
Oops! Ab Kya? Review: Shweta Basu Prasad's Series Offers Fun Yet Rushed Take on Jane the Virgin
1 month ago | 5 Views
Oops! Ab Kya? story:
A young woman's existence undergoes an unexpected transformation following an incident involving artificial insemination in the comedic yet poignant series Oops! Ab Kya? As she navigates the complexities of love, cultural expectations, and contemporary life, her world becomes a whirlwind of humorous, perplexing, and emotionally intense moments due to her unforeseen pregnancy. The series uniquely intertwines humour, sentiment, and chaos, centring on the relationships among three women from different generations. Each character grapples with her own familial obligations and struggles with identity.
Review of Oops! Ab Kya?:
Several years ago, I became captivated by the telenovela Jane the Virgin, which quickly drew me in. The series, featuring Gina Rodriguez and Justin Baldoni in prominent roles, is undeniably binge-worthy, particularly for its unexpected plot twists that compel viewers to immediately continue to the next episode. Recently, Jane the Virgin has been adapted into Hindi as Oops! Ab Kya?, with Shweta Basu Prasad and Aashim Gulati in leading roles. The question arises: when condensing a 22-episode season into just seven episodes, does the impact remain the same? Let us explore this further.
The daily soap operas in India can be likened to telenovelas, and Oops! Ab Kya? appears to have leveraged the format of the original series. The intricate plot twists, combined with sound effects and varied reactions accentuated by camera angles, have engaged audiences throughout their formative years, and many continue to be drawn in today. Jane the Virgin succeeded largely due to its satirical approach, which provided an additional layer of enjoyment for American viewers, given that telenovelas originate from Latin America.
Having previously watched the original series and being aware of the forthcoming developments significantly shaped my experience of the adaptation. However, Oops! Ab Kya? notably lacked the essential elements required for a storyline of this nature. The series features three women delivering compelling performances: Apara Mehta as the matriarch, Sonali Kulkarni as her daughter Paakhi, and Shweta Basu Prasad as Roohi, who embodies the next generation. These three generations coexist under one roof, each with distinct ideologies yet united by their shared love.
Consequently, the inclusion of a virgin protagonist who becomes pregnant through artificial insemination is bound to attract attention. While it did succeed in this regard, the series ultimately constrained itself, failing to explore the more outrageous aspects of the premise.
There is a pivotal moment when Roohi discovers her pregnancy, and those around her respond with a sense of detachment, becoming mere observers and commentators. Additionally, the series often becomes so engrossed in its frequent twists that it loses sight of its primary objective, which takes a backseat rather than remaining central to the narrative.
I must emphasize that my viewing experience was filled with numerous moments of laughter, largely due to the talented actors who have taken on the iconic roles from the original series. Shweta's transition into this genre, following her powerful performances in more serious roles, is indeed a refreshing change. Her depth and composure are crucial in a narrative where the protagonist confronts an unexpected dilemma.
The series "Roohi" illustrates that the stigmas surrounding surrogacy and single motherhood can be dismantled when there is sufficient support rather than relentless judgment. After discovering her unintended pregnancy resulting from medical negligence, one might anticipate heightened drama typical of Hindi shows; however, the narrative swiftly moves to the next development, as the storyline is condensed into just seven episodes.
The Madh Island Hotel serves as a consistent backdrop throughout the series, effectively becoming one of the central characters. It encapsulates various subplots, ranging from drug trafficking to evolving love stories. Additionally, significant plot twists affecting Roohi's mother and grandmother, which dramatically alter their destinies, also unfold within the hotel.
Furthermore, Roohi is employed at this hotel, which is owned by Samar (Aashim Gulati). It is noteworthy that the casting of an actor resembling Justin Baldoni seems intentional, as one character even comments on this resemblance, perhaps as a subtle nod. Samar grapples with the emotional turmoil of being the biological father of a child while dealing with the fallout of his wife Alisha's (Amy Aela) infidelity.
In addition, Roohi is in a serious relationship with Omkar (Abhay Mahajan), an Intelligence Bureau officer who frequently occupies the hotel due to his undercover assignments. His involvement in investigations related to murder, concealed identities, and drug-related activities further solidifies his status as a regular presence at the hotel.
Take it from me: writing about the series is tedious only because so many things have been packed in a short span of time that it still leaves wanting for more..
The series, set against a backdrop of crime, is ultimately dominated by its most tender moments. The rekindling of the past romance between Paakhi (Kulkarni) and Vanraj (Jaaved Jaaferi) after nearly thirty years adds a poignant layer to the narrative. In this fictional realm, events unfold at a deliberate pace, allowing the series to explore various themes, though not all of them achieve a satisfying depth.
With only seven episodes available, viewers are encouraged to savour the experience. It is important to remain patient, as this marks merely the beginning of an extensive storyline with much more to unfold. One can only hope that Oops! Ab Kya? will lead to the production of multiple seasons.
Oops! Ab Kya? verdict:
Oops! Ab Kya? presents a vibrant mix of chaos, humour, and unexpected turns, akin to a shot glass rather than a full tumbler. While it endeavours to evoke emotions and challenge stereotypes, its brisk pacing occasionally results in moments that feel incomplete. Shweta Basu Prasad delivers a commendable performance, yet the series struggles to balance its numerous elements, resulting in a light but somewhat inconsistent viewing experience.
Read Also: Baksho Bondi Review: Tillotama Shome Shines in Gripping Drama
Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!