DNA:This Pammi needs a push-Gaurav

This Pammi needs a push

Chaya Unnikrishnan

What is it about: Param Gulati, a small-town guy is desperate to become a film star. He manages to land up in the city of dreams but doesn't get the role promised to him. He then goes to his friend Rahul Pyarelal's place hoping to stay with him but Rahul has been evicted from his house as he has failed to pay rent. Together the duo hunt for a place and manage to find one where the owner Kamini Faujdar allows only a couple to stay as paying guests. The duo has given the non-refundable deposit and the only way out is for one of them to become a woman. The task is entrusted to Param who becomes Mrs Pammi Pyarelal.

For many, the serial is reminiscent of the hit English film Tootsie that had Dustin Hoffman playing a woman. However, closer home there was the hilarious Marathi film Ashi Hi Banva Banvi, with a similar concept that had popular actor Sachin dressed in drag.

Setting: The serial heavily spoofs Hindi films — the opening sequence had Param in a temple talking to God a la Amitabh Bachchan in Deewar — which is not always funny. The sets too are quite tacky – they look more like the setting of a play.

Cast: The makers have hit bull's eye with Gaurav Gera, who looks beautiful as a woman. In fact, it's as Pammi that Gaurav is imminently watchable than Param! Mazhar Sayyed as Ranjit who is in love with Pammi is a delight. Usha Nadkarni as the head of the household and a retired jailor is her usual reliable self while Karan Goddwani as Pammi's husband is okay. Vindhya Tiwari's act as the shuddh urdu speaking Gayatri was amusing initially but it's annoying now.

Way ahead: To start with, the serial had its moments with the assortment of comical characters. However the novelty is wearing off. In fact, the latest episodes where the Faujdar family thinks Pammi is pregnant and are rallying around her is completely over-the-top. The dialogue, mostly filmi, manages to tickle you sometimes but is no great shakes. Now, it is up to the writers to bring back the humour with innovative tracks, and fast.

Chaya Unnikrishnan