Gram Chikitsalay Review: Amol Parashar’s warm yet predictable rural drama echoes the soul of Panchayat without breaking new ground

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Name: Gram Chikitsalay 

Director: Deepak Kumar Mishra 

Actors include: Amol Parashar, Vinay Pathak, Anandeshwar Dwivedi, Akash Makhija, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Garima Singh, and Santoo Kumar.

Rating: 2.5/5

Brief 

Under the guidance of director Deepak Kumar Mishra, the series titled “Gram Chikitsalay” stars Amol Parashar and Vinay Pathak in prominent roles. This heartwarming drama-comedy offers an authentic portrayal of a North Indian village, delving into the everyday struggles and enchantments experienced by its inhabitants, primarily focusing on the journey of a young doctor with aspirations.

Plot

The story revolves around Dr. Prabhat Sinha, portrayed by Amol Parashar, a highly accomplished medical graduate who shocks everyone by rejecting a lucrative opportunity at his father’s hospital in Delhi. Instead, he chooses to work at a dilapidated health center situated in the rural village of Bhatkhandi, Jharkhand. However, his noble aspirations are swiftly challenged by the harsh realities. The clinic is in deplorable condition, the ceiling fans barely functioning, medical equipment corroded, and supplies mysteriously disappear. The staff, consisting of Phutani Ji, the compounder (Anandeshwar Dwivedi), and Govind, the ward boy (Akash Makhija), are frequently spotted loitering at a local charlatan’s clinic instead of their own workplace. This charlatan, Chetak Kumar (Vinay Pathak), commands the trust of the villagers, despite his treatments being primarily based on Google searches.

Eager to establish trust and professionalism at the center, Prabhat embarks on a journey to restructure the system. However, he soon discovers that mending equipment is effortless compared to gaining the confidence of people who value comfort and familiarity over competent treatment. Matters become even more complicated when large quantities of vaccines inexplicably disappear, casting doubt on him. As he grapples with these obstacles, Prabhat starts to understand that meaningful change transcends regulations and medicine; it necessitates a profound transformation in his approach towards the community.

What works for Gram Chikitsalay 

Gram Chikitsalay skillfully constructs a vivid and compassionate world, reflecting its authenticity and emotional depth. Writers Vaibhav Suman and Shreya Srivastava masterfully portray life’s leisurely pace in a town like Bhatkandi, where issues aren’t easily resolved. The show stands out by eschewing sensational twists or melodrama in favor of focusing on the sincere, everyday moments that resonate deeply. Humor arises organically from character interactions, and emotional scenes strike a poignant chord through their understated simplicity.

Amol Parashar seamlessly embodies Dr. Prabhat, a character grappling with his aspirations and everyday life. He delivers his role with sincerity and composure. Notably, Anandeshwar Dwivedi as Phutani Ji and Akash Makhija as Govind provide excellent support, infusing the narrative with humor and affection.

The program effectively tackles genuine concerns regarding rural healthcare and education, doing so subtly and sensitively, thereby avoiding coming off as overly didactic or moralizing.

Watch Gram Chikitsalay’s trailer here: 

What doesn’t work for Gram Chikitsalay 

As a devoted admirer, I must admit that Gram Chikitsalay, like Panchayat, beautifully evokes the essence of rural living. Yet, in terms of storytelling, it occasionally misses its target. The show masterfully recreates the familiar village ambiance, populated with eccentric characters, a leisurely pace, and genuine problems, but this time, the spotlight is on healthcare rather than administrative work. It presents a refreshing perspective on the same world, albeit through a slightly different lens. However, the episodic structure, each episode tackling a distinct issue, sometimes gives the narrative an uneven flow. Certain subplots, such as the vanishing vaccines or local power struggles, seem underdeveloped and serve more to fill gaps rather than impart significance.

In a simpler and more conversational style, Amol Parashar plays Dr. Prabhat well, but his character seems a bit shallow, which might have been improved to make us connect with him more deeply. Vinay Pathak’s character as the village doctor was intriguing, but it feels like he wasn’t utilized fully, and Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s role often appears to serve only to advance Prabhat’s story, rather than being a significant character in her own right.

Occasionally, one gets the sense that the series prioritizes depicting rural life over advancing the narrative. If there’s another season, the creators should work on strengthening the plot and developing the characters further. The countryside backdrop is wonderful, and the theme is significant; nevertheless, it could benefit from a bit more dramatic impact to reach its full potential.

Performances in Gram Chikitsalay 

Among Gram Chikitsalay’s most notable assets is its talented cast, who effectively bind the series together. Amol Parashar, portraying Dr. Prabhat, delivers an outstanding performance, displaying genuine emotion and revealing a compassionate doctor navigating his way through complex situations. Vinay Pathak, despite fewer appearances, makes a significant impact.

However, it’s the secondary characters who take center stage with their captivating performances. Anandeshwar Dwivedi portrays Phutani Ji exceptionally well, making you feel as if you’ve encountered him in a real village setting. His facial expressions, body language, and casual remarks ring true to life. Meanwhile, Akash Makhija’s portrayal of Govind is endearing and naive, instantly winning over the audience.

Additionally, we have Dr. Gargi (portrayed by Akansha Ranjan Kapoor), who frequently offers Dr. Prabhat a dose of reality, emphasizing that merely complaining won’t resolve the issue at hand. Garima Singh, in her role as Nurse Indu, and Santoo Kumar, portraying her son Sudhir, bring an emotional depth to the narrative, particularly with a plot twist that lends complexity to the subsequent episodes. The performances are neither exaggerated nor dramatic; instead, they’re subtle, authentic, which is precisely why they fit so seamlessly within the storyline.

Final Verdict 

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say Gram Chikitsalay isn’t a revolutionary show, but it’s got an authentic and subtly powerful impact, illuminating the complexities of rural healthcare in India. Though it shares some similarities with Panchayat, it offers a unique angle by delving into the medical aspects of village existence. Spanning just five episodes, each around 38 minutes, it’s an effortless watch that artfully blends light-hearted humor with compelling storytelling.

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2025-05-09 13:23