Single Papa: A Heartwarming Yet Imperfect Dive into Single Fatherhood on Netflix

In an era dominated by gritty crime thrillers and high-stakes dramas on OTT platforms, Single Papa arrives as a breath of fresh air—a light-hearted family comedy-drama that tackles the unconventional topic of single male parenthood in modern India. Released on Netflix on December 12, 2025, this six-episode series, created by Ishita Moitra and Neeraj Udhwani, and directed by Shashank Khaitan, Hitesh Kewalya, and Udhwani himself, stars Kunal Kemmu in the lead role as Gaurav “GG” Gehlot. Supported by a talented ensemble including Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza Mishra, Prajakta Koli, Neha Dhupia, and Isha Talwar, the show blends humor, chaos, and emotion to explore societal norms around parenting, adoption, and gender roles.

Plot Summary: From Man-Child to Single Papa

The story kicks off with Gaurav Gehlot, a spoiled, immature Haryanvi “man-child” from a wealthy Gurugram family, finalizing his divorce from his independent wife Aparna (Isha Talwar). The split stems from a fundamental difference: Gaurav desperately wants a child, while Aparna sees him as already being one to raise. In a twist of fate—or perhaps divine intervention—Gaurav discovers an abandoned baby girl in the back of his car after a night out. He names her Amul and decides on the spot to adopt her and become a “single papa.”

What follows is a whirlwind of chaos as Gaurav navigates the challenges of sudden parenthood. His conservative Jaat family—patriarchal father (Manoj Pahwa), protective mother (Ayesha Raza Mishra), and sister Namrata (Prajakta Koli)—reacts with shock and opposition. At work, colleagues question his capabilities, and the biggest hurdle comes from the adoption agency, where officer Romila Nehra (Neha Dhupia) embodies systemic biases against single men adopting children.

The series draws loose inspiration from classics like the 1985 French comedy Three Men and a Cradle (remade as Three Men and a Baby) and even nods to Rowan Atkinson’s Man vs Baby, focusing on the hilarious mishaps of an unprepared man handling diapers, feedings, and tantrums while fighting for legal adoption.

Strengths: Humor, Heart, and Kunal Kemmu’s Charm

At its core, Single Papa shines brightest in its comedic elements and heartfelt moments. Kunal Kemmu delivers a standout performance, channeling his natural comic timing from films like Golmaal and Go Goa Gone into a more nuanced, endearing role. His portrayal of Gaurav’s evolution—from a clueless brat who can’t boil water to a dedicated father willing to defy norms—is sincere and engaging. Kemmu anchors the show, making even the predictable tropes feel fresh through his earnest innocence and tender interactions with baby Amul.

The supporting cast adds layers of fun and relatability. Manoj Pahwa and Ayesha Raza Mishra bring authentic North Indian family vibes, with Pahwa’s blustering patriarch and Raza’s emotional mother providing laugh-out-loud confrontations. Prajakta Koli as the supportive yet exasperated sister injects youthful energy, while Neha Dhupia‘s stern yet layered Romila serves as a compelling antagonist who highlights real-world adoption biases.

The show’s greatest achievement is its subtle commentary on gender equality in parenting. It boldly questions why single women can adopt more easily than men, rooting for “baapta” (fatherly love) as equal to “mamta” (motherly love). In a cultural landscape often skewed toward maternal ideals, this message feels progressive without being preachy. The humor softens potentially heavy topics, maintaining a breezy, feel-good tone that’s perfect for family viewing—rare in today’s OTT slate flooded with darker content.

Weaknesses: Predictability and Shallow Execution

Despite its charms, Single Papa isn’t without flaws. The writing, while witty in parts, often feels scattered and shallow. The six episodes meander at times, relying on contrived conveniences and sudden emotional turnarounds to resolve conflicts. The adoption process, a potentially rich vein for drama, is simplified to a fault—reduced to debates and quick resolutions that don’t fully explore the emotional or bureaucratic depths.

Thematic Depth: Challenging Norms in Modern India

What elevates Single Papa beyond mere entertainment is its timely exploration of evolving family structures. In India, where single motherhood has gained visibility (inspired by real-life figures like Sushmita Sen), single fatherhood remains taboo. The series thoughtfully addresses this, showing Gaurav’s battles against family expectations, workplace skepticism, and institutional bias. It advocates for adoption without diluting the message in froth, proving comedy can be thought-provoking.

The father-child bond, especially Gaurav’s growing tenderness toward Amul, forms the emotional soul. Moments of quiet vulnerability—Gaurav learning to soothe a crying baby or scheduling his life around her—resonate deeply, reminding viewers that parenting transcends gender.

Final Verdict: A Delightful Binge for Feel-Good Viewers

Single Papa is a warm, witty, and occasionally profound addition to Netflix’s Indian originals. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel but rolls smoothly on Kunal Kemmu’s shoulders, delivering laughs, tears, and a gentle push toward progressive thinking. It’s an ideal festive-season watch—clean, family-friendly, and uplifting.

If you’re tired of murder mysteries and crave something reminiscent of 90s feel-good films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, this is your pick. It may not be flawless, but its heart is in the right place, making a compelling case for more stories about unconventional families.

Stream Single Papa on Netflix now and join the conversation on redefining parenthood in 2025 India.