Ep 1. Pukam Pukai

Yeh Meri Family is a heartwarming Indian web series that takes the viewers down memory lane to the simpler times of the late 90s. It's a nostalgic trip that is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings and take you back to your own childhood. In its season 1 episode 1, Pukam Pukai, the show introduces its central characters and sets up the tone for the series.

The episode opens with the eleven-year-old Harshu, our protagonist, rushing to his brother Dabbu's room to borrow his cricket bat. Harshu is a quintessential middle child, sandwiched between his elder brother Dabbu and his toddler sister Chuhiya. As a result, Harshu constantly feels left out and longs for attention from his parents, who seem to be more focused on Dabbu's academic achievements. As Harshu makes his way to the cricket field, we are introduced to his group of friends, who seem to be the perfect foil to his insecurities.

The gang is comprised of Shanky, a bumbling boy whose antics are more a cause of laughter than any actual skill, and his older sister, Dhwani, who is the tomboyish captain of their cricket team. Completing the group is Vishal, a chubby kid who has the ability to disgust everyone around him with his love for food.

As the kids play cricket and unsuccessfully try to avoid Vishal's incessant hunger pangs, we are introduced to the daily rhythms of their lives. Harshu's father is a government employee who is trying to make ends meet while his mother is a homemaker who is constantly fretting over her children's well-being. Every interaction between the family members is imbued with the warmth, the familiarity, and the conflicts that are inherent in an Indian joint family.

The central conflict of the episode arises when Dabbu is accused of stealing money from his father's purse. Harshu, who is convinced of Dabbu's innocence, tries to find the real culprit. In his attempt to clear his brother's name, Harshu finds himself in trouble. He is caught spying on his uncle, who works as a private detective, and is warned to stay away from matters that don't concern him. However, Harshu's determination to uncover the truth prevails, and he eventually finds out that the real thief is none other than Chuhiya, his toddler sister.

The episode ends with Harshu finally getting his due attention from his parents, who are proud of him for clearing his brother's name. As the family sits down for dinner, they conclude that the theft was a result of the children imitating the adults in their household, who are constantly involved in petty conflicts. The episode ends on a philosophical note, with Harshu's father admonishing his children to stop trying to be like adults and instead focus on being good kids.

In conclusion, Yeh Meri Family's season 1 episode 1, Pukam Pukai, is a delightful introduction to the series. The show's ability to expertly blend comedy with drama, and nostalgia with realism, makes it a must-watch for anyone who has ever reminisced about their childhood. The show's characters are instantly endearing, and their conflicts are relatable, making the audience empathize with their struggles. With its heartwarming writing and pitch-perfect performances, Yeh Meri Family is a show that will make you laugh, cry and yearn for simpler times.