"Trial Period" follows the story of Ana, a single mother played by Genelia Deshmukh, who embarks on an unconventional journey to find a temporary father figure for her six-year-old son, Romi, portrayed by Zidane Braz.
After being bullied at school for not having a father, Romi decides to hire a dad for a trial period of 30 days. Enter PD, portrayed by Manav Kaul, a socially awkward man who agrees to take on the role despite Ana's plan to choose the worst possible candidate. As the days go by, unexpected bonds form between PD, Ana, and Romi, leading to a heartwarming but predictable climax.
Review
"Trial Period" presents an intriguing premise that attempts to explore the dynamics of familial relationships in a modern setting. However, the execution falls short of expectations, leaving the audience wanting more. The film's plot, revolving around the unique concept of hiring a father, has the potential for heartwarming drama. Unfortunately, it struggles to translate this potential into a memorable cinematic experience.
The screenplay feels inconsistent, leaving some moments amusing but forgettable, and the overall narrative undercooked. The film's portrayal of a single mother's capabilities as a parent feels stereotypical, which does a disservice to the character of Ana.
While Genelia D'Souza brings her charisma to the screen, her portrayal of Ana as a single mom falls slightly flat, lacking the depth needed to truly connect with the audience. In contrast, Manav Kaul shines with his performance as PD, the socially awkward candidate for the temporary father role. Zidane Braz delivers an endearing performance as Romi, adding a touch of innocence to the film.
The supporting cast, including Shakti Kapoor, Gajraj Rao, Sheeba Chadha, Swaroopa Ghosh, and Barun Chanda, deliver exceptional performances, adding depth to the story.
Director Aleya Sen's storytelling takes a lazy approach, leaving the film feeling inconsistent and lacking emotional impact. The film's heart may be in the right place, but it fails to evoke the desired emotional response from the audience.
On a positive note, Anupam Roy's background score and the tracks "Dheere Dheere" and the recreation of the Bengali folk song "Gole Male" add to the film's charm.
Conclusion
"Trial Period" had the potential to be a heartwarming family drama exploring the complexities of familial relationships. While it has its moments, the film ultimately falls short in delivering a memorable and emotionally resonant experience. The performances by Manav Kaul and the supporting cast stand out, but the film's undercooked script and inconsistent storytelling hinder its impact.
For those seeking a lighthearted watch with a unique premise, "Trial Period" might have its moments of amusement. However, if you are expecting a deeply touching family drama, the film might not live up to those expectations.
Trial Period (2023) - info
- Release date: 21 Jul, 2023
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Director: Aleya Sen
- Writers: Shiv Singh, Akshat Trivedi
- Stars: Gagan Ahuja, Zidane Braz, Sheeba Chaddha