1. Gram Chikitsalay- TVF (The Viral Fever), known for releasing unique and brilliant series, is back with another show titled Gram Chikitsalay. It has a setup somewhat similar to Panchayat. Although Panchayat features more twists, turns, and an overall more entertaining storyline, Gram Chikitsalay can still be a good choice if you’re looking for a light-hearted series. TVF has retained some of its previous actors in the show. Amol Parashar, who was earlier seen in TVF Tripling, and Anandeshwar Dwivedi, known for his comic role in TVF Permanent Roommates, have delivered brilliant performances.
Storyline: Dr. Prabhat Sinha, who earned his medical degree from a top college, chooses to take up a job in a small village instead of working at his father’s grand hospital in the city. Driven by a vision to help those who cannot afford expensive healthcare, he soon realizes the real challenges of the rural healthcare system and struggles to gain the villagers’ trust. The story revolves around his journey and challenges as a village doctor.
Overall Review: It is a light-hearted series with a simple storyline. There is no romantic angle. The story could have been stronger and would have benefitted from more twists and complexity. However, if you’re in the mood for something easygoing and uncomplicated, it’s worth a try.
Where to watch- Amazon Prime Video
Rating: 2.5/5
2. The Diplomat- The movie is based on the true story of Indian citizen Uzma Ahmed. The story is filled with many surprising moments. The main cast includes John Abraham, who plays the role of a diplomat, Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed, and Kumud Mishra as an advocate. The cast has done justice to their roles. The film is full of emotions and effectively showcases how India stood firmly for a cause—to bring an Indian citizen back home. The story is beautifully presented and is a must-watch.
Storyline- Uzma Ahmed, a Muslim Indian girl living in India with her family, falls in love with a Pakistani man who lures her into visiting Pakistan under false pretenses. Once she arrives, she discovers the harsh truth—that the man already has three to four wives. Despite this, he forcefully marries her. The story follows her courageous journey to return to India with the help of a diplomat and Indian politician Ms. Sushma Swaraj. It is a story of courage, diplomacy, and national pride.
Overall review- The story is portrayed wonderfully. Since it is based on true events, it makes the film even more compelling. Every Indian citizen should watch this movie.
Where to watch- Netflix
Rating- 4.5/5
3. The Royals- The series recently released on Netflix has been the talk of the town. It blends royalty with modern times, featuring bold scenes and romantic angles that aim to connect with today’s generation. The screenplay showcases grandeur — royalty, richness, lavish palaces, and beautiful outfits. The main leads, Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, have done a wonderful job. Ishaan Khatter, in particular, stands out with his impeccable performance — be it his acting, style, or looks.
Story line- Bhumi Pednekar plays the CEO of a company with a vision of creating a royal BnB where common people can stay in a palace and experience royalty alongside maharajas and maharanis. During the process, she discovers that Ishaan, whom she had met earlier, is a real Maharaja. The romance between the leads is portrayed with intensity, including some bold scenes. Bhumi’s team stays at the palace for a good six months to kickstart the venture, and the story unfolds from there.
Overall review- This is a rom-com that presents royalty with a modern twist. The storyline is average, but the performances are commendable. The first two episodes successfully capture the viewers’ interest, but the pace of the story slows down later. It had the potential to be better.
Where to watch- Netflix
Rating- 2.5/5
Also read, Ditching international foods with affordable desi options