Under the name of The Viral Fever (TVF), Shreyansh Pandey developed the Indian online series Gullak, which translates to “Piggy bank,” for the streaming service SonyLIV. With Sunita Rajwar as their neighbor, Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, and Harsh Mayar in the aforementioned key parts, the show centers on the Mishra family, which consists of Santosh and Shanti Mishra and their sons Anand “Annu” and Aman Mishra.

It’s the Mishras again. Since Annu is now employed, she has access to a new source of income. However, the costs have also increased dramatically. Aman, who cleared his boards, is unsure of his future plans since his family want him to pursue science, which entails significant costs. They experience a nightmare, emerge feeling loved and happy, and leave us with a great deal of optimism.

Gullak is, in my opinion, no longer subject to reviews or validation. After leaving the TVF-Sony Liv mill, we are now in an area where it is difficult to distinguish between reality and fiction, a haven for the middle class, and a region where we feel as though we are looking through a cranky window’s shattered glass to see the Mishra Niwas. These are actual three-dimensional individuals who share the same atmosphere as you and me, not just characters portrayed by accomplished actors. If I don’t submit a review, though, who will pay my bills? It’s possible that this is a love letter to the authors. I’m alerting you!

One of the most perceptive authors, Durgesh Singh, is the author of Gullak Season 3, which picks up a few days after Season 2 finishes. Do you recall the family photo that the four of us took when Papa put his hand on Annu’s shoulder and we all started crying? Now that it is framed, it is displayed on the living room wall. Note: Annu also dons a t-shirt like to this one for the season 3 finale. Annu is growing up, Aman is getting close to being a crazy old guy, Papa is still sorting things out in life, and mom still has to yell to be heard in a house full of males.

Nothing at all in the basic syntax has changed, and the crew has succeeded in picking up where they left off, giving the impression that we watched the final episode of season 2 yesterday. Season 3 sees a little horizon widening of the camera. The realm enclosed by peeling paint on the walls is now evoking the spirit of the environment in which it is located.

Together, Durgesh Singh and Palash Vaswani craft season 2 in little moments rather than larger sequences, acknowledging and honoring their fans’ affection. The nicest thing is that these fleeting moments are never emphasized or magnified. For instance, the previously described portrait just appears; it is never caught in a still frame. You are never spoon-fed, even at a pivotal sequence when Annu eventually “grosses up” and dons Papa’s shoes.

Of course, it goes without saying that Gullak is also responsible for the feelings and the tears. DOP Shiv Prakash, who fills this already-full bucket even more, makes you feel nostalgic since you now know these folks and the setup inside and out. Without attempting to remove it from the frame, he depicts the Mishras world via windows, doors, and even pillars. You realize how little their world is and yet how happy they are in it. The title music of this program, composed by Anurag Saika, is one of my top five favorites in the Indian OTT market. He keeps changing both individually and in tandem with the narrative.

Geetanjali Kulkarni, Jameel Khan, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, and Harsh Mayar have developed into their personalities as a team. Even though not a single hair of their actual self can be seen in the picture, you are compelled to think that the personalities they have constructed are genuine and sincere. Their conversational interchange seemed so natural that it wasn’t intended for camera.

All of the accolades that Vaibhav will receive this season for his role as Annu are well deserved. He makes sure he doesn’t take advantage of being in the spotlight. Vaibhav ensures that his eyes follow the greatest alteration that his character undergoes, which must be reflected not only in his acting and words but also in his body language and mannerisms. In a moment when he succeeds, he must give up his desire for his younger brother and experiences the misery of not having enough to fulfill both.

Harsh Mayar is undergoing a metamorphosis as well, and it’s evident that he’s trying his hardest to succeed in his role. My experience is a drop in the immense ocean of abilities that are Geetanjali Kulkarni and Jameel Khan. These actors are performers who are much beyond validation. Shanti is brought to life by Kulkarni, and you recognize your mother in her. Jameel is a very honest representation of every charming parent.

Even though I love the program so much, I won’t deny that episode 3 of season 3 is a letdown. The essential ingredient needed to integrate the events and give them a cohesive appearance is conspicuously absent. The episode, Agua, has a solid plot on its own, but it doesn’t make sense in the overall context of the program. It pulls you further away from the experience, only to be pulled back in by the trajectory that brings you fully within.

Gullak 3 adds a dash of nostalgia and a spoonful of sentimentality to revive the feel-good element. You should enjoy this broth without asking too many questions since the grin it gives you will satisfy them all.