Gullak Season 5 Review: TVF's Beloved Piggy Bank Still Feels Like Home, But Is It Running Out Of Savings?

The Dal Chawal Theory Of Gullak

For me, Gullak has now become the dal chawal equivalent of the web series space.

Dal chawal is comfort food. It is warm, reliable, wholesome and timeless. Whenever you miss home, nostalgia or a simpler time, it is something you instinctively return to. It fills you up, satisfies your hunger and leaves you feeling content.

Gullak functions in much the same way. It remains comforting and heartwarming. The Mishra family continues to provide a sense of emotional security that very few shows can replicate.

The problem, however, is that modern life also demands variety. No matter how much you love dal chawal, there comes a point when you crave something different. That is where Gullak Season 5 occasionally finds itself struggling.

Familiarity Can Be Comforting And Restrictive

While the performances and tonality continue to be wonderful, there is also a growing sense of staleness surrounding certain developments.

The actors understand these characters inside out now. Having inhabited these roles for multiple seasons, they never miss a beat. They genuinely feel like a family living next door. Watching them interact remains effortlessly engaging.

Yet the newer storylines do not always carry the same excitement anymore. Some developments feel too bland within the established framework of the Mishra family's world. Others swing in the opposite direction and become slightly exaggerated, temporarily disrupting the grounded realism that has always been the show's greatest strength.

The Biggest Change Of Season Five

The most significant development this season arrives off screen.

Vaibhav Raj Gupta, who had become synonymous with Annu for viewers across four seasons, is no longer part of the show. Stepping into those shoes is never an easy task. Replacing an actor who has spent years becoming the face of a beloved character is a daunting challenge.

Thankfully, Anant Vijay Joshi proves more than capable.

Anant Vijay Joshi Pulls Off The Impossible

Fresh from the success of Maamla Legal Hai and his memorable appearance in 12th Fail, Anant Vijay Joshi seamlessly settles into the role of Annu.

The transition is surprisingly smooth. While you obviously miss Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Anant never tries to imitate him. Instead, he finds his own rhythm within the character and gradually makes the role his own.

That is not an easy achievement. Yet Anant manages it with remarkable confidence and ease. His chemistry with the rest of the cast feels natural from the outset, helping viewers accept this major change much faster than expected.

The Mishra Family Remains The Heartbeat

Of course, Gullak would simply not work without its constants.

Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni and Harsh Mayar continue reprising their roles as Santosh, Shanti and Aman respectively. Their performances remain pitch perfect.

The beauty of Gullak has always been hidden within the smallest moments. Family banter, silent sacrifices, petty arguments and unconditional support continue to form the emotional backbone of the series. The love they share for one another remains the central force driving everything forward.

Even after five seasons, these relationships retain their authenticity.

Helly Shah Gets More To Do

Another welcome development this season is Helly Shah receiving a significantly stronger arc.

After appearing in a recurring capacity in Season 4, her character Dr. Preeti gets far more material to explore this time around. Her dynamic with Annu continues to be charming and genuinely enjoyable.

Helly brings a sense of warmth, stillness and effortless sincerity to the role. She serves as an effective change of pace amidst the various family dynamics unfolding around her.

It is refreshing to see a performer like Helly Shah being given a role substantial enough to showcase her strengths.