Gram Chikitsalaya: An Amazon Webseries
| Aspect | Rating |
| Introduction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Social Commentary | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Plot Analysis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Screenplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Direction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Music | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| SEO Potential | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Originality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Introduction
Today, I sat down to watch Season 2 of ‘Gram Chikitsalay’ this weekend after its release on Amazon Prime Video.
I was left completely numb—not just emotionally, but mentally as well. I am well aware that, in recent years, the country has chosen a path that effectively discourages people from using their intellect.
The more deeply I try to understand the Indian mindset (being an Indian myself), the stranger I feel, and to be honest, it wasn’t like this at all a few years ago.
Over the past few years, events in the country have made it truly seem as though being on the ‘wrong’ path—that is, having political connections despite a lack of formal education—would have been far better, because we might well have been in a better position then.
Our Villages and Medical Amenities
“If you want to understand India, go towards the villages.”
This powerful statement was made by Mahatma Gandhi, who held a deep conviction in the potential of prosperous and self-reliant villages.
He firmly believed that “the soul of India resides in the villages.”
According to him, to truly understand India’s essence, culture, and reality, it is essential to observe rural life and work towards the development of villages.
It has been 79 years since India gained independence, but do our honorable leaders—especially those elected by us—truly know or understand the condition of our villages?
For the vast majority of villages, the answer is certainly ‘no’, with a few exceptions.
If there is a PHC, there is no doctor; if there is a doctor, they do not attend regularly; there are neither nurses nor ward boys; medicines do arrive but never reach the needy—they disappear along the way; a building is here for the PHC, but due to a lack of maintenance, it has fallen into a dilapidated state.
On the other hand, there are also quacks in villages and their surrounding areas; many of them do not know the ABCs of medical treatment, yet they remain quite popular there.
This is the reality of rural India, and the level of corruption is so high that qualified doctors try to avoid the mandatory one-year internship in rural areas.
Why should we watch ‘Gram Chikitsalay’?
In the review of season1 ‘Gram Chikitsalay’, I had mentioned that India is grappling not only with diseases but also with corruption, superstition, a flawed system, political chaos, and the negativity-laden tolerance of the common people—a struggle in which the public appears to suffer from start to finish, yet never manages to muster the courage to consistently and effectively raise its voice for its rights.
Regardless of which party is in power, systemic corruption continues to undermine public healthcare in many regions.
So what is in the new season of ‘Gram Chiktsalay’?
Amidst the struggle to secure medicines and the challenge of effectively running the PHC, Dr. Prabhat Sinha’s efforts are truly praiseworthy.
Though it seems slightly unreal for those who clearly know that even the most patient person would flee after facing such a situation.
However, Dr. Prabhat Sinha is determined to fight both the system and the rotten mindset of those in power.
“Out of every rupee spent by the government for the welfare of the underprivileged sections, only 15 paise actually reach the people for whom the amount is intended.”
This statement was made by former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi.
The problem is that those currently in power are not only acting against ethical norms but are also making every possible effort to amass wealth by misusing their positions within the system.
Corruption has now spiraled out of control; officials and their subordinates are not only eyeing vast sums of money—running into lakhs and crores—but are also sifting these funds to tax havens.
Corruption has developed within the establishment, linking individuals who share the same mindset. This type of wrongdoing is difficult to achieve alone; it requires a coordinated effort from a powerful group.
Gram Chikitsalay: Season 2 Plot
As the story of this web series is propagating into something positive, I applaud the Character played by Dr Prabhat Sinha.
He is such a hard nut to crack with outer setbacks.
The story of Season 2 focuses on the shortage of medicine in the PHC and an easy solution for this issue.
However, nothing around us is ‘easy,’ as corruption runs rampant, outdated mindsets hinder any form of progress, and even the faintest whisper of positive change is barely audible.
Today, you might not find a qualified doctor in many Indian villages, but you will certainly encounter quacks and their middlemen everywhere.
Furthermore, a parallel system operates here that siphons off funds meant for public amenities and healthcare; the result is that patients often die in agony without treatment, while villagers are left cursing their fate.
That is the harshest reality of rural India.
I still remember my days in a suburb of Uttar Pradesh during COVID.
This pandemic was entirely new to humanity, and people were dying without access to medical facilities; there were even instances of ambulance drivers extorting money from dying patients, while oxygen cylinders and life-saving medicines were available only on the black market.
Furthermore, diagnostic labs were accused of issuing COVID-positive reports to individuals who were not actually infected.
Some manufacturers even sold bottles of sanitizer filled with water.
So, when Govind agreed to marry the sister-in-law of the CMO’s head clerk to secure his job, he was essentially paying a bribe.
The very head clerk who had helped arrange medicines for the first delivery at Dr. Prabhat Sinha’s PHC had actually used a government ambulance to transport those medicines along with the wedding gifts.
Thus, Dr. Chetak Kumar (a character played by Vinay Pathak)—a quack—continues to practice in the village without hindrance, despite the presence of a qualified doctor at the PHC.
As you sow, So Shall you reap – English Proverb – YouTube
Those who seek to move forward by choosing the wrong path often realize their mistake only when it is too late, and there is no chance left to turn back.
Dr Chetak Kumar is a fine example of this when his own daughter reprimanded him for choosing the wrong path in his life.
It is truly difficult to understand—and to make oneself understood by—people in rural areas; likewise, it is challenging for a competent doctor to work effectively after being posted to a village.
The system of bribery is so complex, and the roots of corruption run so deep, that people in powerful positions refuse to act even with basic human decency; they disrupt the system and deliberately create obstacles to government-approved projects, employing tactics even more potent than the official government machinery itself.
This not only hinders development but also deprives genuine beneficiaries of their rightful entitlements.
Such negative examples certainly do not contribute to the welfare of society.
Welcoming positive changes in the village
The show’s makers have incorporated the witchcraft element perfectly this season.
This is another brutal reality in our society.
Powerful individuals who fail to seize a particular property conspire to spread inhumane rumors against the other party.
This kind of practice, mostly done to widows, is still prevalent in villages.
It stands to reason that if you cannot usurp someone’s property—or if their presence hinders the fulfillment of your wicked plans—you might resort to defaming them so severely that they step aside on their own.
In this country, heinous crimes like rape are often committed against widows to remove them from the path.
The historical practice of ‘Sati’ was fueled by deeply rooted malicious intent, highlighting the dark side of societal norms.
Alarmingly, even in contemporary times, some individuals in positions of power continue to engage in similar exploitative behaviors to fulfill their illicit desires, underscoring the need for vigilance and reform.
Engaging in meaningful communication with individuals in rural areas often presents significant challenges.
Cultural differences, varying degrees of education, and distinct local customs can make it hard to understand their perspectives and needs.
In the same vein, a highly skilled doctor assigned to practice in a village may face considerable difficulties.
They may encounter resource limitations, face language barriers, and have to adapt to a vastly different healthcare system.
These factors can impede their ability to provide effective medical care and connect with the community they serve.
The resilience that Dr Prabhat Sinha exhibits in the show is commendable. He tries his level best by closely watching the lifestyles of the villagers who resist all the changes coming their way, perceiving them as an attack on their way of living.
“Who says a hole cannot be made in the sky? Just toss a stone with all your heart, friends.” This is an English translation of a work by the Hindi poet Dushyant Kumar.
A humble request to the makers of ‘Gram Chiktsalay’
The ‘Gram Chikitsalay’ web series is set to open the eyes of the many people who are unaware of the challenges faced by our villages.
The level of innocence toppled by ignorance is making their sufferings harder, and on top of this, politicians and corrupt officials are further adding to their misery.
I urge the makers to make this series easily accessible on Amazon Prime—meaning people should be able to watch it without needing an Amazon Prime subscription. This series is intended for a vast audience—the very same audience that is portrayed in the series itself.
Screenplay
One of the best parts of Season 2 of ‘Gram Chikitsalay’ is its screenplay. The story avoids excessive drama and plot twists. Instead, it shares its message through everyday challenges, government obstacles, and the gradual change in people and organizations. The conflicts feel real, helping the audience connect with rural healthcare rather than just watching it from a distance.
Performances
Amol Parashar once again carries the series with remarkable sincerity, making Dr. Prabhat Sinha believable as an idealistic yet determined government doctor.
Akanksha Ranjan Kapoor delivers a restrained performance that suits her character, although her role leaves limited scope to display a wider emotional range.
Vinay Pathak manages to maintain his significance in the show.
The rest of the cast also delivers a good performance.
The entry of Azamgarh MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’ is surprising.
Pacing
Pace is slow, but it’s justifiable.
Struggles, challenges, and plights of rural India are not so easy to summarise through a few episodes of a web series.
Writing
The writing is praiseworthy. The author has succeeded in presenting a picture of rural India without using any objectionable language.
Govind’s wedding with Babu Sahab’s sister-in-law was quite a spectacular affair, especially because during the crossover of two characters, Bnarakas and Binod from ‘Panchayat’—another hit web series by the same production house (TVF).
Direction
Despite some shortcomings, the direction effectively captures the reality of rural India. It does not present an idealized or picture-perfect village; instead, it portrays the actual state of villages—where, amidst numerous challenges, the hope for a better tomorrow endures.
Background Music
Throughout the series, the music effectively propels the story forward without hindering the emotional journey of rural India.
Cinematography
Although this series is primarily a medical drama, it has succeeded in honestly portraying the real challenges of rural India.
Weak Point
At times, the series feels repetitive in its portrayal of the hurdles posed by corruption and bureaucracy. Some sub-plots could have been trimmed to make the narrative tighter, particularly in the middle episodes.
Final Verdict
‘Gram Chikitsalay’ Season 2 is not just another rural drama; it holds a mirror to India’s healthcare system, bureaucracy, corruption, and social beliefs.
Whether you watch it as a medical drama, a social commentary, or simply a well-crafted rural story, Gram Chikitsalay Season 2 is a series that entertains while encouraging viewers to reflect on realities that often remain invisible to urban India.
An emotional moment:
The series concludes with a beautiful scene in which Dr. Prabhat Sinha—looking calm and content after a difficult delivery at his PHC—asks for sweets.
FAQ Section
- Is this web series worth watching?
Yes, without any speculation.
- Is this series based on true events?
Perhaps, yes. Those deeply connected to rural India can sense the authenticity of this show.