Family dramas in Indian cinema and television thrive on messy relationships, buried secrets, and long-overdue confrontations. The new series Sentimental Value attempts to explore these themes but stumbles by offering overly convenient resolutions. Despite strong acting, does it truly dig deep, or does it let its characters off too easily?
A Strong Start with Loaded Potential
Sentimental Value follows the Mehras, a middle-class Delhi family wrestling with generational clashes, financial stress, and unresolved grudges. Headed by Vikram (Rajat Kapoor), a distant patriarch, and Sudha (Neena Gupta), the self-sacrificing matriarch, the show sets up compelling tensions:
- Vikram’s estrangement from his brother over a property dispute.
- Aarav’s (Aparshakti Khurana) resentment toward his father’s traditionalism.
- Priya’s (Radhika Madan) struggle for recognition in a family that overlooks her.
The setup promises raw, relatable conflicts—yet the execution falters.
The Flaw: Rushed, Unearned Resolutions
The biggest weakness? Major conflicts dissolve too quickly. Examples include:
- Vikram’s Feud with His Brother – Decades of bitterness end in a single hug, sidelining deeper accountability.
- Aarav’s Selfishness – His financial recklessness is forgiven after one emotional speech, negating consequences.
- Priya’s Neglect – Her father’s belated acknowledgment feels abrupt rather than earned.
- Sudha’s Sacrifices – Reduced to a simplistic “Mothers don’t need thanks,” undermining systemic critique.
Unlike shows like Anupamaa or Parenthood, which let conflicts simmer, Sentimental Value opts for hasty fixes.
Missed Opportunities for Depth
The show had chances to explore:
- Generational Trauma – Vikram’s rigidity could’ve been unpacked, not just labeled a “flaw.”
- Sibling Dynamics – Aarav and Priya’s rivalry deserved more than surface-level resolution.
- Gender Roles – Sudha’s selflessness could’ve been questioned rather than glorified.
Instead, it settles for feel-good moments over meaningful growth.
Saving Grace: Standout Performances
The cast elevates the material:
- Neena Gupta shines as Sudha, balancing quiet strength and exhaustion.
- Rajat Kapoor brings gravitas to Vikram, though the script limits his layers.
- Radhika Madan steals scenes as Priya, even with an underwritten arc.
Yet, great acting can’t compensate for a shallow script.
Final Verdict: Warm but Watered-Down
Sentimental Value is watchable, even touching at times—but its fear of discomfort holds it back. By sidestepping hard truths, it loses emotional weight.
Rating: 2.5/5 – A missed opportunity for a truly gripping family saga.
