If your family group chat has been sharing clips of Neena Gupta bickering lovingly with her on screen husband, you already know what everyone in the Indian diaspora is binge watching this week. Chumbak premiered on Netflix on September 10, 2026, and here at Apne TV we knew this warm, nostalgic family comedy was going to strike a chord with Canadian viewers.
This series comes from the creators of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Khichdi, so the comedy pedigree alone had us excited. We at Apne TV think Canadian NRI families who grew up on these classic sitcoms are going to feel right at home in Chumbak Colony. Let’s break down the verified cast, story, and our honest take on whether it lives up to its creators legacy.
Chumbak Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Show Name | Chumbak |
| Release Date | September 10, 2026 |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Languages | Hindi |
| Canada Availability | Streaming now on Netflix Canada |
| Genre | Family Comedy Drama |
| Episodes | 16 episodes (Season 1) |
| Creators | Aatish Kapadia, Jamnadas “JD” Majethia |
| Production | Hats Off Production |
What Is Chumbak About? Background for New Viewers
For readers unfamiliar with the creative team behind this show, Chumbak comes from Hats Off Production, the same team responsible for beloved Indian sitcoms like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Khichdi. Written and directed by Aatish Kapadia, the series is set in the fictional Chumbak Colony in Chembur, Mumbai, following five multigenerational families whose lives are deeply intertwined.
We at Apne TV love the concept here, since it taps into something every Indian household recognizes: the chaos and warmth of nosy, well-meaning neighbors. Lead actress Neena Gupta is no stranger to Netflix India audiences, having previously starred in Masaba Masaba, Sardar Ka Grandson, and Lust Stories 2. The show also marks a big streaming debut for television stars Helly Shah and Arjun Bijlani, who play a romantic couple on the series.
Chumbak Full Cast and Characters
Here is the complete verified cast breakdown from Apne TV’s research:
| Actor | Character Name | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neena Gupta | Rajni Merchant | Elegant sari designer and neighborhood matriarch who cares deeply for her husband despite his forgetfulness |
| Deven Bhojani | Kuku Merchant | Rajni’s retired pilot husband, living with dementia, fondly known as Kuku uncle to the colony |
| Arjun Bijlani | Mickey Oberoi | Handsome cardiac surgeon married to Twinkle, seeking privacy the colony rarely allows |
| Helly Shah | Twinkle Oberoi | A model who lives in her own world but always shows up for her friends when needed |
| Sumeet Vyas | Aditya “Adi” Khanna | Deadpan advertising executive married to the endlessly talkative Priyanka |
| Manasi Parekh | Priyanka Khanna | Homemaker and mother of two who fills her days with rapid-fire questions and constant care for others |
| Sumeet Raghavan | Dharmendra Kejriwal | Half of an unconventional couple within the colony |
| Sandeepa Dhar | Kiran Kejriwal | Dharmendra’s wife, contributing her own distinct comic dynamic to the ensemble |
| Delnaaz Irani | Gulshan | Mother-in-law of the Taraporewala family, adding to the neighborhood’s eccentric energy |
| Anant V. Joshi | Taraporewala family member | Part of the Taraporewala household within the colony |
| Amyra Dastur | Taraporewala family member | Part of the Taraporewala household within the colony |
| Atul Kumar | Nari Ravjiani | Supporting neighborhood character |
| Priyal Gupta | Nikhilesh | Rajni and Kuku’s NRI son living in the US, waiting on his green card |
Chumbak Story Explained
The series is set in the fictional Chumbak Colony in Chembur, Mumbai, where five multigenerational families live in such close proximity that privacy is nearly impossible. A problem in one household quickly becomes everyone’s business, and the show mines this constant overlap for both comedy and genuine warmth.
At the center is Rajni Merchant, the colony’s beloved matriarch, whose husband Kuku, a retired pilot, lives with dementia and often forgets even her name. Despite the daily challenges this brings, Rajni refuses to stop caring for him, even as she quietly wishes for a little more space to live for herself. Meanwhile, Mickey and Twinkle Oberoi struggle to find privacy as a young married couple, constantly interrupted by neighbors offering unsolicited advice.
Other storylines follow Aditya and Priyanka Khanna navigating the push and pull of their contrasting personalities, and Dharmendra and Kiran Kejriwal adding their own unconventional relationship dynamic to the colony’s daily drama. Through celebrations, misunderstandings, and everyday arguments, the show captures how neighbors slowly become family, whether they want to or not.
Our Honest Chumbak Review
We have been following this closely at Apne TV, and here at Apne TV we watched Chumbak expecting the same comedic magic that made Sarabhai vs Sarabhai a household favorite. Our honest take is that the show delivers plenty of charm, even if it doesn’t fully reinvent the genre.
What works: NDTV’s review praised the show for making viewers “laugh effortlessly,” and we at Apne TV agree that the ensemble cast has genuine chemistry. Bollywoodshaadis’ review specifically highlighted Sumeet Vyas and Manasi Parekh’s “smooth comic rhythm,” while praising Arjun Bijlani and Helly Shah for bringing real personality to their roles rather than playing generic romantic leads. Neena Gupta and Deven Bhojani anchor the show beautifully, with their bickering-but-loving dynamic giving the series its emotional core.
What doesn’t work: Critics were fairly consistent about the show’s limitations. Times Now’s review noted there is “a clear old school flavour to the writing,” which some viewers may find nostalgic and others may find dated. The Free Press Journal’s review was more pointed, stating there are “moments of amusement, but little that qualifies as exceptional.” Bollywoodshaadis’ review echoed this sentiment, describing the show as a “likeable ensemble held back by dated jokes,” suggesting the humor sometimes leans on familiar sitcom tropes rather than fresh material.
We at Apne TV would call Chumbak a comforting, easy watch family comedy, perfect for background viewing with relatives, even if it doesn’t push the genre in new directions. It’s the kind of show that works best when you don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling, just familiar warmth.
For full technical details and user ratings, check out the Chumbak IMDb page.
Where to Watch Chumbak in Canada
Canadian viewers can stream Chumbak right now on Netflix Canada, with no VPN or workaround required. The show is available in Hindi, making it accessible to Bollywood and sitcom fans across cities like Toronto, Brampton, Surrey, and Vancouver.
Apne TV recommends this as an ideal family watch, especially for households with multiple generations, since the humor and themes are designed to appeal broadly. Given its light, episodic format, it also works well as a relaxed weeknight binge rather than requiring one long sitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chumbak available on Netflix in Canada?
Yes, the series has been streaming on Netflix Canada since September 10, 2026.
Who are the lead actors in Chumbak?
Neena Gupta and Deven Bhojani lead the ensemble as Rajni and Kuku Merchant, alongside Arjun Bijlani, Helly Shah, Sumeet Vyas, and Manasi Parekh.
What is Chumbak about?
It follows five multigenerational families living in a close-knit Mumbai neighborhood called Chumbak Colony, capturing the comedy and warmth of everyday neighborly chaos.
Who created Chumbak?
Aatish Kapadia and Jamnadas “JD” Majethia created the series, the same team behind Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Khichdi.
How many episodes does Chumbak have?
Season 1 has 16 episodes, according to Netflix’s official listing.
What language is Chumbak in?
The series is in Hindi.
Is Chumbak suitable for family viewing?
Yes, the show is designed as a family-friendly comedy suitable for viewers of all ages.
Is Chumbak worth watching?
Reviews are largely positive but note the humor leans traditional. Critics praised the cast’s chemistry while noting the writing feels somewhat old-school.
Is Chumbak connected to the 2018 Marathi film of the same name?
No, this is an entirely separate and unrelated 2026 Hindi comedy series.
Final Thoughts
Chumbak may not break new ground in the family comedy genre, but it delivers exactly the kind of warm, familiar entertainment that makes for perfect weekend viewing with loved ones. We at Apne TV think Neena Gupta and the ensemble cast’s chemistry alone makes this a worthwhile watch, especially for anyone nostalgic for classic Indian sitcom charm.
If you are in Canada and looking for a feel-good, easy-to-watch family series, stream Chumbak on Netflix today. Keep following Apne TV for more honest reviews and the latest OTT updates for Indian entertainment fans across Canada.
If you enjoyed this kind of true story drama, check out our Apne TV review of Welcome To The Jungle watch on Netflix Canada for another emotionally powerful Bollywood release
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