Tooth Pari: Love Bites on Screen - A Comprehensive Review Analysis

Article Overview

Tooth Pari: When Love Bites is a Netflix series that combines romance, horror, comedy, and fantasy in an alternate version of Kolkata, India.

The series has received high acclaim for its distinctive setting and talented ensemble cast, effectively capturing the vibrant essence of Kolkata and delivering remarkable performances. Despite slight criticisms about the comedic aspects, Tooth Pari: When Love Bites remains a compelling watch thanks to its captivating romantic narrative, impressive supporting actors, and unconventional backdrop.

Critics have had plenty to say about Tooth Pari: When Love Bites, a 2023 Netflix series. This Hindi-language show is a captivating blend of romance, horror, comedy, and fantasy, with a familiar tone reminiscent of What We Do in the Shadows. Set in an alternate version of Kolkata, India, the series depicts vampires who are forced to live underground due to the threat of a witch coven called Cutmundus, determined to exterminate them. Among the vampires is Rumi (played by Tanya Maniktala), a rebellious and adventurous young vampire who frequently ventures above ground.

During one of her excursions, Rumi accidentally breaks one of her fangs and must seek help from a human doctor named Dr. Bikram Roy (played by Shantanu Maheshwari), who is shy and avoids relationships. This encounter sets off a charming and humorous romance, akin to the famous tale of Romeo and Juliet. The show's first season, consisting of eight thrilling episodes, premiered in April 2023, while the release of a second season is yet to be announced. Tooth Pari: When Love Bites skillfully combines elements from popular vampire shows like The Vampire Diaries and Twilight with the traditional storytelling styles of Bollywood, resulting in a distinct and occasionally elaborate fantasy romance. Humor, scares, and love are plentiful throughout the series, drawing both praise and constructive criticism from critics.

Most Critics Enjoyed The Unique Setting And Talented Cast Of Tooth Pari: When Love Bites

Critics have praised Tooth Pari: When Love Bites for its unique setting and talented cast of acclaimed Hindi actors. Decider's review expressed admiration for writer/director Pratim D. Gupta's creation of a complex and dark underground world. They noted that despite its darkness, the picture quality remained intact, an issue often faced by shows and films set during nighttime. While vampire productions have explored various settings, Tooth Pari: When Love Bites stands out for taking place in India.

Fans of the series have emphasized the exceptional cast of Tooth Pari: When Love Bites as one of its major strengths. According to Firstpost, the cast, described as craftsmen rather than stars, skillfully transports viewers to this fantasy world. The Hindu's review highlighted the central character Kartik, an outcast and alcoholic, as well as Sikandar Kher's humble and empathetic performance, which serves as the heart of the series. These performers bring much-needed heart and likability to the horror comedy genre, where scenes can swiftly transition from serious to absurd.

Some Critics Found Tooth Pari: When Love Bites Lacking In Humor

Despite attempting to emulate shows like What We Do in the Shadows, Tooth Pari: When Love Bites falls short in delivering consistent comedy, according to critics. The Hindu review states that director Dasgupta does not aim for a spoof or a satire on modernity, which is apparent. Decider adds that Tooth Pari: When Love Bites is more humorous than True Blood but falls slightly behind What We Do in the Shadows in terms of comedic value. Achieving the right comedic tone can be challenging, especially in horror comedy, and critics agree that this series doesn't always hit the mark.

However, despite this noticeable flaw, many critics still recommend watching Tooth Pari: When Love Bites due to its central romantic plot, talented supporting cast, and unique setting.

Where To Watch Tooth Pari: When Love Bites

Editor's P/S

In my opinion, Tooth Pari: When Love Bites is a highly imaginative and entertaining series that skillfully combines various genres. The show's creators deserve praise for their bold decision to set the story in an alternate version of Kolkata, India, as it adds a unique cultural flavor to the vampire mythology. The city's vibrant essence is effectively captured, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the narrative.

The cast's performances are another highlight of the series. Tanya Maniktala and Shantanu Maheshwari exhibit excellent chemistry as the star-crossed lovers, Rumi and Dr. Bikram Roy. Their portrayal of the characters' emotional journey is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The supporting cast, including Sikandar Kher and Ankur Vikal, also delivers strong performances, bringing depth and humor to their respective roles.