Single Papa Review: Kunal Kemmu’s Journey From Man-Child to Single Father Is Well-Intended but Uneven
December has been unusually generous with family-centric Hindi content. After shows like Perfect Family and Thode Door Thode Paas, Netflix’s Single Papa joins the lineup with a breezy, feel-good premise. Led by Kunal Kemmu, the series attempts to talk about modern fatherhood, single parenting, and gender bias in adoption laws. While the intention is admirable, the execution often feels half-baked.
Directed by Shashank Khaitan and Hitesh Kaiwalya, the show wants to normalize the idea that nurturing is not limited to mothers. However, the storytelling never digs deep enough to leave a lasting emotional impact.
Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Neha Dhupia, Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza Khan, Prajakta Koli, and others
Creator: Shashank Khaitan
Director: Shashank Khaitan, Hitesh Kaiwalya
Streaming On: Netflix
Language: Hindi
Runtime: 6 episodes, approximately 45 minutes each
What Single Papa Is About
Kunal Kemmu plays Gaurav Gehlot, a recently divorced man whose wife leaves him because she sees him as immature and overly dependent on his family. She also refuses to have a child, believing she would end up raising two. Gaurav, however, genuinely wants to be a father.
His life takes a turn when he finds an abandoned child in his car and decides to pursue legal adoption. What follows is his attempt to prove to the system and to himself that a single man can be a capable parent.
Standing in his way is Neha Dhupia’s character, a child welfare officer who doubts his readiness for such responsibility. Gaurav’s efforts to convince her often involve half-truths and convenient lies, complicating his already fragile case.
What Works in the Series Single Papa
Single Papa works best as a conversation starter. It brings attention to the challenges faced by single men who want to adopt and questions the deep-rooted belief that caregiving is primarily a woman’s role.
The show becomes more engaging after the first one and a half episodes, once the central conflict settles. The tone is light, humorous, and accessible, making it easy to watch even when it stumbles narratively.
A standout element is the introduction of a male nanny, played by Dayanand Shetty. The idea of a “manny” had the potential to add emotional depth and reinforce the theme of shared caregiving. Unfortunately, this angle is explored only briefly and feels rushed, leaving you wanting more.
Single Papa Performances
Kunal Kemmu brings sincerity and charm to Gaurav Gehlot. His performance is earnest and well-meaning, perfectly suited for a character navigating unfamiliar emotional territory. However, the weak writing limits how much the audience can truly invest in his transformation.
The supporting cast includes capable actors like Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza Khan, and Neha Dhupia, but their characters remain underwritten. None of the roles evolve enough to leave a strong impression, despite the talent on display.
Single Papa Where the Show Falters
The biggest issue with Single Papa is its shallow writing. The show raises important questions but rarely follows through with emotional depth. Over six episodes, the narrative starts to feel stretched, repetitive, and occasionally exhausting.
The emotional arc of a man-child growing into a responsible father is never fully realized. Many situations are played for laughs, which works initially but eventually undermines the seriousness of the subject.
Single Papa Final Verdict
Single Papa has its heart in the right place but lacks narrative discipline. Despite being just six episodes long, it feels longer than necessary because the story runs out of meaningful things to say.
The show might have worked better as a tightly written film rather than a stretched-out series. While Kunal Kemmu convincingly advocates that a father’s love is as valid as a mother’s, the writing fails to justify his emotional journey convincingly.
It is enjoyable in parts, mildly frustrating in others, and ultimately forgettable despite its relevance.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
FAQs
Is Single Papa based on a true story?
No, Single Papa is a fictional series, though it reflects real-world challenges faced by single men seeking adoption.
Where can I watch Single Papa?
Single Papa is available for streaming on Netflix.
How many episodes are there in Single Papa?
The series has 6 episodes, each with a runtime of about 45 minutes.
What is the main theme of Single Papa?
The show focuses on single fatherhood, adoption laws, and gender bias in parenting roles.
Is Single Papa a comedy or a drama?
Single Papa is a light-hearted family drama with comedic elements.
Is Single Papa worth watching?
It is worth a watch for its concept and performances, especially if you enjoy family dramas, but do not expect deep emotional storytelling.
