Vitthal Teedi review: Pratik Gandhi wins Poker and Hearts in his new Gujarati web series

Director: Abhishek Jain

Cast: Pratik Gandhi, Rahi Jani, Shrdha Dangar, Vishal Thakkar, Prem Ghvi

Producer: Nayan Jain. Abhishek Jain, Amit Desai, Suryeep Basiya

Where to watch Vitthal Teedi: OHO Gujarati

plot

Based on a short story by Mukesh Sojitra, this is a story of titular character Vitthal Teedi, who would do anything for happiness of his family. Having lost his mor at a young age, Vitthal and his sister Vandana are brought up solely by ir far. In order to financially support his family, Vitthal begins playing poker, getting dicted to cards, gambling away to run family as well as support his bror’s education. This also earns him title of ‘Teedi’ that replaces his last name Tripathi, when translated means card of 3 in Gujarati. Things begin going downhill for him as his family faces several major obstacles with no money left to face m. story is about moral dilemma of Vitthal as he tries to save day at cost of his conscience.

What works?

Pratik Gandhi seems to be one of actors blessed with a phenomenal background score in whatever project he takes up. If you loved background score and title me music of Scam 1992, you will fall in love with dramatic title me of Vitthal Teedi that is reminiscent of an 80s Amitabh action drama, created by Kedar and Bhargav. itya Gvi too outdoes himself with title track of song. director of series Abhishek Jain has mentioned in an interview with Republic World that show is stylized in 1980s sense – and how! This is reflected in beginning and end credits, music, power-packed dialogue and not-so-subtle nods to Amitabh Bachchan’s action-dramas of 80s – especially iconic red jacket from 1981 hit Laawaris.

Every actor in series holds ir own. Be it Ragi Jani’s performance as caring patriarch, Brinda Trivedi’s resilient and supportive sister to Vitthal, Prem Ghvi’s frivolous Kanu Datti and even Hellaro actor Shrdha Dangar appearing for a very short time, playing potential love interest to Vitthal – each one is seasoned and perfect in ir own ways. use of auntic Kathiyawi – brought from interiors of Gujarat is impressive, especially because it is still heard in pockets of Junagh. Seeing each actor following lilt to T is fascinating. subtitles provide a massive help for those who are unfamiliar with Gujarati, actors making sure of it with ir expression.

series is a definite visual treat. fact that it is one of most simply told stories makes it beautiful. characters have been established well enough in first season, completely involving viewer into ir lives. It is perfect way to anticipate next season of any series.

What doesn't?

show may or may not connect too well with kind of rustic, rural setting that it has. show is heavily dialogue-driven delivered by a ‘poker’-faced Pratik Gandhi. This works in parts, but one who is not familiar with setting of show (timeline and location), or even poker, would want to understand intricacies of game. re will be curiosity looming around what makes Vitthal best player ever – as repeatedly claimed. However, sheer joy of watching him deliver se dialogues as a narrator and participant brings this story to life. Also, six-episode show ends way too soon. By time one settles into story, get attached to characters, it ends, but with a promise of next season.

Vitthal Teedi review: Final thoughts

It’s a must-watch for anyone craving to watch more of Pratik Gandhi on screen. As he delivers one of his finest performances, child actor playing Vitthal Teedi, Vishal Thakkar, deserves special mention. He is orable and yet so intense, it's seamless.

quandaries of conscience that Vitthal is stuck in are not judged as harshly by his family or friends, and that is quite refreshing to watch. show looks at not a common, but seemingly most mundane man’s problem by getting inside his he – making it even more interesting for viewer to dive into it. Vitthal Teedi most definitely delivers what it promises – an ode to 1980s complete with family drama, social commentary, and hero – a do-gooder with a darker side that audience can expect more of in coming season. This is a ‘diamond’ in rough set to win ‘hearts’ in coming seasons.

Rating: 4/5

IMAGE: PRATIK GANDHI'S INSTAGRAM