Cinema VinesJD Majethia and Aatish Kapadia, the creative duo behind cult‑hits such as Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, have announced their latest venture for Netflix: a fresh comedy called Chumbak. In a recent interview with the Hindustan Times, the pair explained how the idea for a neighbour‑centric sitcom emerged from their own experiences of living in close quarters and the changing nature of urban relationships.
The show is set in an upscale colony where five families coexist, each with modern homes yet an old‑world sense of community. Majethia and Kapadia recalled the days when they would leave children at a neighbour’s house during emergencies, or share drinks at one another’s residences because alcohol was not allowed at one of their homes. These anecdotes, they say, inspired the premise of Chumbak, which aims to revive the charm of neighbourhood bonds that once felt like an extended family.
In the interview, Aatish noted that the concept came from a desire to bring back “that lost value system where your neighbour is your first family,” even as people live in contemporary, polite societies. He added that the series will feature everyday mishaps—maids missing, drivers bumping cars, late‑arriving children—turned into humourous moments that highlight resilience and warmth.
Majethia highlighted the personal connection to the story, pointing out that he and Kapadia had shared a building for many years and that their own friendship network mirrors the five families in the show. The duo sees the series as an antidote to real‑life stress, offering audiences a “soothing balm” that turns everyday challenges into laughter.
Alongside the creative discussion, the interview touched on the resurgence of family‑entertainment shows and controversies surrounding other reality programmes. Majethia and Kapadia expressed confidence that Chumbak will resonate with viewers looking for light‑hearted, relatable content that celebrates neighbourly love and community spirit.
