Pop Kaun? is an unpretentious yet humorous attempt from Farhad Samji: TV review

You might have known about Farhad Samji after witnessing his work in the comedy genre in recent years in films such as Housefull 4, Bachchan Pandey, or his upcoming flick Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. This time around, he has come up with a comedy streaming television series for Disney+ Hotstar that stars some of the best Bollywood comedians, such as the Late Sathish Kaushik, Johny Lever, Jamie Lever, Chunky Pandey, and Saurabh Shukla. 

The series follows Kunal Khemu’s Sahil, the son of a Minister, who has led his whole life taunting others by uttering the words “Patha Hai Mera Baap Kaun Hai?” (Do you know who my dad is?) only to find that he is not his biological son. This results in paternity-obsessed Saurabh Shukla’s KBC (Nupur Sanan’s Pihu’s father) sending Sahil on a mission to find Sahil’s biological father and literally asking, “Patha Hai Mera Baap Kaun Hai?”.

Knowing it’s Farhad Samji’s creation and watching the trailer didn’t get my hopes up because of his recent debacles on the silver screen. However, as I was watching the show, I did find myself chuckling because of some modest scenarios played on screen. The opening act itself really conveyed the tone that it’s going to carry on. Although there were overly-dramatic moments sprinkled throughout like in any other Bollywood comedy, the show makes up for those moments somewhat with its peculiar narration.

The running gag as the lead finding someone whom he taught was his father in different religions each time and changing his name and Aadhar card each time didn’t play as well as they hoped. However, the gag redeemed itself as the story point at the end. 

The actors are really the ones who are the saviors of this particular show. They have lived up to their names by delivering wholesome performances. Kunal Khemu, in particular, was excellent in showing his chemistry with all the possible fathers he had on the show (pun intended). Nupur Sanon was the one standout in the cast, as she didn’t have much to do over the course of the season, she may redeem herself in the second season if it happens.

Farhad Samji has gone wacky with this project by being part of the Music, Cast, and Singing in addition to writing and directing. Coming to his writing is unpretentious and delivers some laughs. However, the lack of experimentation with the medium is a huge disappointment. The show played like how any Bollywood comedy would have played over three hours. The songs composed and sung by him are muddled.

Pop Kaun? is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India.