Started 'Single Papa' for the laughs, stayed for the heartbreak and hope

Over the holidays, my yearning for a comedy led me to “Single Papa” on Netflix. I loved it. 

The six-part series boasts both captivating performances, notably from Kunal Kemmu and Neha Dhupia, and powerful social commentary that scrutinises prejudiced adoption policies and conventional societal pressures.

At the heart of the story is Gaurav Gehlot (Kemmu), who is recently divorced. Let’s just say his wife, Aparna (Isha Talwar), outgrew his mama’s boy traits. 

In trying to find love again, through dating apps, he finds his life upended when a baby boy is left in his car. 

Stymied by the situation, he takes the baby home, catching his parents, dad Jatin (Manoj Pahwa) and mom Poonam (Ayesha Raza Mishra), and sister, Namrata (Prajakta Koli), who will soon be tying the knot, off guard. 

When the baby develops a fever in the middle of the night, he rushes him to the hospital and learns that the baby has to have emergency surgery. 

Throughout the situation, one thing was clear: Gaurav had not only adopted a protective dad mentality, but he had fallen in love with this baby. 

However, social worker Romilla Nehra (Neha Dhupia) takes an immediate dislike to Gaurav when they meet at the hospital. 

Following a misunderstanding regarding his discovery of the baby and the fact that he is not the biological father, she is more wary of him, especially after their argument.

Meanwhile, Gaurav’s family aren’t aligned with his wanting to become a father. That is just the first hurdle in his adoption battle. He later learns, through Amul (Hami Ali Hamil), who is Romilla’s son, that the law favours women over men in the adoption process. 

Gaurav, however, remains resolute in his determination and, with Amul's secret assistance, takes on an unfair legal system.

Beyond the adoption storyline, quirky subplots emerge, such as Namrata being enlisted to aid her brother, and Aparna maintaining a strong friendship with her ex. Then there is his mother, who, in seeking the counsel of a spiritual guru, is mistaken for cheating on her husband. 

Aside from the laughs, there are heartfelt and poignant moments aplenty. Also, it’s been given the greenlight for a second instalment.

Rating: *** solid and enjoyable, though not groundbreaking.