Dr. Arora (2022) S01

Dr Arora, the latest web series from the mind of filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, is a lot like many of its characters–fails to perform at crucial junctures. The series, based on a small-town sexologist from the late-1990s, is a bold attempt at humour on a sensitive subject. But as our high-school math teachers would say–there are no marks for attempts alone, execution matters. And that is where Dr Arora falls flat on his face. The show meanders through eight episodes in trying to figure out what exactly it wants to say, only to be somewhat salvaged by the acting chops of Kumud Mishra and a competent support cast.

Set in the year 1999, Dr. Arora is a curious comedy on the life and times of a sex consultant and his patients in the towns of Jhansi, Morena, and Sawai Madhopur. His profession, seemingly unique to the locals, results in serendipitous encounters that lead to unexpected enmities and unlikely friendships. On paper, it is a winner, if made well. Indian cinema has dealt with sensitive subjects around sex and reproduction and made some gems. Badhaai Ho and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan immediately come to mind. Dr Arora, sadly, will not join that list. The show lacks the subtlety and sensitivity needed to tackle this myriad of touchy issues. It makes the odd choices of infusing needless humour, titilation, and innuendos in places, making it reminscent of a 90s Govinda comedy in parts. Being set in the 90s does not mean it had to ape that tone as well. The acting goes over-the-top, the jokes don’t land well, and the show’s attempt to be slapstick in some scenes is downright cringeworthy. The background music in some ‘comedy’ scenes would be a better fit in The Benny Hill show probably, and the track about a spiritual guru with that god-awful accent is a big turn-off (pun intended).