Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Dupahiya presents a humorous yet insightful dive into rural Bihar’s everyday chaos, but despite its promising premise, the execution feels uneven. Gajraj Rao’s stellar performance anchors the show, yet the blend of comedy and social commentary struggles to find its balance.
A Tale of a Missing Motorcycle and a Village in Turmoil
Set in Dhadakpur, a village where even a stolen motorcycle can spark an uproar, Dupahiya revolves around Banwari Jha (Gajraj Rao), a mild-mannered schoolteacher who buys a bike as dowry for his daughter Roshni’s wedding. When the motorcycle goes missing, Banwari, along with his son Bhugol (Sparsh Srivastava) and his friend Amavas (Bhuvan Arora), sets off on a chaotic quest to recover it.
In the process, they encounter a cast of eccentric villagers, from the politically ambitious Pushpalata (Renuka Shahane) to the ever-watchful police inspector Mithilesh (Yashpal Sharma). The story cleverly interweaves humor with a critique of dowry, gender roles, and social expectations, but struggles to maintain the right tone.
Strengths: Performances and Relatable Rural Charm
• Gajraj Rao excels, portraying Banwari with an endearing mix of desperation and determination.
• The supporting cast shines, particularly Sparsh Srivastava and Bhuvan Arora, who add depth to the humor.
• The rural setting feels authentic, capturing the quirks of small-town India in an engaging way.
Weaknesses: Uneven Storytelling and Forced Humor
• While Dupahiya attempts to merge slapstick comedy with social issues, the balance often tilts awkwardly, making serious moments feel overshadowed by exaggerated humor.
• The dialogue, though witty at times, becomes repetitive, with catchphrases like “Yeh Bihar ka Belgium hai” losing their charm.
• The show introduces strong female characters like Roshni, but their arcs feel underdeveloped compared to the male protagonists.
Final Verdict: A Quirky Watch With Mixed Results
Despite its warmth and well-intended themes, Dupahiya struggles to sustain a consistent narrative. The humor lands sporadically, and while its social commentary is admirable, it doesn’t always hit the mark.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted rural comedy with solid performances, Dupahiya is worth a watch—but don’t expect it to be flawless.
