New Navigating Parenthood and Friendship: Raat Jawaan Hai Delivers a Touching Tale of Modern Millennial Challenges

Becoming a parent has always presented challenges, but for millennials stepping into this role for the first time, it feels even more bewildering. The societal landscape, shifts in lifestyle, and standards of living starkly differ from those of their youth. They exhibit heightened self-awareness and a tendency to be excessively cautious about parenting styles and potential childhood traumas, largely influenced by the plethora of self-styled parenting coaches they encounter on social media.

Raat Jawaan Hai Review: The narrative of Sony LIV’s newest original, Raat Jawaan Hai, unfolds around three millennial childhood friends navigating their identities, personal aspirations, and adult relationships while striving to raise their children as best they can. The trio consists of Avinash (Varun Sobti): a devoted stay-at-home father, Suman (Priya Bapat): a recent mother grappling with social anxiety, and Radhika (Anjali Anand): the spirited, commanding figure of the group and a formidable mother to her three-year-old.

This tight-knit trio represents a typical cast of friends who support one another unconditionally. They lean on each other for gossip, shopping tips, heartfelt discussions, and, of course, eleventh-hour babysitting favours. Their WhatsApp group titled “Raat Jawaan Hai” serves as their constant source of connection, buzzing throughout the day.

Raat Jawaan Hai Review: Characters The protagonists are introduced in a park during their kids’ play date, where they’re venting about their packed schedules. Their usual playful banter is disrupted when Avinash suggests they watch Avengers: Endgame, slated for release that week, persistently persuading the others to join him. As anticipated, this leads to a chaotic hunt for babysitters, sweet-talking relatives, and frantic efforts to adjust their schedules. They share nostalgic sighs, yearning for the spontaneity they once enjoyed, reminiscing about their trips to Goa.

The narrative maintains a lighthearted tone, filled with expletives, crude jokes, and playful back-and-forths. We witness their excitement over capturing their first family selfie in a government office, their silent turmoil in traffic (as they avoid waking the sleeping child in the backseat), and hear their little ones inadvertently dropping f-bombs they’ve picked up.

While the initial episodes feel light and breezy, the comedic tone often appears shallow and overly eager to elicit laughter. Many of the jokes—worn thin from overuse—fall flat. Some come off as grating and awkward. Seriously! We don’t need yet another quip about coffee made with breast milk or parents spamming their precious contacts with “Good Morning” texts.

However, the series takes a notable turn starting in the fourth episode. Up until that point, it seemed like a collection of privileged adults whining about their kids and hindered plans, but the narrative evolves into a more profound and engaging exploration. We delve into the long-standing friendship dynamics and gain a closer look at their internal struggles, marital tensions, aspirations, and the often-overlooked facets of parenthood. The fresh perspective reminiscent of director Sumeet Vyas’s beloved shows, such as TVF Tripling, is evident—known for their relatable storytelling, authentic humour, and heartfelt portrayals. The stark contrast between the two halves of the show is striking, juxtaposing the facade we present for social acceptance against our real-life challenges.

There’s a particularly well-crafted moment where Suman shares a childhood birthday party incident from the fifth grade that left her feeling rejected when her friends chose her much cooler older sister instead. This narrative swiftly transitions into a self-reflective monologue about her feelings of inadequacy and her struggle to secure their friendship. “I always put in more effort because I feared you two would leave if I didn’t,” she confides. This entire sequence is beautifully crafted and performed, illustrating how seemingly minor events from childhood can resonate throughout one’s life.

Suman’s journey of self-doubt and reliance on others further unfolds later in the series, striking a resonant chord beyond the screen each time.

Another impressive arc features Avinash, who has formed a touching bond with his newborn and is willing to sacrifice his career to care for him. He embodies sensitivity and thoughtfulness, serving as an ideal model of modern fatherhood. Despite his upscale surroundings filled with well-educated and progressive individuals, he frequently faces mockery and judgmental glares. The series excels in depicting the contemporary paternal experience. In one poignant scene, a teary-eyed Avinash grapples with his choice between remaining a stay-at-home dad or accepting a coveted position with a lucrative salary. “Promise me you won’t take your first steps or say your first words on a weekday. Save those moments for the weekend,” he tells his adorable baby. Although this theme has been explored in previous films and shows, Sobti’s performance is genuinely touching. The show candidly addresses societal double standards without veering into didacticism.

There’s also a satirical jab at the current education system depicted when Radhika evaluates a playschool for her daughter. “We provide courses in robotics and coding. It’s essential for staying ahead of the competition,” she’s informed by one of the potential institutions, while the basics of reading and counting are seemingly left to YouTube and the Internet.

Raat Jawaan Hai Review: Verdict In summary, Raat Jawaan is a touching series that examines the intricacies of adult friendships and parenthood. It artistically balances these themes without allowing one to overshadow the other. The storyline flows seamlessly across episodes, achieving a high level of relatability. While it could have done without some crude humour and inappropriate jokes, it raises significant questions about modern relationships and the guilt of parenting. The series presents an authentic portrayal of contemporary parenthood, showcasing confused adults striving to avoid repeating their own parents’ mistakes while preparing to make new ones. If you’re a parent, this is a must-watch.

Rating: 7/10