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The digital streaming landscape is currently dominated by dark thrillers. Against this intense backdrop, Kunal Kemmu’s latest series, ‘Single Papa,’ arrives as a much-needed breath of fresh air. It’s a simple, feel-good family comedy that courageously tackles modern parenting, single fatherhood, and the complexities of the adoption system.
Watch the Single Papa Official Trailer
The Unconventional Protagonist
The show centers on Gaurav Gehlot (Kunal Kemmu), a brash, Haryanvi-speaking man-child whose immaturity leads to divorce. Despite the split, Gaurav’s desire for fatherhood remains intense.
In a moment of convenient writing, he finds a toddler, affectionately named Amul, abandoned in his car. This discovery sets in motion a high-stakes battle as Gaurav decides to raise the child alone, challenging a hostile adoption system and facing a chaotic, disapproving joint family.
Kunal Kemmu: The Indispensable Anchor
The critical consensus is unanimous: Kunal Kemmu is the series’ indispensable anchor. He successfully transitions from the uncouth man-child to the loving, resolute “Single Papa.”
Unlike his previous high-pitched comic roles, Kemmu anchors this performance with genuine sincerity and vulnerable innocence, giving the series its true emotional core. His earnest interactions with baby Amul make the audience root for the duo, successfully masking several script flaws.
A Progressive, Yet Flawed, Message
‘Single Papa’ is commendable for its thematic ambition. It champions an “alternate display of masculinity,” questioning the reverse sexism in adoption laws that disadvantage single men. The character of the male nanny, or “manny” (Dayanand Shetty), who asks, “Why can’t manliness be maternal?”, drives this progressive message home.
However, the powerful message often succumbs to a formulaic plot. The writing relies on convenient shortcuts, like the baby’s sudden surgery, merely to introduce the antagonist, adoption officer Mrs. Romila Nehru (Neha Dhupia). Critics note that the plot begins to “run out of steam” later on, burdened by unnecessary subplots that derail the central father-son journey.
Supporting Cast and Aesthetics
While the vibe is meant to be festive, the supporting cast often struggles. Veterans Manoj Pahwa and Ayesha Raza, as Gaurav’s overprotective parents, tend to “overact like they were in an old style television sitcom.”
Similarly, Prajakta Koli’s performance is cited as jarring and out of sync with the rest of the ensemble. Aesthetically, the show’s setting in the “nouveau riche” Gurugram complex has a “sense of plasticity.” This overly-sanitized look avoids addressing real-world issues like financial pressure, keeping the comedy light but sacrificing authentic dramatic depth.
Final Verdict: A Feel-Good Watch
‘Single Papa’ is a heartfelt family affair. While its predictability and the theatricality of the supporting cast require overlooking some flaws, the series succeeds in delivering a commendable social commentary wrapped in comedy. If you seek a weekend watch that offers a break from dark thrillers and provides a genuine smile, ‘Single Papa’ is worth a watch for Kunal Kemmu’s stellar effort alone.
