Any Genelia movie is a must watch movie for me. You can’t change my mind. Directed by Aleya Sen, this quirky family drama is a fun ride of emotions as a single mother, Ana (played by the fabulous Genelia D’Souza), auditions men for a ‘father on rent’ because her son wants his own ‘superhero’. It is a fun, one time watch, but the predictability is a bummer. However, despite its flaws, the film manages to make you smile and leaves them with a warm blanket of joy and wholesomeness.
Plot
A single mom, a desperate job-seeking simpleton, and a superhero dad wish from a six-year-old – it’s a recipe for quirky and heartfelt moments! Ana’s son, Romi (the adorable Zidane Braz), wants to fit in at school and craves a superhero dad like all his buddies. Well, let’s be honest, the idea of ordering a ‘father on trial’ from a teleshopping ad sounds bananas. But when the elders reluctantly go along with it, hum kaun hote hai rokne wale? Enter PD, the small-town guy from Ujjain looking for a job, who agrees to this craziness! Will he be the superhero Romi dreams of, or is this gonna turn out to be the worst idea ever?
Performances
Okay I know I’m a Genelia simp (who’s not?), but it is Manav Kaul‘s brilliant portrayal of PD that steals the show. He’s socially awkward, morally upright, and a total gem of a father. It’s something with the underdogs na, you get attached to them from the first scene itself. Genelia D’Souza is a queen of wholesome movies, but here she’s got a different challenge as a sophisticated single mom. She nails it most of the time, but hey ngl, her acting felt over-the-top at some moments! Little Zidane Braz is as cutu as it gets, and owns the screen with his adorable antics, making us go ‘aww’, especially during his scenes with PD. The supporting cast in the form of Shakti Kapoor, Gajraj Rao, Sheeba Chadha, Swaroopa Ghosh and Barun Chanda all take up their small, but impactful roles kaafi acche se too!
Direction and Writing
Aleya Sen takes us on a joyride with her fun direction, making sure we chuckle at every turn. The plot may be predictable, but she serves it up with a big scoop of humor and heart. The chemistry between the characters is pure gold, with PD’s vintage personality clashing with Ana’s city slicker vibe. Har hilarious family comedy ko ek emotional spice ki side-dish ki zaroorat hoti hai, and Aleya delivers just that! Although, we do catch some bumps in the pacing – but hey, that won’t stop us from having a great time!
Screenplay and Cinematography
The screenplay’s inconsistency is noticeable, with certain moments lacking impact and others touching the heart. While some scenes between PD and Romi tug at the heartstrings, others feel underdeveloped, leading to a lack of emotional connectivity. Anupam Roy’s background score elevates the film, especially the classical Indian-laced portions, while the soundtrack, including tracks like “Dheere Dheere” and the Bengali folk song “Gole Male,” adds to the overall appeal. The premise is quirky, but the predictability doesn’t help at all.
Trial Period may be a bit like an eccentric tau ji at the family reunion – occasionally quirky and offbeat – but you can’t help but love it! Manav Kaul’s warm performance and Zidane Braz’s cuteness overload are worth it alone. Sure, the plot may be farfetched, but who said family dramas can’t be a little crazy? It’s a delightful ode to love, family, and the crazy adventures that life throws at us. Despite some predictable moments and occasional lulls, this heartwarming flick will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
