Vitthal Teedi review: A masala entertainer that gives Pratik Gandhi more scope to perform than Scam 1992

3.5/5

Seldom do you find a web series which grips you right from the word go. While most shows take time to build up, Vitthal Teedi keeps you hooked even before the lead actor Pratik Gandhi makes his appearance. Its director Abhishek Jain deserves all the credit for that.

In this Gujarati show, Pratik’s Vitthal is introduced as a gambler who never loses, who does what he likes and remains humble till you drag his family's name into a conversation. Even though the show is a little dramatic, this can be forgiven, as the storyline and Pratik's acting reel you in and doesn’t release you till the end of all 10 episodes.

While Scam 1992 had Pratik mouthing memorable punchlines such, “Ishq hai toh risk hai”, Vitthal Teedi has him delivering the same impact with just his expressions. The dialogues are an added bonus.

Along with packing in all entertaining ingredients, Abhishek also keeps Vitthal Teedi extremely real. He has shot the series keeping all traits of a middle-class family in mind. Even the film’s setting in a small town in Gujarat makes the audience relate better to Vitthal’s character.

The best part of the show is how Vitthal’s character is defined. He does not depend on pure luck to play the card, instead he analyses every single detail about a person and their game, which is beautifully explained in the series. The character also goes through many ups and downs in his life that keep testing him in every episode.

Although the show becomes more dramatic towards the end, there is never a moment when Pratik lets up as an actor. Even when Abhishek uses close-ups of Pratik's face frequently, the actor keeps surprising you by offering something new every time.

Prem Gadhvi in the role of Kanu Datti steals the show every time he is in the frame. His friendship with Vitthal is definitely worth your time. Jagjeetsinh Vadher as Jaglo has his own swag too. Although the series does not explore Vitthal and Jaglo’s equation in depth, the relationship (just like every friendship should be) does not need words. Ragi Jani, who played Vitthal’s father Tribhuvandas Tripathi, also did a fairly good job for his role. Brinda Trivedi, seen as Vitthal’s sister Vandana, is an equally loveable character, but unfortunately, she does not have enough screen time either.

Vitthal Teedi undoubtedly gives Pratik an opportunity to shine as an actor, way more than Scam 1992, and he does not let the opportunity go to waste. Abhishek’s direction further accentuates the actor’s performance. Rest assured, Pratik’s fans are in for a treat with Vitthal Teedi.