In a world where screens dominate every waking moment, ZEE5’s latest offering, Thode Door Thode Paas, arrives as a gentle, timely reminder of what truly matters: family, connection and real conversations. Directed by Ajay Bhuyan and created by Shiirshak S. Anand, this 2025 web-series weaves a story around the Mehta family — a middle-class household slowly drifting apart under the overwhelming presence of gadgets and screens.
The Premise: Disconnect to Reconnect
At the heart of the series is retired naval officer Pankaj Kapur’s character, Ashwin Mehta. On returning from a trip, Ashwin realizes that even though his family lives under the same roof, they’ve grown emotionally distant — glued to phones, laptops and social media. To fix this, he lays down a radical challenge: surrender all gadgets for six months. If they succeed, each family member will get ₹1 crore. What follows is a journey of rediscovery, chaos, humour and heartfelt reconnection.
From the very start, the show digs into a reality many families live through today. Episode after episode, we see the Mehtas fumbling without screens people hiding phones, avoiding video calls, and re-learning how to talk and listen. What seems absurd instantly surfaces as deeply relatable.
Why It Resonates
The charm of Thode Door Thode Paas lies not in over-the-top drama or melodrama, but in its quiet sincerity. It doesn’t preach it reflects. It doesn’t judge it observes. The tone remains gentle, emotional and often humorous, painting everyday scenes with authenticity: a father organising a stern family meeting like a naval drill, kids sulking without internet, parents fumbling with appliances and life returning to simpler routines.
The series succeeds in capturing the contrasting world we often ignore: the world behind the screen. It triggers a question many of us seldom ask: what if phones and notifications vanished — would we talk to each other, laugh, argue, love and live more sincerely again?
Performances & Direction
Pankaj Kapur anchors the series with his warm, composed, and realistic portrayal of Ashwin Mehta. His presence adds gravitas and emotional weight to the story.
Supporting him are accomplished actors: Mona Singh and Kunaal Roy Kapur bring depth, relatability and light humour that keep the narrative grounded and engaging. The younger cast, including children and extended family members, add authenticity to the everyday struggles and emotional arcs of the household.
The director’s restraint is another highlight. Instead of dramatizing every moment, Ajay Bhuyan lets scenes breathe. The emotions unfold organically sometimes gentle, sometimes awkward, but always real. Though a few episodes meander and pacing slows in the middle, the emotional core and sincerity hold the series together.
What Works — And What Could Have Been Better
Strengths
- The digital-detox concept resonates deeply with today’s audience immersed in gadgets and social media.
- Strong performances, especially by Pankaj Kapur, Mona Singh and Kunaal Roy Kapur.
- Warm, relatable storytelling that feels like a mirror to real families.
- A mix of humour, drama and everyday dilemmas making it perfect for family viewing.
- Short episodes (around 27–30 minutes) and share-worthy moments ideal for weekend watches or casual viewing.
Weaknesses
- A few episodes, especially mid-season, feel stretched or repetitive.
- The plot sometimes leans on nostalgia or idealised simplicity, which may appear unrealistic for modern families.
Why Thode Door Thode Paas Is Worth Watching
In a streaming world flooded with crime thrillers, dark dramas and high-intensity content, Thode Door Thode Paas offers a refreshing change. It is subtle, human and emotionally honest. It doesn’t need blood, gore or high stakes to leave an impact instead, it asks us to look inward: at our relationships, our distractions and the time we spend (or waste) on devices.
If you’re someone who values nostalgia, heartfelt connections or simply wants to watch something uplifting with family this series is a perfect pick. It isn’t just entertainment it’s a gentle nudge reminding us that sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when we put down the phone, look up, and talk to the people around us.
