Life Hill Gayi Review: Divyendu And Kusha Kapila Star In This Chaotic Comedy Drama With A Rural Heart

Life Hill Gayi Review: This Disney+ Hotstar comedy-drama series captures the journey of two siblings, Dev (Divyendu) and Kalki (Kusha Kapila), who are forced to abandon their opulent lifestyles and work together to revive their grandfather's dilapidated hotel Good Morning Woods Villa in Panchmoli, a quaint village in Uttarakhand. The stakes are high as the success of the hotel is tied to their inheritance. Directed by Prem Mistry and written by Akshendra Mishra, Suprith Kundar, Jasmeet Singh Bhatia and Shakir Ali, this six-episode series blends humour, family drama, horror and a hint of romance, while exploring the deep-seated emotions that come with familial love and rivalry as Kalki rightly says, "All is fair in love and war and this a war amongst loved ones!"

Divyendu Sharma, known for his role as Munna Bhaiya in Mirzapur, plays Dev, a seemingly humble yet affluent man who must navigate the challenges of running the hotel. Kusha Kapila, an influencer-turned-actor, portrays Kalki, a rich, spoiled woman with a sharp English accent and a penchant for luxury. Mukti Mohan plays Hima, a grounded and entrepreneurial woman from Panchmoli, who becomes Dev’s love interest.

The supporting cast is filled with notable characters who add depth and humour to the narrative. Kabir Bedi plays Dev and Kalki's grandfather (Prithvi/Dadu), the family's head and a confident businessman. Vinay Pathak plays Himalaya, Dev and Kalki's father, who is portrayed as a bit of a caricature—a drunkard and a largely absentee figure who is nevertheless a pivotal part of the plot. Atul Shrivastav takes on the role of Kripaalji, the hotel caretaker, whose loyalty and wisdom guide the siblings through their challenges.

The villagers and hotel staff, including the receptionist Sushma (Annapurna Soni), the chef (Negi played by Hemant Pandey) and the security guard (Bisht played by Ishtiyak Khan), bring life to the story, each contributing their own quirks and humour to the mix and portraying the role of villagers with utmost perfection.

Divyendu delivers a solid performance as Dev, though his role doesn’t push his boundaries as much as his previous works such as his recent movie Madgaon Express. His comic timing is on point, and he brings a sense of groundedness to his character, making Dev relatable despite his privileged background. Kusha Kapila shines as Kalki, effortlessly embodying the elite, bossy character with her impeccable English accent and commanding presence. Her portrayal of a woman who can’t live without luxury yet is forced to adapt to a simpler life adds depth to the character. Divyendu and Kusha Kapila are rightfully the protagonists of the series portraying the brother-sister bond with charm and relatability.

Mukti Mohan as Hima is convincing in her role as a strong, self-made woman, though her character’s arc follows a somewhat predictable path. Vinay Pathak, playing the father (of Dev and Kalki), is a bit of a caricature, but his presence adds a certain gravitas to the family dynamic.

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The writing, though engaging, falls short of being remarkable. The comedy is light and situational and while it has its moments, it doesn’t quite reach the level of hilarity one might expect. The drama explores themes of family rivalry, the clash of urban and rural lifestyles and the journey of self-discovery.

The subplot involving Dev and Hima’s romance, while predictable, is endearing and provides a good balance to the sibling rivalry. The subplot involving a vlogger’s ghost hunt and staged ghost acts adds an interesting, albeit somewhat out-of-place, element to the narrative. The inclusion of themes like entrepreneurship, as seen in Hima's organic farming business, adds a contemporary touch, highlighting the contrasts between the siblings' urban sophistication and rural simplicity and ambition.

The cinematography by Akash Agrawal is serviceable but underwhelming, considering the picturesque setting of Panchmoli in Uttarakhand. The beauty of the location is not fully exploited, which is a missed opportunity. The hotel and village are depicted as vibrant and full of life, yet the visuals could have done more to highlight the natural splendour of the region. The setting, with its potential for stunning visuals, feels underutilized, leaving one wanting more in terms of scenic beauty.