ZEE5’s latest web series, Thode Door Thode Paas, is a refreshing family drama that dares to ask a simple question: what happens when you unplug from technology? Led by legendary actor Pankaj Kapur, alongside Mona Singh and Kunaal Roy Kapur, this Ajay Bhuyan directorial blends nostalgia, humor, and a social experiment called Digital Fasting to highlight the importance of real human connections.
Story
The series opens with the Mehta family — Kunal (Kunaal Roy Kapur), his wife Simran (Mona Singh), their kids Avni (Ayesha Kaduskar) and Vivaan (Sartaaj Kakkar), and Kumud (Gurpreet Saini) — all deeply absorbed in their devices. Enter Ashwin Mehta (Pankaj Kapur), patriarch of the family, who returns from a trip only to find his loved ones more connected to their screens than each other.
To break the cycle, Ashwin proposes an irresistible deal: each family member will get ₹1 crore, but only if they live without gadgets for six months — embracing a lifestyle reminiscent of the 70s and 80s. What follows is a quirky yet heartfelt journey of adapting to a time before smartphones, social media, and Google — a challenge that tests patience, relationships, and practicality.
Performances
Pankaj Kapur is undoubtedly the heart and soul of Thode Door Thode Paas. His portrayal of Ashwin brings authenticity, warmth, and subtle humor to the role of a man yearning for reconnection in an age of digital distraction.
Mona Singh and Kunaal Roy Kapur shine as a couple rediscovering shared moments beyond screens, while Ayesha Kaduskar and Sartaaj Kakkar deliver believable, natural performances as the tech-savvy grandchildren learning to adapt to offline life. Gurpreet Saini’s comic timing as Kumud adds lightness to the narrative, and the supporting cast contributes solid, relatable touches throughout.
Behind the Scenes
Director Ajay Bhuyan deserves credit for steering the story away from preachiness, allowing characters to discover the joys of a tech-free life through lived experiences rather than heavy-handed lectures.
Shiirshak S Anand’s story is fresh and engaging, while Manish Singh’s dialogues feel contemporary yet rooted in everyday family dynamics. Cinematographer M. Pon Ganapathy Raman captures nostalgia through warm, inviting visuals, and Adeeth Bhardwaj’s editing ensures a steady pace, though a slight trim in certain scenes could have made the series crisper.
Final Verdict
While some plot points may feel impractical in today’s hyper-connected world, Thode Door Thode Paas succeeds in its core mission — reminding viewers of the charm in slowing down, valuing relationships, and creating memories beyond screens. It’s not highbrow art, but it’s genuine, lighthearted, and perfect for casual family viewing.
If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good series that blends nostalgia with a timely social message, this ZEE5 title is worth adding to your watchlist.
