The Prime Video series Do You Wanna Partner, starring Tamannaah Bhatia and Diana Penty, presents a light-hearted take on female entrepreneurship in the male-dominated craft beer industry, but critics suggest the show prioritizes froth over substance. The series, produced by Karan Johar's Dharmatic Entertainment, follows childhood best friends Shikha (Tamannaah Bhatia) and Anahita (Diana Penty) as they navigate the challenges of launching their own craft beer brand, "Jugaaro".
While the series aims to celebrate female ambition and Gen-Z relationships, some critics find the writing predictable and the character arcs underdeveloped. Shikha and Anahita remain largely unchanged throughout the series, with their growth limited to professional milestones. The "quirky comedy-drama" balances humor and social commentary, but some episodes feel stretched. The show does explore relevant themes such as access to capital, navigating bureaucracy, handling betrayals, and negotiating gender bias. However, the storytelling often relies on predictable tropes and frothy drama.
Tamannaah Bhatia's portrayal of Shikha captures her impulsiveness and ambition, while Diana Penty offers a restrained performance as Anahita. However, the script doesn't provide them with enough depth or sharp conflicts, making them come across as bumbling dreamers. Jaaved Jaaferi, Nakuul Mehta, and Shweta Tiwari deliver standout performances in supporting roles, adding humor and layers to the narrative.
Directors Archit Kumar and Collin D'Cunha maintain a brisk pace, and the dialogues stay conversational. The series avoids glamorizing startup culture, portraying the hustle as messy and emotionally draining. However, the series has a formulaic plot, that delivers "josh, jazbaat, and junoon” in measured doses but lacks the daring to subvert its own formula. While it may be a decent weekend binge for those seeking feel-good entrepreneurial drama, it is ultimately forgettable.
Overall, Do You Wanna Partner offers a visually appealing and light-hearted portrayal of female entrepreneurship. However, its lack of depth and reliance on predictable tropes may leave viewers wanting more. The series manages to balance comedy, social commentary, and the technicalities of beer-making, but some aspects feel stretched. Despite its flaws, Do You Wanna Partner ends on a hopeful note, resolving personal and professional tensions and hinting at a potential second season.
