Review: Potluck holds up the mirror to the modern desi family, warts and all

Director: Rajshree Ojha

Cast: Cyrus Sahukar, Harman Singha, Ira Dubey, Jatin Sial, Kitu Gidwani, Shikha Talsania

Platform: SonyLIV

Episodes: 8 episodes

Duration: 20-25 minutes per episode 

Review:

The web series begins with the Shastri family’s search for ‘Khushi’ – no, it’s not the name of a child, puppy or any other pet, but happiness that has become so elusive in today’s world. Come to think of it, who isn’t searching for some ‘Khushi’ and inner peace today? Especially, in a COVID-weary world. 

It is said that a family that eats together, stays together – do we still believe in that concept today and imbibe it in our lives? Like any family, time, marriage and career has taken the members of the Shastri family in their own separate ways, who are brought together only on some death or wedding in the family. 

It is daughter Prerna (Shikha Talsania), who suggests that the family gets together every week for a family potluck, to deepen the bonds. The suggestion is eagerly taken up by her parents (Jatin Sial and Kitu Gidwani) and thus begin the weekly trials, tribulations, some introspection and revelations of the extended family. 

‘Potluck’ takes a look at a dysfunctional modern Indian upper class family, but steers away from anything too dark or controversial. Neither is it an out and out comedy. What comes forth are issues that affect any Indian family today – someone struggling to find true love, a young couple struggling to juggle their work and kids, a senior family member struggling to bond with the young of today – not very successfully...and the like.

The ‘Potluck’ characters are relatable and to one’s big relief, the series can be watched with one’s entire family. No ‘A’ rated stuff here.