The new seven-episode web series Perfect Family explores the messy dynamics of a large Punjabi family, the Karkarias, who are forced into group therapy after the youngest member suffers an anxiety attack due to the constant fighting at home. The series, created by Palak Bhambri and directed by Sachin Pathak, stars Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Gulshan Devaiah, and Neha Dhupia.
🎭 Premise and Strengths
The show is built on a loaded, yet relatable, premise: examining how the emotional chaos of adults affects a child’s mental health. The entire Karkaria clan—the parents (Manoj and Seema Pahwa), the son Vishnu and daughter-in-law Neeti (Gulshan Devaiah and Girija Oak Godbole), and the daughter Pooja (Kaveri Seth)—are pushed into sessions with therapist Megha (Neha Dhupia).
- Destigmatizing Therapy: The series shines when it tackles the reluctance and lack of awareness surrounding mental health in traditional Indian families. A particularly funny moment sees Seema Pahwa’s character confuse the term “sadma” (trauma) with the actress Sridevi.
- Heart and Humor: While exploring themes of trauma and resentment, the series manages to keep a foundation of humor and functional complexity, understanding that families are often messy yet still functioning.
- Accessible Viewing: Perfect Family is notable for its release strategy, streaming on YouTube under a structured pay model (the first two episodes are free).
⭐ Stellar Performances
The talented cast is largely credited for saving the show from its narrative bumps:
- Manoj Pahwa is in top form as the loud-mouthed, caring patriarch who fiercely guards the family’s façade.
- Seema Pahwa delivers a restrained and heartbreaking performance as the timid wife whose entire identity is tied to her family.
- Gulshan Devaiah excels as the frustrated son, Vishnu, constantly battling professional and marital miseries.
- Neha Dhupia provides a much-needed calm presence as the family therapist, Megha.
- Hirva Trivedi is superb as the young granddaughter, Daani, whose anxiety acts as the catalyst for the entire series.
📉 Weaknesses
The show’s main drawback is its structure. To delve into each character’s complex past, the series relies too heavily on flashbacks to formative trauma. These constant jumps, layered over the present-day therapy sessions, eventually become muddled and overwhelming, making it difficult to track the emotional progress and current events. The roles of some supporting characters, particularly Kaveri Seth’s, also feel underwritten.