Story: Oops! Ab Kya? follows the ‘telenovela’ life of 27-year-old Roohi Jaani (Shweta Basu Prasad), who accidentally falls pregnant after a lapse in the artificial insemination procedure. However, she has the most supportive family and boyfriend, Omkaar (Abhay Mahajan). And it so happens that her unborn child’s father is her boss and the owner of a luxury hotel, Samar Pratap Singh (Aashim Gulati). Obviously, the twist of events turns her life upside down, while also surprising her with many ‘firsts’ in life. Inspired by the hit television series Jane The Virgin, the satirical comedy-drama series also has Sonali Kulkarni and Jaaved Jaaferi. Is this desi version of a top-rated videshi show worth a watch? Let’s find out…
Review: There are quite a few Indian shows adapted from foreign-language series such as The Night Manager (2023) Karmma Calling (2024) and Aarya (2020), among others. A few garnered praise, some got barely recognised, while others didn’t even make the cut. It’s probably safe to say that Oops! Ab Kya? is worth your time. This Indianised version of Jane The Virgin has been created quite mindfully by director duo Prem Mistry and Debatma Mandal, considering the domestic audiences’ interests.
Earlier, Prem had directed the popular teenage comedy series Campus Diaries (2022) and Immature (2019), while Debatma is known for his writing-directing credits in Stories by Rabindranath Tagore (2015) and Jagga Jasoos (2017). The two filmmakers joining forces for Oops! Ab Kya? is undoubtedly a smart move. Meanwhile, Jane The Virgin is known for its brilliant storytelling style and dialogues. Thankfully, the essence of the American ‘telenovela’ is kept intact in the Indian series too.
One of the best things about the show is the hysterical narrator in the background. He keeps the audience updated about the ongoing events while also revisiting past incidents to highlight their current developments. The dramatic teller of tales also shares his personal take on a character or an event and even acts surprised by the in-between melodrama. The writers of the show – Suprith Kundar, Chirag Mahabal, Ayesha Nair and Devanshi Shah – have cleverly penned the dialogues and the chain of events that take place in the show. Each part of this eight-episode series offers laughter, surprises, quips and theatrics.
At first, Roohi and Omkaar appear as the happiest couple on the show. However, the romantic entry of Samar makes this relationship a love triangle that drives the show into a perfect ‘telenovela’. Meanwhile, the three skilled actors fit well in their characters, who are poles apart. While Roohi’s bond with Omkaar seems ideal, her chemistry with Samar is sizzling and phenomenal. The romantic development of the story is simultaneously full of dilemmas and exciting for the audience to pick and choose a side. It makes the show even more intriguing. Shweta and Aashim emerge as the perfect fit for their respective roles and sometimes remind you of Jane Villanueva and Rafael Solano (Gina Rodriguez and Justin Baldoni respectively) of the Jane The Virgin. Meanwhile, Abhay impresses as a sweet boyfriend and stern cop.
Sonali in the character of the fun, bubbly, yet ‘not-fit’ mother is outstanding. Her childlike antics, combined with the wisdom of a mature woman within, make this character even more fascinating. Meanwhile, the iconic Apara Mehta as an always-worried yet understanding grandmother is a delight to watch.
Jaaved is the ‘cherry’ on top. He plays the character of an eccentric television star, who is also a guilty father. But the actor leaves no stone unturned to make you feel sympathetic for him. Meanwhile, Amy Aela as a villain-turned-third wheel plays her part well. Towards the end, the series gets a little serious and slows down for some time. But the great narration as well as hysterical dialogues pull you back into the world of intrigue and amusement.
Verdict: The shocking cliffhanger promises that there’s much more in store for the viewers in the upcoming instalment of this unique, melodramatic tale. With minimal tweaks and a few relatable additions to the storyline, the latest OTT series marks a great Indian adaptation of Jane The Virgin. Meanwhile, a unique blend of humour and chaos, along with brilliant performances, make the show a fun watch. So, make some popcorn, relax and stream Oops! Ab Kya? this weekend on Jio Hotstar.
Oops! Ab Kya?
Watch On: Jio Hotstar
Directors: Prem Mistry, Debatma Mandal
Writers: Suprith Kundar, Chirag Mahabal, Ayesha Nair, Devanshi Shah
Cast: Shweta Basu Prasad, Ashim Gulati, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sonali Kulkarni, Apara Mehta, Abhay Mahajan, Amy Aela
Rating: 3.5 stars
