Friday has new OTT releases, and one of the most discussed drops this week is Vinay Pathak and Amol Parashar’s latest series, Gram Chikitsalay, which released today, May 9, on Amazon Prime Video.
Produced by TVF’s Deepak Kumar Mishra and Arunabh Kumar—the geniuses behind the popular series Panchayat—this rural comedy-drama explores the overlooked truths of India’s far-flung healthcare system. At only five episodes, the show is brief enough to binge and compelling enough to make a mark.
Is Gram Chikitsalay a Hit or Flop? Here’s What Viewers Are Saying
With the reputation of TVF and Panchayat’s success hanging over its head, expectations were naturally sky-high. Fans have since taken to social media site X (formerly Twitter) to post their initial reactions since the show’s release.
Here’s what some viewers had to say:
- @user123: “Gram Chikitsalay is a sweet, unassuming show that wonderfully depicts rural medicine and a doctor’s relationship with villagers. @amolparashar, bravo again! Post-Tripling, this is my favourite performance of yours now—effortless, strong, full of heart.”
- @cinemafan88: “Vinay Pathak and Amol Parashar glide smoothly through familiar turfs.”
- @streamjunkie: “Gram Chikitsalay on Amazon Prime is a heartwarming show with Amol Parashar in top form! A must-watch for Panchayat & Dupahiya fans. #PositiveVibes”
What Is Gram Chikitsalay About?
Gram Chikitsalay follows Prabhat, played by Amol Parashar, a young idealistic city physician who is posted to revive a near-moribund government health center in a far-flung Indian village.
As Prabhat starts his journey, he fights:
- Bureaucratic red tape
- Skeptical villagers
- Cultural and logistical issues specific to rural India
But gradually, his relationship with the villagers comes to the fore, with heartwarming moments, subtle humor, and social commentary in tow.
With Vinay Pathak lending his signature gravitas and charm, the show mixes comedy with reality in a manner that TVF fans have grown accustomed to.
Is It Like Panchayat?
Though comparisons to Panchayat are inevitable, Gram Chikitsalay finds its own niche. While Panchayat delved into rural governance, this show focuses on the condition of rural healthcare. Fans have fondly referred to it as “Panchayat’s distant cousin” for a reason—it has the same small-town humor, emotional moments, and slice-of-life appeal but from a different angle.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching?
If you’re a fan of grounded storytelling with a soul, Gram Chikitsalay is worth your time. The performances, especially by Amol Parashar, are sincere and compelling. The series may not have explosive drama or cliffhangers, but its strength lies in its simplicity and authenticity.
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