Mind The Malhotras

Mind the Malhotras is a hilarious and heartwarming Indian comedy web series that debuted on Applause in 2019. Adapted from an Israeli original show "La Famiglia", Mind The Malhotras has been creatively re-imagined for Indian viewership as a comedy with a touch of drama, shining a spotlight on the ordinary and extraordinary happenings of a suburban couple and their unconventional family. The series beautifully bridges the gap between 21st century urban Indian realities and conventional sitcom scenarios, blending humor, emotion, and a whole lot of relatability within each episode.

Set in the heart of Mumbai, the show traverses the life of Rishabh and Shefali Malhotra, a seemingly normal couple grappling with their own set of peculiar problems. The underlying tension is that all their friends are getting divorced, leading to an uncalled paranoia that they might be next. In an attempt to save their marriage from facing the same fate, the couple starts seeking therapy. The story unfolds as they navigate their way through life, parenting, and the numerous comical situations that come up in their therapy sessions.

The narrative is comically driven by the couple's sessions with their quirky, eccentric yet wise therapist, portraying an awkward and amusing dynamic. Each episode typically presents a particular theme or problem the couple is facing and how their therapy sessions guide them on addressing the issue. These issues could be as trivial as a squabble over remote control, or as consequential as a romantic entanglement with an old flame. Their interactions with their therapist shed light on the intricacies of their relationship and how they hilariously fail at times to see what's right in front of them.

The ensemble cast perfectly brings character to the table. The protagonists Rishabh and Shefali, played by Cyrus Sahukar and Mini Mathur respectively, are convincing and thoroughly entertaining in their roles, making the viewers chuckle, cringe, sympathize, and relate to their situation. Complementing them is Denzil Smith, the couples' eccentric therapist whose unconventional methods only adds to the hilarity of the series. The one-of-a-kind dynamics between the psychiatrist and his patients is a compelling and comedic spectacle to watch. The show also includes impressive performances from the supporting cast, bringing in their own personality and charm to the narrative.

The series smartly addresses various common issues like parenting, wedded life, mid-life crisis, and peer pressure. While it is primarily a comedy, it doesn't shy away from showcasing realities and complexities of a modern urban Indian family. On the face of it, Mind the Malhotras can seem like just another urban comedy, but over the course of its first season, it evolves into a witty commentary on contemporary relationships and social norms, while also touching upon mental health, albeit in a light-hearted way.

The dialogue is snappy, the situations are funny, and the performances are top-notch. The brilliant writing, combined with the sheer comic timing of the actors, makes for a highly enjoyable viewing experience. Its realistic portrayal of metropolitan life and relationships, relatable issues, and well-etched characters make it a unique addition to the Indian web-series scenario.

The show’s production value is also noteworthy. From its cinematography to its costume design, everything complements the setting of the story. The locales, the décor, the nuances – everything provides a realistic visual treat pertaining to the lives of the urban upper-middle-class families.

Mind the Malhotras strikes a perfect balance between humor and sentiment. It's an eccentric ride into the lives of a modern Indian family that will bring laughter and tears in equal measure. For viewers seeking a fresh comedic drama with depth and substance, Mind the Malhotras is a must-watch. Above all, it is remarkable for presenting that everyone, no matter how flawless their lives might seem from the outside, can still have quirks and problems that need addressing. Through its humor, irony, and emotional depth - Mind the Malhotras brings to life the chaos, confusion, and conviviality of an Indian family, making for an engaging viewing experience.