It’s been over 24 hours since Kunal Kemmu’s latest comedy show, Single Papa, joined Netflix. But to my surprise, I hadn’t seen a single promo of the show on my screen despite being a huge fan of Netflix’s Indian flicks. I started watching it randomly today, and finished all six episodes in one sitting. And I will tell you why in my review of Netflix’s Single Papa.
And don’t worry, I will keep it spoiler-free. It deserves your love. If you’re looking for a short review before I go in-depth, here it is. Single Papa is a beautiful comedy that covers a very real social stigma that is not much talked about. There’s not even a single boring second. It’s funny, emotional, and well-put together. Cinematography is great, jokes are funny, and even the actors are brilliant. Especially Kunal Kemmu, his range of emotions was well-leveraged in this, and he mindblowingly outdid himself compared to all his previous projects.
Now, let’s explore Single Papa’s Plot first
So, the story begins with Gaurav and Aparna (Isha Talwar) filing for a divorce. The reason? Gaurav Gehlot (Kunal Kemmu) wants a kid, and his wife Aparna doesn’t. Then, as the story progresses, Gaurav’s life takes a 180-degree turn when a little baby ends up landing in his lap (won’t reveal how!). From there, his newly turned single life witnesses a streak of family drama, chaos, lies, and even legal issues.
The story brings Neha Dhupia’s character, Mrs. Nehra, into Gaurav’s life, who is hell-bent on not letting him have the baby. And it’s not just rules or restrictions that are motivating her to be the obstruction. Single Papa quietly reflects the same discomfort Indian society still has with single men raising children, something Indian laws and social structures continue to reinforce.
So, to put it in short, she, while not being a villain, is trying her best to keep this new baby away from Gaurav’s custody.
In this whole loop of chaos, Prajakta Koli’s character Namrata (Gaurav’s sister) fears that her marriage will break because of conservative, soon-to-be in-laws. Until now, you might have guessed how chaotic the whole story is. But it’s fun, and wrapped up in just six episodes. So, a perfect show you can even finish in one sitting.
Single Papa Ending Explained
[WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD]
Well, this section is obviously going to carry massive spoilers. So, do not read it if you haven’t watched the show. But there are folks searching for the Single Papa ending, so I guess I need to give the anxious ones their answers.
Well, in the end, Gaurav Gehlot finally confesses everything in front of Namrata’s soon-to-be in-laws. Both families get into an argument, and the marriage almost breaks up before Gaurav’s last shot works out.
But the real threat was Mrs. Nehra, who ultimately invaded the wedding with a cop and took the baby away. But it was the moment of parting, and Gaurav’s attachment and transformation due to his love for the baby that brought her back and made her approve of the baby’s adoption.
Honestly, keep tissues, there are moments like this where you will cry. Probably not after reading the ending already tho!
Some Familiar Faces join the Single Papa’s Cast
Apart from Kunal Kemmu and Isha Talwar, I was surprised to see Prajakta Koli, Dayanand Shetty as the Manny (Male Nanny), Manoj Pahwa as Gaurav’s Dad, Aisha Ahmed, and Ayesha Raza Mishra. I didn’t watch any marketing material, including the trailer, so I didn’t know who was going to be in it. But glad I decided to explore the show.
Single Papa’s BTS team isn’t New to the Game
When I looked deeper, I realized the team behind Netflix’s new comedy isn’t new to this game at all. Ishita Moitra, who has been a writer on The Test Case and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, and a dialogue writer on Unpaused, was involved in writing this show as well. With her, Neeraj Udhwani co-wrote it.
He has worked on projects like Inside Edge and TVF’s Tripling as a writer. These two have also co-directed the show along with Hitesh Kewalya, who you might know from Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, and Shashank Khaitan, who is known for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Dhadak, The Bride of Badrinath, etc.
This stellar production team made a show that definitely aces every aspect, whether it’s comedy or delivering an emotional drama. It’s the blend of flavors in the show that makes me love it.
My Rating
Yes, there were tiny reasons for me to take that half a score away. But it’s not going to ruin anybody’s experience. For instance, I found the parents’ suspected affair plot a little forced into the film.
Also, it was kinda unrealistic how Kunal Kemmu’s character, Gaurav, who didn’t do anything except handling his own business, comes across an opportunity that decides the whole trajectory of the show and ends up catching it. I am talking about how easy it was for Kunal to land interviews, even though he was a 12th standard graduate with no job experience.
But again, I know it’s supposed to be a fiction designed to entertain people, and it does that, I will use the term again, very beautifully. It will make you laugh, you will cry, and you might even miss a few moments of family drama at your own home.
All in all, give it a shot, whether you’re sitting alone in your cozy blanket or hanging out with your parents after dinner on a weekend. It’s going to tickle you to the bones and might make you want to hug your family.
Single Papa isn’t just a feel-good comedy; it’s a reminder that empathy, when written well, can still find space in mainstream streaming. Netflix just needed to let people see it.
With that, see you!
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