Gullak Season 5 Review 2026 – The Mishras Return With More Warmth, Wisdom & Middle-Class Magic Rating & Verdict
μμΈν λ΄μ© 보기
:
π Main Cast
Synopsis
No Major Spoilers
The Mishra family is back in their beloved home, navigating the same chaos, nok-jhoks, and heartfelt moments that have made them a household name. This season, however, things are changing: Wi-Fi has finally arrived, the walls have a fresh coat of paint, and the sons, now adults, are managing their own lives with dreams and responsibilities that distance them from the comforts of home [citation:10].
As the family grapples with new realities, they are forced to question: "Amid all the upgrades and upheavals, can you ever really outgrow where you come from?" [citation:3]. The season explores the journey of a family holding onto its values while adapting to a rapidly changing world.
My Honest Review
π¬ A Comforting Return to Mishra Nivas
In an OTT space packed with high-concept thrillers, crime sagas, and larger-than-life stories, Gullak has always remained a quiet, refreshing outlier. As the first Indian Hindi original to reach a fifth season, it has managed to retain its emotional authenticity without losing sight of the realities that made audiences fall in love with it in the first place [citation:5][citation:14].
This season stays true to the show's essence while reflecting how Indian households are adapting to a rapidly changing world. The new season begins on familiar territory with Santosh and Shanti Mishra continuing their delightful husband-wife banter. However, the changes are more visible now—the house gets a fresh coat of paint, a Wi-Fi connection becomes a necessity, and modern aspirations quietly enter the Mishra household [citation:5][citation:15].
π Performances — The Heart of Gullak
The cast continues to be one of the strongest pillars of the show. Jameel Khan and Geetanjali Kulkarni deliver consistent and effective performances, keeping the authenticity of the Mishra family intact. Their chemistry feels effortless, and their interactions carry both humour and emotional depth [citation:1][citation:5].
The biggest change this season is the recasting of the elder son Annu. Anant V Joshi steps into the role played by Vaibhav Raj Gupta across the first four seasons. While the transition initially feels significant for long-time viewers, Joshi gradually settles into the role and manages to maintain the essence of the character without disrupting the overall flow of the narrative [citation:1][citation:8]. One review noted that Joshi "never makes the audience miss his predecessor" [citation:15].
Sunita Rajwar as Bittu Ki Mummy evolves beyond comic relief this season, emerging as a voice of confidence and agency. Her character finds new relevance as a content creator, adding a modern twist to the neighbourhood dynamics [citation:1][citation:5][citation:10].
π Writing — Simple Yet Impactful
The writing by Shreyansh Pandey and Vidit Tripathi stays engaging, relying on simple yet impactful storytelling. The season tackles themes such as career anxieties, generational shifts, changing social dynamics, and the fear of being left behind. These concerns never feel forced because the writers root them firmly within the realities of everyday life [citation:5].
One of the most memorable lines from the show's voiceover this season is: "Fear and tension are poisons that, slowly consumed, have done wonders for middle-class immunity" [citation:11]. The narration by the earthen piggy bank itself continues to lend the series its distinctive flavour, tying together moments of humour, nostalgia, and reflection [citation:5].
⚠️ Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the season has received some criticism:
- A Slightly Less Warm Hug: Some critics have noted that this season feels slightly less warm compared to earlier ones. The emotional impact is still present, but not as strong or consistent as before [citation:1][citation:10]. One reviewer described it as a "familiar warm hug losing its magic" [citation:10].
- Overly Familiar Storytelling: The narrative remains intentionally understated, which means some episodes lack dramatic highs and feel overly familiar. Viewers hoping for significant developments may find parts of the season predictable [citation:5][citation:15].
- Nostalgia Chasing: At times, the show appears content relying on the audience's affection for its characters rather than giving them stronger material [citation:15].
- Recasting Adjustment: The recasting of Annu takes a couple of episodes to settle in, and some viewers may feel a gap initially [citation:1][citation:10].
π My Final Thoughts
Gullak Season 5 doesn't reinvent itself, nor does it attempt to. Instead, it embraces what it does best—telling relatable stories about ordinary people with honesty, warmth, and compassion [citation:5].
For audiences seeking heartfelt storytelling and a reminder that life's smallest moments often matter the most, Gullak once again feels like coming home. Even with its shortcomings, it remains one of the rare family-friendly shows that can genuinely be watched across generations [citation:15].
πΊ Where to Watch Gullak Season 5
Gullak Season 5 is exclusively available on Sony LIV [citation:1][citation:3].
π Ratings Breakdown
✅ What Works
- Heartwarming performances by the cast
- Strong chemistry between Jameel Khan & Geetanjali Kulkarni
- Anant V Joshi smoothly steps into Annu's role
- Perfect slice-of-life storytelling [citation:5]
- Relatable middle-class struggles [citation:7]
- Narration by the piggy bank adds charm [citation:5]
⚠️ What Doesn't Work
- Slightly less warm than previous seasons
- Overly familiar, predictable storytelling
- Some episodes lack dramatic highs
- Forced nostalgia at times [citation:10]
- Recasting adjustment takes time
Final Verdict
Gullak Season 5 is a heartwarming return to the Mishra family's world—a comforting watch that feels like coming home [citation:5]. While the show may be beginning to show signs of ageing and the magic isn't quite as potent as before, the strong performances, relatable middle-class struggles, and emotional sincerity make it a must-watch for fans of the series [citation:1][citation:15]. 7.5/10 from my side.
π₯ Who Should Watch This?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gullak Season 5 worth watching?
Yes, it's a heartwarming return to the Mishra family's world. While the show may be beginning to show signs of ageing, the strong performances and emotional sincerity make it a must-watch for fans of the series [citation:1][citation:5]. I rated it 7.5/10.
What is Gullak Season 5 about?
The Mishra family returns with their signature middle-class chaos, witty nok-jhoks, and heartfelt moments, navigating changing times and modern challenges while preserving the warmth, humour, and togetherness that define them [citation:5].
Where can I watch Gullak Season 5?
Gullak Season 5 is streaming exclusively on Sony LIV [citation:1][citation:3]. All 7 episodes are available with a subscription [citation:3].
Who plays Annu in Gullak Season 5?
Anant V Joshi steps into the role of Annu Mishra in Season 5, replacing Vaibhav Raj Gupta, who played the character across the first four seasons [citation:8][citation:15].
What is the IMDb rating of Gullak?
Gullak has a 9.1/10 rating on IMDb based on over 27,000 user reviews, making it one of the highest-rated Indian series [citation:7][citation:9].
π Disclaimer
This review is my honest, independent opinion based on watching Gullak Season 5. I am not associated with Sony LIV, TVF, or any cast/crew members. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. GetMovieLinks.Online is not affiliated with any production house or streaming platform.
Published: July 2026
π¬ Series released June 5, 2026. Sharing my honest review.
