Happy Family Conditions Apply

With every character being an exaggerated stereotype, and every episode trying to heavy-handedly cram some multiple messages down our throats, this show is an utter drag.

We only got through the first 2 episodes. The first episode was alright, because it had a bit more of a clear-cut story. Episode 2 just didn't make any sense at all. And in both, the comedy was extraordinarily flat, with poor delivery and writing that makes it seem more like the hip young people are disrespecting and berating the out-of-touch old geezers.

And what kind of "happy family" is this, that fights and insults each other so much over such little things? The title suggests the show is supposed to be relatable, but their "antics" are so out-of-the-ordinary that this has to be the most dysfunctional, bizarre TV family I've ever seen.

This ain't a happy family, to put it shortly. Really, it's rather disappointing.

The show is making a good effort to try to explore the different dimensions of modern Indian families. Shows how a family tries to stay true to their roots along with embracing novel concepts and ideas such as body positivity, independence of women, letting the elders be human, LGBTQ. The family seems to be cultured but at the same time not orthodox in their views, presenting a new alternate reality. Atleast for now, this seems the case. It may not be very relatable for mass as of now. The starting is very limp and it seems like a bad copy of SvS or TMKOC , but picks up after the first two episodes, as it explores serious issues in the family, with the light silly comedy. It shows that families can be dysfunctional, quirky, irritating, loving and accepting all at the same time. Some ideas feel a bit far stretched but that is the point of entertainment industry, to shape society. A very refreshing respite from the saazish culture of daily soap and the mindless comedy of TMKOC. Looking forward to see more issues being explored, and hoping it doesn't take the turn towards hindu hatred or nation bashing.

Aatish Kapadia-JD Majethia is a smart writer-producer combo who have redefined the sit-com space with some pathbreaking shows like 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai', 'Khichdi' to 'Wagle ki Duniya'. Unfortunately 'Happy Family' lacks the originality that the brand is so known for and is just a regurgitated cocktail of many of their past shows.

The loud-n-lively Gujarati family backdrop is repeated once again here. But while Sarabhai was distinctly different from Khichdi world, this one borrows from both and thereby muddles up. Then taking a cue from 'Wagle ki Duniya' it tries to tackle too many society issues from women equality, male chauvinism, saas-bahu saga, racism, class divide to even sexual preferences. Unlike earlier attempts the treatment is not nuanced and at times to blatant to be believable.

One major issue is that the show is over-written. Kapadia tries to squeeze in a punch in literally every line. The attempt is so overdone that it can put Anees Bazmee and Sajid-Farhad style of dialogue writing to shame. There are no breathers to enjoy a gag. Before one finishes, the next one is shoved in your face. And thereby the show tries too hard to be funny! Also the humor varies from classy ones to pure PJs - and thereby this show doesn't get a distinctive or uniform tonality.

The ever-dependable Ratna Pathak Shah, sadly, goes over-the-top this time and this is the second major issue with the show. While they might have designed her boisterous character to be the highlight of the show, she starts annoying after a point. She plays a pretty-much conflicted character - orthodox enough to hate her bahu's modern ways but, at the same time, modern enough to endorse her pay-parity and professional prospects. She keeps jabbering is every frame of the show and one can actually relate to her family members who are irritated of her unending chattering.

Beyond the use of a single 'expletive' and the customary gay-coming-out-of-closet track (forced in to suit the OTT sensibilities), the show pretty much qualifies to be a TV sitcom. Also, as per OTT mandate, the show ends midway to give way for a season 2.

Ratna Pathak Shah remains in the forefront throughout and while she often goes overboard, she is the factor that keeps all characters in the show connected. Raj Babbar, as her husband, is far more restrained and plays something different from his customary offerings. Atul Kulkarni as the guy cornered by everyone in family makes his gullible character quite watchable.

This show could have been far more effective and entertaining if the makers had just tried to be true to themselves!

Loved it... Light weight ... Comedy show. Ratna Pathak steals the show. Dont know...why people wrote bad reviews. The show is not stereotyping any region, but people have the tendency to make big deal out of everything nowadays.

Not necessarily that everything should make perfect sense in entertainment. And people who are comparing it with Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, should realize even the characters in that series were not perfect. Infact the characters were quite unreal. Every actor in this show acted well. The show is also giving good and noteworthy messages... Looking forward for next season...

Anwar Says: Reviewing it after all the episodes of first season are streaming . From the house of SARABHAI vs. SARABHAI and KHICHDI , the creator Atish Kapadia has been able to create the magic of humour and which does not sound stale. Story of four generation of a Gujju. Family, dysfunctional but staying together. Introduction of characters in the first episode is quick and smart and punch lines continued in almost every second dialogue.

Took off well but slowed down a bit with some repetition from sixth episode and the climax could have been better written. Dialogues are mundane and even non- Gujarati audience relate . Ratna Patna Shah, the Baa, who drinks champagne in a steel glass but doesn't eat onion, played the character different from Mrs. Maya Sarabhai. Other women characters like Ayesha Julka, Sanah Kapur and Minal Sahu are dominant. Raj Babbar is extra subdued and Atul Kulkarni initially struggles to gel but picks up after two episodes with the script.

Overall a fresh wind after so much of violence, sex and foul language on OTT, post Panchayat and Gullak . Watch two episodes every night while having dinner, even on weekdays, if not finished this weekend.

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