The makers of Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai and Khichdi, Aatish Kapadia and Jamnadas Majethia are back with another family entertainer. Happy Family Conditions Apply is a good old dose of family comedy, drama, and madness within four generations. The navigation of life and emotions by the Dholakia family in all their Gujaratiness is a great family watch. Here’s our review of Happy Family Conditions Apply and why it needs to be on your weekend watchlist.
The Dholakias and their madhouse
Right from the eldest generation to the youngest one, each character of the Dholakia family is unique and has a different personality. From dadi Hemlata (Ratna Pathak Shah) who is a pure vegetarian but loves a chilled beer with every meal to her bahu Pallavi (Ayesha Jhulka) who constantly clicks selfies, there is never a dull moment in this house. Hemlata has a way with her kids and grandkids which make her the super cool and fun dadi who is a little teekhi and extra meethi. She loves watching young men in chaddis and claims to have been a bombshell when she was young.
The family also features Sanjuoy and his Chandni Chowk to Elco Market wife aka Tisca who is an aspiring fashion designer. And when the couple tells the family that they are moving out, it leads to chaos, drama, and a lot of taaney. Sanjuoy’s dad Ramesh (Atul Kulkarni) is the most affected as he says he consults the whole family before even changing his hair colour. And the idea of his son moving out is an arrow to his heart. But eventually, with a lot of debating and emotional drama, he tries to come around.
The Dholakias are aptly cast and make for a great watch
This fun roller coaster promises corny laughter, resurfacing emotions, and a simple storyline that is easy to follow. The makers of Happy Family Conditions Apply have done a great job with casting the Dholakias. Ratna Pathak Shah is so convincing as the Gujju dadi who is the heart of the show. Along with her, Raj Babbar as her husband plays the amazing role of the problem solver but also knows how to please his wife and keep her happy. Atul Kulkarni and Ayesha Jhulka are also a great couple as one brings an overflow of emotions and the other is always there to capture every moment with her selfies. The younger members of the family, Sanah Kapur, Meenal Sahu, and Raunaq Kamdar, are woke, grammar nerds, and practical. They add a great freshness and their banter with the elders is relatable and fun.
Happy Family Conditions Apply is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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