Single Papa Review: Kunal Kemmu Is Impressive in This Funny & Feel-Good Spin on Solo Parenting

Single Papa Review: Gaurav Gehlot (Kunal Kemmu) has always had one stubborn dream: to become a father. This dream ultimately leads to the end of his marriage, leaving him alone and yearning for parenthood. Life brings a dramatic twist in manchild Gaurav’s life when he finds an abandoned baby in his car, who he names Amul. GG’s paternal instinct kicks in, and the bond he quickly builds with Amul pushes him towards adoption, leading him to encounter Romila (Neha Dhupia), the orphanage head who believes Gaurav is far too childish to raise a child.

In the six episodes, what we witness is the unfolding of a warm, laughter-laced transformation arc… the evolution of a manchild into a man ready to nurture another life.

Single Papa Review: Discussion

Written by Ishita Moitra and Neeraj Udhwani and directed by Shashank Khaitan and Hitesh Kewalya, Single Papa falls in the feel-good space of Netflix. There are several scenes, especially Gaurav’s hilariously chaotic attempts to convince the system he is ‘fit enough’ to be a single father, that land well. However, beneath the humour, the makers want to give out this serious message: that a man should be able to adopt a child alone; single fathers deserve visibility, legitimacy, and societal acceptance. The show makes a case for emotional fatherhood, or “baap ki baapta”, with surprising tenderness.

Single Papa Review: What Works

The Netflix show captures the complicated maze of adoption with authenticity, as we are shown how the adoption agency conducts home inspections and there’s moral scrutiny about a person’s character or ability. The show authentically depicts the system without portraying it as a villain. Gaurav’s parents, played wonderfully by Manoj Pahwa and Ayesha Raza Mishra, display traditional beliefs: “apna khoon apna hota hai.” The series cleverly turns this sentiment into something outdated, using humour and contradictions to highlight that families and relationships are not built solely through blood.

What’s also refreshing is that Gaurav, a manchild, is not portrayed as if he is incomplete without a partner. He frequently expresses this sentiment to his family. GG believes choosing parenthood for oneself is a valid, respectable path. I also enjoyed the sibling chemistry between Gaurav and Namrata (Prajakta Koli).

 

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Single Papa Review: What Doesn’t Work

Often, the tone of the series turns preachy and loud. Some messages feel forced and deliberate. The pacing is sometimes fluctuating, as several times, the jokes don’t land. Some scenes are stretched longer than necessary, causing boredom.

Single Papa Review: Performances

Kunal Kemmu as Gaurav is unquestionably the heart of the show, as he brings a mix of chaos, innocence, and vulnerability that makes GG impossible to dislike, even in his most juvenile and weird moments. Kemmu’s emotional shift towards maturity is played with sincerity, not melodrama. Neha Dhupia is perfectly cast as Romila, a strict realist who slowly reveals layers of compassion beneath the rules. The rest of the cast play their part well.

Single Papa Review: Final Thoughts

Single Papa is entertaining in parts, but it is not flawless. The show’s intentions are genuine, and it resonates deeply with its audience. But along with entertainment, it tries to make social commentary that doesn’t always feel sincere. It’s an effortless, warm watch with moments that stay with you long after the jokes fade.