Overview: A light-hearted but thought-provoking Netflix series starring Kunal Kemmu in a sensitive performance.
‘Single Dad’ isn’t a perfect series, but its heart is in the right place. It tries to make you laugh, make you cry and also raises some important questions. Sometimes the desire to cover more issues leads it astray, but strong casting, smart dialogues and Kunal Kemmu’s brilliant performance keep the show afloat. If you want to watch a story that questions society with light comedy, ‘Single Papa’ is an honest effort.
Single Papa Review: Whether unmarried men should be allowed to adopt children or not – this question has been stuck between the society and the system for a long time. Keeping this debate at the center, Netflix’s series ‘Single Papa’ tells a story which touches the heart and at times confuses. Moving forward with the help of Kunal Khemu’s acting, this story explores the depth of relationships amidst light comedy. The show traces the journey of a common man who grows up himself through the presence of a child. Oscillating between laughter, emotions and social questions, this series leaves an impact due to its simplicity.
Story and basic idea: A child who changes lives
The story revolves around Gaurav (Kunal Khemu), who becomes so attached to a small child left in his car that he decides to adopt him. This is not just the story of one man’s parenting, but a confrontation with the thinking that believes that a single man cannot raise a child. ‘Single Papa’ challenges this thinking in a light-hearted manner. Although the incidents are a bit excessive for a simple story, the journey is impactful on an emotional level.
Gaurav’s character: weak, complicated and very human
Gaurav (Kunal Khemu) is a character who does not inspire confidence at first glance. A broken marriage, living with his parents, and working reluctantly in his father’s tavern—his life seems to be at a standstill. But after the arrival of the child named Amul, the same pride gradually changes. Her hesitations, fears and insecurities feel very real. This imperfection makes his character special.
Adoption process and social conflict
Social worker Romila (Neha Dhupia) is the biggest obstacle in Gaurav’s path. She not only questions his parenting skills, but also laughs at the idea that an unmarried man can raise a child alone. In these scenes, the show brings forward the thinking of the society, which talks about equality but lags behind in implementation. However, some of the conflicts feel overly straightforward and artificial.
Family dramas and epiphanies
The ongoing changes in Gaurav’s life coincide with the marriage of his sister Namrata (Prajakta Koli) and Goldie (Ankur Rathi). The speeches given here on caste, class and feminism sound progressive, but sometimes seem artificial. At the same time, Aparna’s decision not to become a mother and Gaurav’s anger over her suppresses some important issues. Gaurav’s mother Poonam (Ayesha Raza)’s makeover and ‘South Delhi’ style adds extra drama to the show.
Humor, sitcom touch and supporting characters
The humor of ‘Single Dad’ is like a sitcom—sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally. Some scenes become very funny, especially the presence of Daya Shetty as the male nanny Parbat Singh. His giant yet soft-hearted character becomes the freshness of the show. Kunal Khemu’s scenes with Manoj Pahwa and Prajakta Koli also leave a special impact.
Kunal Khemu’s performance: The biggest win of the show
It is difficult to imagine anyone other than Kunal Khemu in the role of Gaurav. His biggest quality is that he even speaks scripted dialogues as if everything is being composed on the spot. He knows very well how to strike a balance between comedy and emotional scenes. He doesn’t overpower his co-stars, but works with them to enhance the scene—and that’s the mark of a strong lead actor.
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