Review: In a world of high-stakes thrillers and intense dramas, Dupahiya (Motorbike) arrives as a refreshing comedy-drama that effortlessly captures the charm of small-town India. Set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, also known as the ‘Belgium of Bihar,’ this heartland comedy, created by Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani and directed by Sonam Nair, masterfully blends humour, aspirations, and the idiosyncrasies of rural life into a delightful narrative.
The story revolves around a missing motorbike—a wedding gift purchased by the Jha family to fulfil the groom’s sole demand—that vanishes just eight days before the wedding. This seemingly simple yet consequential incident throws the village into chaos, propelling bride-to-be Roshni (Shivani Raghuvanshi), her father Banwari Jha (Gajraj Rao), mother Malti (Anjuman Saxena), brother Bhugol (Sparsh Srivastava), and her ex-lover Amavas (Bhuvan Arora) on a mission to recover the lost bike. Alongside them is ward member Pushplata Yadav (Renuka Shahane), who is determined to maintain Dhadakpur’s 25-year crime-free record to bolster her chances of becoming the village Sarpanch. Their journey, laden with mishaps, laughter, and heartfelt moments, forms the crux of this entertaining series. But Dupahiya is more than just a comedy; it subtly explores the hopes, aspirations, and dilemmas of village life, making it a relatable and engaging watch.
Director Sonam Nair, known for Masaba Masaba, showcases her finesse in crafting slice-of-life narratives infused with humour. The well-timed dialogues and quirky situations keep the laughs coming without veering into over-the-top territory. There are no exaggerated dramatic peaks, yet the show thrives on its nuanced storytelling, punctuated by an engaging background score that complements the light-hearted yet emotionally resonant theme. The heart of Dupahiya lies in its stellar cast and sharp writing by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg. The script brilliantly captures the humour and warmth of rural India while subtly addressing societal norms.
Gajraj Rao, as the determined and doting father Banwari Jha, brings depth and humor to his role, making his character one of the show’s highlights. Shivani Raghuvanshi shines as Roshni, embodying the spirit of a young woman caught between tradition and personal dreams. Her chemistry with Bhuvan Arora’s Amavas feels organic, adding warmth to the narrative.
Renuka Shahane, in the role of Pushplata Yadav, the aspiring Sarpanch, is a standout with her impeccable Bihari dialect and commanding presence. Sparsh Srivastava as Bhugol, the social media-obsessed youngest Jha sibling, adds a contemporary flavour to the story. His interactions with best friend Teepu (Samarth Mahor) inject humour, while Yashpal Sharma as ASI Mithilesh Kushwana provides a steady, earnest presence in his quest to solve Dhadakpur’s first-ever crime.
While the primary plot revolves around finding the stolen motorbike, Dupahiya goes beyond its premise. It subtly critiques societal norms and differences between rural and urban life. A particularly poignant moment encapsulates this contrast: “City mein aap happy ho ya sad, kisi ko farak nahi padhta. Aur gaon mein aap happy ho ya sad, poora gaon aapke saath hai.” The show seamlessly weaves such insightful observations into its lighthearted storytelling.
With its breezy tone, well-paced progression, and a mix of hilarious one-liners and touching emotional beats, Dupahiya is an endearing and well-crafted watch. It proves that even the simplest stories, when told with heart and humour, can leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re in for a feel-good ride or a dose of heartland comedy, Dupahiya is a journey worth taking.
