounds out the show’s stellar performances, making each character an important part of the narrative.
A Thrilling Yet Heartfelt Comedy
At its core, Dupahiya is a mystery wrapped in a comedy. The theft of the dupahiya becomes an engaging race against time, as the Jha family scrambles to replace it and keep the wedding intact. Along the way, the show explores timely and relevant issues such as dowry, the obsession with fair skin, kleptomania, and the insecurities of rural women. However, none of these tracks overshadow the central narrative. Director Sonam Nair deserves credit for maintaining a consistent tone, making the show both entertaining and thought-provoking without losing its comedic charm.
Final Thoughts
Dupahiya draws on the best of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s brand of humor—a perfect blend of simplicity, wit, and social commentary. The show stands out as one of the most delightful comedies to grace our screens this year. Its subtle messaging about the small, everyday issues of rural India feels refreshingly authentic without trying too hard to be woke.
With Amazon Prime Video positioning the show as a flagship offering, Dupahiya marks a significant shift in Indian OTT content, where storytelling takes precedence over star power. If this trend continues, we may look back at Dupahiya as one of the key milestones in the rise of content-driven shows on digital platforms.
Dupahiya is a fun, insightful, and utterly charming watch that strikes the perfect balance between satire and humor. If you’re looking for a show that delivers both laughs and lessons, this rural comedy is not to be missed.
