Dupahiya, the latest comedy-drama streaming on Prime Video, brings a mix of humor and chaos to a sleepy Bihar village. Starring Gajraj Rao, Sparsh Shrivastava, Shivani Raghuvanshi, Renuka Shahane, and Yashpal Sharma, the series revolves around a stolen motorcycle that disrupts the so-called ‘crime-free’ village of Dhadakpur.
A Stolen Motorcycle and a Village in Chaos
The story follows Banwari Jha (Gajraj Rao), a school principal, who saves up his entire life to buy a two-wheeler as dowry for his daughter's wedding. However, just days before the marriage, the motorcycle is stolen at knifepoint, throwing the village into disarray.
Dhadakpur, which prides itself on zero crime for 25 years, is now forced to deal with its first major case. With a quirky mix of characters, from a kleptomaniac to a rich village bigshot, the series explores how a simple robbery exposes hidden truths about rural life.
Comedy Meets Social Satire
Directed by Sonam Nair, Dupahiya tries to blend lighthearted rural humor with a subtle commentary on social issues like dowry, modernization, and small-town aspirations. While the writing lacks the sharpness of hits like Panchayat or Kathal, the performances—especially Gajraj Rao’s effortless charm—keep the show engaging.
Gajraj Rao Steals the Show
Rao’s portrayal of Banwari Jha adds warmth and relatability to the series. His expressions, comic timing, and effortless dialogue delivery keep the nine-episode series (35-40 mins each) entertaining, even when the script feels stretched.
Final Verdict
Dupahiya is not as deep or impactful as Panchayat, but it offers a fun, lighthearted watch for fans of rural comedies. The show’s quirky characters, village setting, and Gajraj Rao’s standout performance make it an enjoyable ride, even if it lacks originality.