[3] The series is an adaptation of several collections of short stories and novels by R. K. Narayan, depicting life in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi.

The series covers a spectrum of narratives, from interactions with eccentric astrologers to villagers grappling with moral quandaries, humorous misunderstandings, and personal challenges.

Narayan’s portrayal of Malgudi offers both humorous and critical reflections on prevalent social dynamics and presenting a timeless view of community life.

Shankar Nag erected a land "replete with dancers, wrestlers, fire eaters, bangle sellers" for the episode "Talkative Man".

[11] Most of the stories in the series are one episode long and were derived from the books A Horse and Two Goats, Malgudi Days, Swami and Friends and The Vendor of Sweets.