‘Chumbak’ Explores Declining Community Ties in Modern Mumbai

Netflix’s latest Indian comedy “Chumbak” was born out of director Atish Kapadia’s observations of fading neighbourly bonds in Mumbai’s bustling suburbs. The show follows five families whose lives intersect in a single block, shedding light on how communal warmth is being replaced by formal etiquette.

Kapadia noted that in the past, neighbours would naturally step in to watch each other’s children, feed elderly relatives, and share household duties. Over the years, those spontaneous gestures have dwindled, replaced by polite inquiries such as “May I leave my shoes here if it’s not inconvenient?” – a clear sign of the growing distance.

He also recalled how a simple request to lower music volume was once met with a friendly nod, while today the same request is delivered with a carefully phrased apology, indicating a shift toward guarded interaction.

These insights inspired Kapadia and co‑writer JD Mazhetiya to weave a narrative around five distinct families, each embodying a slice of contemporary urban life. The series aims to portray how, despite differing temperaments, people can form unexpected connections when forced to coexist.

The title “Chumbak,” meaning magnet, was suggested by Kapadia’s son August, who wanted a word that symbolised attraction and binding. The name resonated with the creative team and Netflix, leading to its approval and the subsequent development of the series.

Co‑directed by JD Mazhetiya and Atish Kapadia, “Chumbak” features a notable ensemble cast: Neena Gupta, Devyn Bhojani, Arjun Bijlani, Heli Shah, Sumit Raghavan, Sandeepa Dhar, Sumit Vyas, Manasi Parekh, Anant Joshi, Amaira Dastur, and Delnaaz Irani.