Classic Charm Triumphs Over High-Octane Drama: ‘Gullak’ Tops IMDb with 9.1 Rating, Outshining ‘Mirzapur’ & ‘Panchayat’

Updated: 14-06-2025, 08.06 PM

MUMBAI – Amidst the crowd of action-packed Indian web series, TVF’s family drama ‘Gullak’ is making its own mark — not with explosions, gunfights, or turns, but with the gentle hum of life in a middle-class home. With an impressive 9.1/10 IMDb rating, it surprisingly surpasses mainstream giants like ‘Mirzapur’ (8.5) and ‘Panchayat’ (8.9), proving that simple storytelling can hit harder than high-octane drama 15minutenews.com+15digitalgabbar.com+15thephilox.com+15.

Gullak

Heartwarming Slice‑of‑Life: What Sets ‘Gullak’ Apart

At its core, ‘Gullak’ follows the Mishra household—Santosh, Shanti, and their sons Annu and Aman—narrated through touches of humor, nostalgia, and everyday struggles imdb.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2tvtime.com+2. Critics highlight its “old‑world charm of the modern Indian nuclear family” and praise its relatability to middle‑class life en.wikipedia.org+1filmibeat.com+1. Unlike thrillers, its slow-burning warmth and small moments resonate with viewers deeply connected to real-life scenarios.

Stellar Performances, Especially by Sunita Rajwar

The show features engaging performances by Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, and Harsh Mayar, but Sunita Rajwar, who plays neighbor and Bittu’s mother, stole the spotlight. Her relatable dialogue delivery and natural charm have earned her widespread appreciation for making the character unforgettable.

Four Seasons, Twenty Episodes – Consistency Is Key

Since its YouTube debut in June 2019, Gullak has evolved over four seasons, each comprising five episodes of around 24 minutes mews.in+15en.wikipedia.org+15imdb.com+15. The show’s consistency and steadily moving narrative are refreshingly free of noise or purpose-built events, earning it praise as a slow‑burn gem .

Critical Acclaim: Awards & Reviews

Gullak has not only won viewer hearts but also industry recognition. It secured the Best Comedy Series award at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2021 for its second season en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3. Critics have highlighted its “emotional and nostalgic elements”, commending its writing, direction, and performances en.wikipedia.org.

IMDb Ratings: A Testament to Audience Love

With over 27,000 ratings, the show’s 9.1 IMDb score is a reflection of its authentic appeal, rising above cord‑cutting thrillers like ‘Mirzapur’ and ‘Panchayat’ indiatvnews.com+8digitalgabbar.com+8thephilox.com+8.

Why It Outshines High‑Budget Hits

Emotional Connection Over Grandiosity: ‘Gullak’ thrives on familiar domestic conflicts and small joys—his home-cooked meals, sibling battles, electric bill woes—rather than weaponry or gangster wars. Viewers often remark, “it connects to our heart” and “depicts real Indian homes” imdb.com+12imdb.com+12imdb.com+12.
Cultural Authenticity: Its setting in an ordinary small town in Madhya Pradesh aligns with the current trend of small‑town India stories in OTT hindustantimes.com.
Modest Budget, Massive Impact: Crafted on a budget of just ₹30–₹50 lakhs, it proves that a compelling story with real performances can create deeper impact than high-cost productions en.wikipedia.org+1mews.in+1.

The Showdown: ‘Mirzapur’ & ‘Panchayat’

While ‘Mirzapur’ is rooted in gritty crime and ‘Panchayat’ offers dry humor in rural bureaucracy, ‘Gullak’ stands apart with its everyday warmth. Reddit threads compare its relatability favorably, although some note its slower pace india.com+1thephilox.com+1.

What Lies Ahead for Gullak

Though Netflix and Amazon have greenlit sequels selectively, Gullak’s creators likely won’t rush another season, choosing quality over quantity . Even so, Season 4’s end hinted at more chapters, making fans hopeful. Cast accolades at the 2024 Filmfare OTT Awards (Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Sunita Rajwar, Vaibhav Raj Gupta nominated) boost anticipation en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.

Final Take

In an OTT space dominated by action and suspense, ‘Gullak’ shines by choosing the heart. Its crowd‑pleasing rating, award honours, and loyal fanbase reflect that real life—unfiltered, unrehearsed, and undramatic—can move audiences more profoundly than choreographed violence. If you’re looking for a comforting, genuine, and quietly powerful viewing experience, this family story is your go‑to.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.