I recently had the pleasure of watching the web series Dupahiya, and it turned out to be one of my most refreshing binge-watches in a while. Marketed as a family show with a commendable direction, Dupahiya delivers clean, socially-relevant humor that kept me smiling throughout.
The series is set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, where a stolen motorcycle—dubbed the “dupahiya”—serves as the quirky pivot around which the story unfolds. This simple yet engaging premise immediately hooked me. The show features a delightful mix of Bihari and Mumbai-inflected dialogues, quirky characters, and broad life lessons, reminiscent of the charm that made Panchayat a hit. While Dupahiya swaps Uttar Pradesh for Bihar, its sunny, cheerful vibe remains delightfully intact.
The ensemble cast truly elevates the show. I found myself thoroughly entertained by Gajraj Rao’s portrayal of Banwari Jha, an affable schoolteacher caught in the village’s amusing chaos. Renuka Shahane, playing the determined Pushplata Yadav, adds a layer of earnestness as she juggles her ambitions with the idiosyncrasies of rural life. The subplot involving the matchmaking efforts for Banwari’s daughter and the ensuing hunt for the stolen motorcycle—which, humorously enough, has also “stolen” the heart of the prospective Mumbai-based groom played brilliantly by Avinash Dwivedi—brings in plenty of laughs without ever feeling forced.
Sparsh Shrivastava has also did justice with the role of Bhugol with his fine acting skills, his work is literally appreciating. Every character has done great work in all, I would say.
What I particularly appreciated was the show’s ability to balance humor with subtle social commentary. While it lightly touches upon issues like women in power, colorism, and dowry, these themes never weigh down the overall cheerful tone. Instead, they add an interesting dimension, allowing the series to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Every episode, all nine of them, feels like a countdown to the eagerly awaited ‘baraat’—a clever narrative device that keeps the suspense alive without any unnecessary filler. Even the supporting characters, from a wannabe reporter to local eccentrics delivering witty one-liners (like the memorable “yeh Bihar ka Belgium hai”), contribute to a vibrant, engaging tapestry that celebrates rural life in all its idiosyncratic glory.
In short, Dupahiya is a welcome break from the norm. It offers a refreshing alternative to the usual barrage of explicit content, delivering a clean, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud experience. The direction is tight, the pacing is smooth, and the humor lands perfectly, making it a perfect pick for family viewing. If you’re looking to unwind with a series that combines genuine laughs with a sprinkle of social insight, Dupahiya is definitely worth your time.
I’m pretty much done with non-stop vulgarity in entertainment these days, so this series is a breath of fresh air—and I’m all for it. Enjoy the ride!