 "Netflix’s ‘Single Papa’ Review: Kunal Kemmu, Manoj Pahwa & Prajakta Koli’s web -series make us believe comedy can be thought-provoking")
Language: Hindi
Director: Shashank Khaitan, Hitesh Kewalya, Neeraj Udhwani
Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Prajakta Koli, Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza, Neha Dhupia, Suhail Nayyar, Dayanand Shetty
The story of Netflix’s Single Papa is about Gaurav Gehlot (Kunal Kemmu), a 30-year-old lovable man-child, whose idea of adulting is not worrying about his underwear because his mom still buys them, and counting on timely pocket money from his father. His wife wants him to grow up, but eventually she gives up on him. But Gaurav always wanted to become a father. After his divorce, he takes the decision to adopt a new-born baby who was abandoned by somebody in his car inside an ‘Amul’ box.
Gaurav Gehlot’s (Kunal Kemmu) family doesn’t agree to his decision. So, he leaves his boisterous Jaat family from Gurgaon to a separate house. His decision to adopt a baby after his divorce completely shakes the Ghelot family. Willingly or not so willingly, it is his sister played by Prajakta Koli stands by him. But she agrees only if Gaurav (Kunal Kemmu) adopts the baby after her marriage.
As the narrative progresses, you will realise it’s not a frivolous binge-worthy series. The show talks about things that exist in our society, yet we very conveniently overlook and fail to take a stand for it even with changing times and situations. The best thing about Single Papa is that comedy doesn’t dilute the important message of the show. The writing of the show is moulded in such a way that we cannot ignore the story and most importantly despite being a comedy, Single Papa doesn’t dilute the important messages of our society in its frothy fun. The show is attentive to all the actors and everybody in the show gets his/her share of screen time, including the absolutely adorable baby, Amul. Despite being a comedy, the show does treat its serious theme with due respect and care.
Leading man Kunal Kemmu , both as an actor and a filmmaker, has proved comedy is indeed his forte and he knows how to bring the house down. But he keeps the story realistic and thought provoking. And the same can be said about the inimitable and ingenious veteran called Manoj Pahwa . Joining the madness are Neha Dhupia, Ayesha Raza, and Prajakta Koli.
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View AllThe best thing about Single Papa is that despite the series is a comedy, yet it is a very sensitively made show and it doesn’t trivialise the concept of single man trying to adopt and the several hurdles that he crosses in the process of adoption. Very thoughtfully he questions the adoption authority head played by Neha Dhupia, if a woman falling under the same income bracket can adopt, why can’t a man? If ‘mamta’ (motherly love) is important for a child’s development, why isn’t ‘bapta’ (fatherly love)?
Indeed, Netflix’s Single Papa is a pleasant comedy and, on a father, that every child should have! Despite a few loose ends, Single Papa is indeed an enjoyable ride. Sometimes, the show does get loud trying to portray the lavish Gurugram culture, but at the end of the day it is thoughtful entertainment.
Rating: 3 and half (out of 5 stars)
WATCH the trailer of Netflix’s ‘Single Papa’ here:
Lachmi Deb Roy is the Entertainment Editor of Firstpost, Network18. She reviews films and series with a gender lens. She is a 'Rotten Tomatoes' certified critic. Her interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because she takes a huge interest in world cinema. She has been the winner of the prestigious Laadli Media and Advertising Award for Gender Sensitivity for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. OTT over theatrical releases is her preference unless and until it's a King Khan film. She takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too.