After Panchayat and Dupahiya, TVF returns with another rural gem—‘Gram Chikitsalay’, streaming on Prime Video. Set in the fictional village of Bhatkandi, Jharkhand, the series follows Dr Prabhat Sinha (Amol Parashar), a top medical graduate who chooses to serve in a neglected Primary Health Centre (PHC), only to be met with indifference from the villagers who instead flock to a local quack, Chetak Kumar (Vinay Pathak).
What unfolds is a deeply human story—not of medical miracles, but of small emotional victories and self-transformation. The villagers’ loyalty to the charming yet dangerously unqualified Chetak highlights a bigger issue: the rural healthcare crisis rooted in mistrust, familiarity, and systemic failure.
A Battle Between Idealism and Ground Reality
Dr Sinha’s arrival coincides with the funeral of a 92-year-old man who died due to Chetak’s careless treatment—a sharp metaphor for how hard it is to replace tradition, no matter how flawed. Despite his gold medal and clean intentions, Prabhat quickly learns that degrees don’t automatically earn trust in places like Bhatkandi.
His struggle is painfully real: a PHC with no basic infrastructure, access blocked by paddy fields, bureaucratic red tape, and emotional disillusionment. When his idealism clashes with local customs—like involving the police against a farmer who refuses to clear the path—he begins to realise that change begins with empathy, not authority.
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Realistic Performances That Elevate the Narrative
Amol Parashar brings a quiet sincerity to the role of Prabhat, capturing the urban-rural disconnect, inner turmoil, and eventual growth of a man who slowly begins to understand the pulse of the village. In contrast, Vinay Pathak is brilliant as Chetak Kumar—a quack who thrives on charm and Google searches, embodying both humour and danger.
The supporting cast adds soul to the show. Anandeshwar Dwivedi as Phutani (compounder) and Akash Makhija as Gobind (ward boy) deliver delightful comic timing, while Garima Singh and Santoo Kumar bring emotional gravity as the mother-son duo at the clinic.
Watch the trailer here:
Even with limited screen time, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor as Dr Gargi leaves an impression. Like Rinki in Panchayat, her story seems to be slowly brewing for future seasons—a signature TVF slow-burn technique.
Not Just a Series, But a Mirror to Rural India
Directed by Rahul Pandey and created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Arunabh Kumar, Gram Chikitsalay doesn’t just entertain—it raises questions about public healthcare, blind faith, and the emotional resilience of grassroots workers. The writing is layered, with humorous moments wrapped in melancholy and hope.
Its open ending promises more in Season 2, leaving unresolved issues that simmer with potential. With only five episodes, the series manages to evoke a range of emotions, making it ideal for viewers who appreciate slow storytelling with social depth.
