Becoming a parent has always presented its challenges, but for millennials stepping into this role for the first time, the landscape is more complex than ever. The societal norms, lifestyle choices, and standards of living they face today starkly contrast with their own upbringing. With constant exposure to self-proclaimed parenting experts on social media, these new parents are often more self-aware, at times bordering on overly cautious, in their approach to parenting and addressing childhood traumas.
Review: Raat Jawaan Hai, Sony LIV’s latest original series, encapsulates this scenario through the lives of three childhood friends navigating their new responsibilities. The central characters include Avinash (Varun Sobti), a devoted stay-at-home dad; Suman (Priya Bapat), a first-time mom grappling with social anxiety; and Radhika (Anjali Anand), the confident and outspoken leader of the group who manages a spirited three-year-old.
The trio, characterized by their unwavering support for one another, frequently turns to each other for various needs, from gossip to shopping advice, and even urgent babysitting requests. Their dedicated WhatsApp group, named “Raat Jawaan Hai,” serves as an essential lifeline, buzzing with activity throughout their day.
We meet the friends at a park during a playdate for their kids, where they vent about their jam-packed schedules. Their light-hearted exchanges are momentarily disrupted when Avinash suggests watching the soon-to-be-released Avengers: Endgame, leading to a comedic scramble as they attempt to arrange babysitters and adjust their plans. They reminisce about the carefree spontaneity of their past, recalling their old trips to Goa with nostalgia.
Initially, the episodes glide along with humor characterized by playful banter, expletive-laden jokes, and the relatable chaos of parenthood. Amidst the laughter, they grapple with the challenge of taking a family selfie in a governmental space and the frantic silence in traffic as they try to avoid waking a sleeping toddler in the back seat, punctuated by uncomfortable moments when their children inadvertently use inappropriate language.
While the beginning of the series feels somewhat superficial and heavily reliant on clichéd humor, it undergoes a more nuanced transformation starting from the fourth episode. Transitioning away from merely showcasing privileged adults lamenting over their parental duties, the narrative delves deeper into the complexities of their longstanding friendship. The show highlights intimate revelations about their dilemmas, marital issues, aspirations, and the often overlooked realities of parenting, reminiscent of the relatable and heartfelt storytelling seen in director Sumeet Vyas’s previous work, TVF Tripling.
A standout moment occurs when Suman hesitantly shares a childhood story about her fifth-grade birthday party, which left her feeling overshadowed by her glamorous older sister. This reflective monologue evokes her feelings of inadequacy and the burden she placed on their friendship to ensure she wouldn’t be left behind. The scene is profoundly executed and highlights how minor childhood experiences can resonate into adulthood.
Suman’s narrative arc, depicting her struggles with self-worth and co-dependency, unfolds poignantly throughout the series, resonating with viewers on multiple levels.
Avinash’s storyline shines as he forges a deep connection with his newborn and considers sacrificing his career for the sake of parenthood. Facing both commendation and skepticism in his upscale community, he emerges as an ideal representation of contemporary fatherhood. One emotionally charged scene depicts Avinash, teary-eyed and torn between his role as a stay-at-home dad and pursuing his dream job. His plea to his young child to reserve their milestones for the weekends poignantly encapsulates the heart of parental sacrifice. Despite covering familiar themes, Sobti’s portrayal adds authenticity, offering deep insight into societal expectations while steering clear of preachiness.
Additionally, the series provides a satirical critique of the current educational landscape, particularly when Radhika weighs options for her daughter’s playschool. She is met with promotional pitches for futuristic courses in robotics and coding, while traditional fundamentals like alphabet and counting are deemed unnecessary given the abundance of online resources.
Overall, Raat Jawaan Hai is a touching portrayal of adult friendships interwoven with the complexities of parenthood. Balancing both themes effectively, the story flows seamlessly, resonating with those who share similar experiences. While some crude jokes and overused humor could have been omitted, the series raises significant questions about modern relationships and parental guilt. It paints an honest picture of contemporary parenthood, illustrating the struggles of well-meaning adults seeking to learn from their own childhoods while inadvertently crafting new mistakes. This series is a must-watch for anyone navigating the challenges of parenthood.
Rating: 7/10
