Raat Jawaan Hai Series Review: A wholesome take on urban friendships and parenthood that feels like a warm hug

Raat Jawaan Hai Series Review: A wholesome take on urban friendships and parenthood that feels like a warm hug

Aided by brilliant performances, the show warmly portrays adult friendships, capturing the messy, beautiful journey of balancing personal identity with family responsibilities
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Raat Jawaan Hai(4 / 5)

SonyLIV’s latest eight-episode series Raat Jawaan Hai, directed by Sumeet Vyas and written by Khyati Anand-Puthran, is a refreshing exploration of the tricky balancing act between friendship, parenthood, and individual identity in the adult years. The series, set against the urban backdrop of Mumbai, centres around three childhood friends, Suman (Priya Bapat), Avinash (Barun Sobti), and Radhika (Anjali Anand), as they navigate the complexities of marriage and early parenthood. Despite the pressures of their personal lives, they continue to rely on each other, exploring what it means to maintain a friendship across time and the ever-shifting responsibilities of adulthood as a first-time parent. In the first episode, titled Film Dekhne Chalein?, the trio attempt a seemingly simple night out. It’s a humorous, all-too-familiar reminder that once friends cross the age of 30, the simple joy of a movie outing is no longer simple.

Creator: Khyati Anand-Puthran

Director: Sumeet Vyas

Cast: Barun Sobti, Anjali Anand, Priya Bapat, Vikram Singh Chauhan, Priyansh Jora, Hasleen Kaur, Kumud Mishra, Umesh Jagtap

Suman, the introspective one, is a caring, steady presence who is also quietly reserved. She often struggles to articulate her feelings, unsure of where she fits within the dynamic of the group. Priya brings this subtlety to life with sensitivity, showing Suman’s emotional range in a way that feels intimate and authentic. Avinash, formerly a tech professional, has taken on the role of stay-at-home dad, content to nurture his toddler son while his wife advances in her career. Barun plays Avinash with a natural ease that draws audiences in, balancing humour with a sense of underlying insecurity. Avinash feels judged for his decision to step back from work, particularly by former colleagues and even his own family, who struggle to accept his choice. Then there’s Radhika, the outspoken and bold one, who thrives on her connection with her friends. Anjali’s portrayal of Radhika is magnetic. She embodies her character’s fiery spirit to a tee. Her character, arguably the most vibrant of the three, is a key source of the show’s heart and energy.

What makes Raat Jawaan Hai so compelling is its nuanced portrayal of friendship that has matured and changed over time. Much like the classics in the genre Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) and Tu Hai Mera Sunday (2016), the show explores friendships that have spanned decades but now face new challenges. Each character is in a different place emotionally and in their relationships, yet they continue to return to one another, finding solace in the shared experience of raising their kids. Thankfully, the show does not idealise the role of the parent. It captures the messiness, exhaustion, and occasional frustration that often accompanies parenthood, portraying it as both a beautiful and difficult journey. The characters are frequently seen struggling to balance their desires with their responsibilities.

Khyati’s writing is both thoughtful and witty, with conversations that flow naturally, capturing the nuances of adults' friendships as they navigate the moments of irritation, joy, and self-doubt. These are not the overly dramatic dialogues found in many shows or films but rather lived-in conversations that feel as though they could be overheard in any neighbourhood park or at a late-night get-together among friends. A scene in the fourth episode, Abadaba Issues, captures this perfectly. Suman finally opens up to her friends about why she stopped celebrating her birthday after the fifth grade, revealing an underlying sense of isolation. She admits feeling like an “add-on” in the group—the uncool one who simply went along with the others. This moment, underscored by Priya’s delicate act, shows Suman’s vulnerability in a way that is deeply touching. Radhika’s response—a passionate reassurance of Suman’s importance—feels as much a declaration of friendship as it is a reaffirmation of their shared history. It’s moments like these that make Raat Jawaan Hai resonate on a personal level. 

The show also tackles broader social issues without being preachy. In episode three, Finding Sunita, the friends travel to a rural area to interview a prospective nanny. The episode provides both comedic relief and a look into the urban-rural divide. The situation gives rise to a hilarious string of events, even as it highlights the different realities that exist within the same society. The fifth episode, titled Jaale Toh Nahin Lag Gaye, can be a cultural shock for conservative audiences, but the way it is staged and written—with an uproarious twist—serves as a masterclass. The show often finds humour in the most unlikely places, further showcasing its clever writing. The series also delves into gender roles with surprising depth. In episode six, Mercury Retrograde, Avinash has a heated conversation with his wife about his choice to be a stay-at-home dad. Although he jokes about the monotony of his role, it becomes clear that this decision has impacted his sense of self-worth. His wife, insisting he “get back to work,” touches on the societal expectation for men to define themselves by their careers. This scene captures the pressure on men to conform to traditional definitions of masculinity, providing a rare glimpse into a topic that is often glossed over.  

Besides the lead, the supporting cast is also noteworthy. Vikram Singh Chauhan, Priyansh Jora, and Hasleen Kaur each add depth to the series, portraying their characters with a sincerity that enhances the central narrative. Kumud Mishra and Umesh Jagtap make incredibly noteworthy cameo appearances as Radhika and Suman’s fathers, respectively, adding layers of emotional connection within their limited screen time. The presence of the child actors also deserves commendation, as their interactions bring an additional layer of joy to the series. Anurag Saikia’s background score blends beautifully with the show’s scenes, complementing both the fun-filled and emotional aspects of the series without overpowering it.

Although Raat Jawaan Hai sometimes veers into idealism, with certain elements seeming almost too good to be true, this is only a minor drawback in an otherwise well-rounded show. Much like Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, the show offers a sense of escapism that is both reassuring and uplifting. The show blends humour with poignancy, creating a narrative that feels like a warm hug. As season one comes to a close, Raat Jawaan Hai leaves us with a sense of hope and desire to see more of Suman, Avinash, and Radhika. For anyone who has juggled the challenges of adulthood while holding on to the bonds of friendship, this show is a heartwarming reminder that while life may get messy, the people who matter will always be there.

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