Kunal Kemmu is stepping into a very different kind of fatherhood, and this time it comes with a whole different set of responsibilities. Netflix announced his new comedy series Single Papa on International Men’s Day, and the timing is perfect. Kunal is seen holding a baby in a cardboard box while Manoj Pahwa, Ayesha Raza, and Prajakta Koli stare at him like he has just brought home a bomb instead of a baby. The show arrives on December 12.
At the center of this story is Gaurav Gehlot, a man who is still figuring out adulthood but suddenly decides he wants to be a father. He has just gone through a divorce, makes an impulsive choice to adopt, and leaves his entire family speechless. They cannot believe that someone who constantly loses his socks is ready to raise a whole human. Their confusion slowly turns into acceptance, and through all the chaos, love is what keeps them together.
Usually, parenthood on screen revolves around mothers, and we have watched countless stories of women raising children on their own without any support. But a single father, especially one who chooses to adopt, is still rare in Indian storytelling. Single Papa steps into this new space, showing a man who may not have it all figured out but still wants to take responsibility for a child. It offers a perspective that is not often explored and hints at how fatherhood too can be emotional, imperfect, and deeply caring.
Indian cinema is slowly opening up to such ideas, and much of this change is happening because of OTT platforms that allow fresh themes to find space. Still, it is uncertain how traditional families will respond to a man choosing to adopt and parent alone. The show mirrors this question with humor and honesty, leaving us curious to see whether society will learn to welcome such choices just as it welcomes laughter and love.