Mimtaz
Genelia Deshmukh’s latest dad-on-hire comedy, Trial Period – streaming on JioCinema – is a sweet ode to familyhood with a predictable storyline.
Read Trail Period Movie Full Review –
Director: Aleya Sen
Cast: Genelia Deshmukh, Manav Kaul, Zidane Braz Shakti Kapoor, Sheeba Chadha, Gajraj Rao
Duration: 2 Hours 5 Mins
Rating: 2.5/5
Plotline:
Anamaya Roy Choudhry aka Ana (played by Genelia Deshmukh) is an independent Bengali single mother, residing in Delhi’s C.R. Park, whose world revolves around her 6-year-old son Romi (played by Zidane Braz). Fatherless Romi gets bullied in school and is unable to make friends, leading him to believe that only a ‘superhero dad’ can save him now.
One day, influenced by teleshopping ads, Romi demands a new father for a trial period of 30 days. After rubbishing it off initially, Ana ends up interviewing potential dads to rent.
However, she has a plan. Ana looks for the boring and worst dad possible so that Romi gives up the thought of having a father.
A History teacher from Ujjain, Prajapati Dwivedi aka PD (played by Manav Kaul) comes to Delhi in search of a job but ends up becoming the dad on trial. Ana’s plan goes down south when Romi and PD start getting along very well. What happens next forms the rest of the movie.
What Do We Think?
First things first, kudos to writer-director Aleya Sen for making a movie on the bizarre yet unique idea of a father on rent for 30 days. The premise of the movie is heartwarming and entertaining but predictable and cliched. The narrative also loses pace sometimes.
The scene where Romi fails to give a speech on fathers will remind you of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Although it seems to be a poor imitation. Trial Period has some moments but nothing as such stands out.
Genelia as Ana is charming and delightful. However, she went a bit over-the-top with her acting at times. Little kiddo Zidane is a treat to watch. His cute dimples, innocent and sparkling eyes will leave a smile on your face.
Manav Kaul as a socially awkward, Hindi-speaking PD is highly likable. And yes, by the end of the movie, you will end up rooting for him. The chemistry between PD and Romi uplifts the undercooked story.
Meanwhile, the script doesn’t focus much on the relationship development between Ana and PD.
Shakti Kapoor and Sheeba Chadha as Ana-Romi’s supporting neighbours, Gajraj Rao as PD’s uncle and veteran Bengali actors Barun Chanda and Swaroopa Ghosh as Ana’s clueless Bengali parents are impressive too.
The makers have tried to recreate the iconic Baul (folk) song ‘Gole Male’ with Hinglish lyrics and new-age vibes, which is a letdown. The rest of the songs are quite forgetful. However, Anupam Roy’s background score is pleasant.
HIT Or MISS?
Trial Period is a simple, light-hearted story that rides high on performances. The film fails to leave a long-lasting emotional impact. If you are in a lazy mood this weekend, you can give it a watch without having much expectations.
