Vitthal Teedi review: Pratik Gandhi shines in this moving and emotional tale

Pratik Gandhi’s stunning portrayal of the controversial stockbroker Harshad Mehta in his last web-series, Scam 1992 (2020), fetched him acclaim and made him a household name. 

In his latest project, the Gujarati web-series Vitthal Teedi, he plays a professional gambler. Though some might feel that parallels exist between both professions, the characters, as well as the overall shows, are like chalk and cheese.

Directed by Abhishek Jain, the show is based on the short story of the same name by author Mukesh Sojitra. The series opens in the 1980s in a small village in Gujarat. Vitthal Tripathi (Gandhi) receives a blow early in life after an illness takes away his mother. He is brought up by his father Tribhuvandas (Ragi Jani), a respected priest in the local Shiva temple, and his elder sister Vandana (Brinda Trivedi). 

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Vitthal acquires the name Vitthal Teedi, a reference to suits of cards bearing the number three, during his childhood after he is introduced to playing cards. After dropping out of school due to certain circumstances, his interest in card games leads him to start gambling with his friends. He soon becomes an unbeatable player, gaining a reputation as a champion. While none of his opponents seems to stand a chance against him at the card table, the game of life proves to be more of a challenge for the titular gambler. 

Gandhi might have shot to national prominence with Scam 1992 but he has been a prolific actor, honing his skills in Gujarati theatre and cinema for years. Vitthal Teedi showcases his versatility — especially in scenes where he subtly displays a virtuoso's bravado and emotional sequences — and makes the turmoil of his character appear believable. 

As far as the content of the show is concerned, the promotional material, especially the trailer and the title song, is misleading. It gives the impression that the show is a mass entertainer packed to the rafters with the leading man's heroics.

But that is far from the case. Vitthal Teedi is a moving and emotional tale about an individual who experiences uncertainty as his life takes some serious turns. This doesn’t mean the show is bad. It’s just that people should not go by the trailer.
 
It is clear that the director is an admirer of the Amitabh Bachchan blockbusters of the 1970s and he pays homage to the mainstream cinema of that era. Vitthal's initial character arc and the background score induce nostalgia by evoking a bygone era. But at the same time, Jain has also handled the show's serious and emotional moments with maturity. 

Jani and Trivedi's performances elevate the series. The two get ample screen time and they are natural. Prem Gadhavi also makes a mark as a city-based gambler, Kanu. 

One aspect that is bothersome is the total absence of conflict between Tribhuvandas and Vitthal. Considering that the father is an honest and pious cleric, it’s difficult to believe that he didn’t have a problem with Vitthal’s profession. 

The first season ends on a high, indicating that the follow-up will see Vitthal's immersion in the game deepen. 

Vitthal Teedi is being streamed on OHO Gujarati.