The moment Rumi, a rebellious vampire with a chipped fang, slinks into Dr. Roy’s dingy Kolkata dental clinic, Tooth Pari: When Love Bites announces its intent to blend gothic whimsy with rom-com awkwardness. Created and directed by Pratim D. Gupta, this Netflix series is a bold, if uneven, fusion of genres that occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition.

The premise—vampires hiding in plain sight, a love story blooming between predator and prey—is undeniably fresh. Gupta mines Kolkata’s labyrinthine alleys and decaying grandeur for atmosphere, dressing the city like a character with misty nights and crumbling colonial architecture. The production design team deserves praise for crafting a world where the supernatural feels grounded, from Rumi’s (Tanya Maniktala) gothic hideout to the sterile, fluorescent glow of Roy’s (Shantanu Maheshwari) clinic.

Maniktala is a standout, embodying Rumi’s defiance and vulnerability with equal measures. Her performance anchors the series, especially in quieter moments where Rumi grapples with loneliness and longing. There’s a scene where she sits alone in her hideout, staring at an old photograph, that Maniktala imbues with such quiet melancholy it’s impossible to look away. Maheshwari, meanwhile, brings an endearing awkwardness to Roy, though his character sometimes feels underdeveloped, relegated to reactive rather than proactive roles.

The supporting cast adds depth, particularly Sikandar Kher as the enigmatic Kartik Pal and Tillotama Shome as Meera, whose presence lingers even in minor scenes. The series’ ensemble strength lies in its ability to balance humor and horror, though not every joke lands—some of the comedic beats feel forced, disrupting the tone without adding enough levity.

Where Tooth Pari falters is in its pacing and narrative coherence. The first few episodes struggle to find their footing, juggling multiple plot threads involving vampire politics, a rival coven, and Roy’s personal struggles. The series’ absurdist streak—like Rumi’s lockdown boredom or the Cutmundus’ schemes—sometimes veers into self-indulgence, diluting tension rather than amplifying it.

The soundtrack adds a haunting layer to key scenes, but its use is inconsistent. Some moments could benefit from more atmospheric scoring, while others feel over-scored, undercutting the subtlety of the performances.

Ultimately, Tooth Pari: When Love Bites is a series that dares to be different, even if it doesn’t always succeed. Its heart is in the right place, and its ambition is commendable. The series will likely resonate with viewers who enjoy genre-bending narratives and are willing to overlook its flaws for the sake of its unique premise.

Comparisons to other supernatural romances, like What We Do in the Shadows or Interview with the Vampire, are inevitable, but Tooth Pari carves out its own niche. It’s not as polished as What We Do in the Shadows‘ sharp wit, nor does it delve into the existential angst of Interview with the Vampire. Instead, it offers a more grounded, if uneven, exploration of love and longing in a world where the supernatural is hidden just beneath the surface.

The series also stands out for its cultural specificity. Gupta’s portrayal of Kolkata—its bustling streets, its hidden corners, its rich history—adds a layer of authenticity that sets it apart from other vampire tales. The city becomes more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, shaping the actions and motivations of its inhabitants.

That said, Tooth Pari is not without its missteps. The pacing issues are noticeable, particularly in the early episodes, where the narrative struggles to find its rhythm. Some plot threads feel underdeveloped, and the series’ attempt to blend comedy, romance, and horror doesn’t always gel. The humor, in particular, can feel forced at times, disrupting the tone without adding enough levity.

Despite these flaws, Tooth Pari: When Love Bites is a series worth watching. It’s a bold, ambitious effort that dares to be different, even if it doesn’t always succeed. The performances are strong, particularly from Maniktala and Kher, and the production design is top-notch. The series will likely resonate with viewers who enjoy genre-bending narratives and are willing to overlook its flaws for the sake of its unique premise.

In the end, Tooth Pari: When Love Bites is a series that takes risks—some of which pay off, others less so.