Oops Ab Kya review: Shweta Basu Prasad, Aashim Gulati and Abhay Mahajan’s comedy-drama series feels lousy and uninventive

Film:
Oops Ab Kya

Director: Prem Mistry and Debatma Manda

Cast: Sonali Kulkarni, Shweta Basu Prasad, Abhay Mahajan, Aashim Gulati, Javed Jaaferi, Apara Mehta

Runtime: 8 episodes (min. 40 minutes each)

Platform: JioHotstar

Oops Ab Kya review:

Oops! Ab Kya? is a comedy drama that sheds light on how artificial insemination turns Roohi Jaani’s (Shweta Basu Prasad’s) life upside down. It begins when Ruhi vow to her grandmother to save her virginity until marriage. To fulfil it, she even avoid getting intimate with her policemen boyfriend Omkar Jadhav (Abhay Mahajan). However, Ruhi’s so-called piggy bank breaks and she gets pregnant after Doctor Roshni mistakenly artificially inseminates her during a checkup. To make matters worse, the biological father, Samar Pratap(Aashim Gulati) is owner of hotel Ruhi works at and also her former crush. Amid this trouble, emotions take a toll on Ruhi when she gets to know about her mother Pakhi’s (Sonali Kulkarni) married life and discovers her father is actor Vanraj(Javed Jaaferi). Will Roohi decide to keep the baby? Will she reunite with her crush or marry Omkar? To know read our review of Oops Ab Kya?

What works for the series

The show blends light-hearted moments with deeper themes of self-discovery, family, and the unpredictable twists that life brings. The show’s first episode lays out all the key plot points-Ruhi getting inseminated, Samar being her crush, Pakhi’s troubled life and search for Mayasur the criminal. However, what strikes the chord as a viewer is the show doesn’t shy away from exploring uncomfortable truths and patriarchy existing in society. Moments like Ruhi accepting having feelings for Samar despite being with Omkar, Pakhi being pregnant out of wedlock, the insemination and emotional dilemma’s are all explored without being preachy. Rather than opting for a regressive approach, makers chose to show the light hearted narrative with moment of laughter.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JioHotstar (@jiohotstar)

What does not work

While the show opts for unique approach to give out a relevant message, it’s the cumbersome execution and lousy pace that becomes a major disappointment. While the elements of show are revealed in first episode, as it moves forward, the show fails to build tension and anticipation over time. The sub-plots lack depth making the story convoluted, with predictable twists and a slow-moving narrative that diminishes any potential excitement. In 40 minutes as well of each episode, a lot of scenes don’t even have any value. Even the humourous dialogues at some points fall flat. The pacing is painfully slow, stretching the thin narrative. To add a twist, the tract of Mayasur was introduced, however the revelation and climax fails to excite.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JioHotstar (@jiohotstar)

Star performances

When it comes to performances, the cast have made an earnest attempt to put best foot forward. However, the dull treatment could not leave much room for them. Shweta Basu as Ruhi nails her role as this confused and complicated girl who is navigating life. Apara Mahta as Nani Subhadra has short screen time. Sonali Kulkarni and Pakhi lends right amount of support. Her love story and chemistry with Jaaved Jaaferi is endearing. However, they are not used to the full potential. Abhay Mahajan as Omkar is a total green flag who performs decently. While Aashim Gulati as Samar Pratap makes his presence felt.

Conclusion

Oops Ab Kya has its heart in the right place. Despite its earnest intentions, the series fails to leave a lasting impact due to its execution. While the performances are alright, they are not enough to salvage the show.

Do watch the trailer of Oops Ab Kya after the review:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JioHotstar (@jiohotstar)

Also Read: Dhoom Dhaam REVIEW: Yami Gautam & Pratik Gandhi lose track in the messy plot & dull climax