Trial Period  is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language comedy drama film written and directed by Aleya Sen  It stars Genelia Deshmukh, Manav Kaul, Gajraj Rao, Shakti Kapoor, Sheeba Chadha, Swaroopa Ghosh, Barun Chanda, and Zidane Braz. 

The film premiered on JioCinema on 21 July 2023.

The film opened to positive critics and public reviews.

Synopsis 
Anamaya Roy Choudhary or Ana, is a hardworking single mother living in Delhi with her six-year-old son Romi. Their lives revolve around a packed routine that balances both Ana's career and her son’s upbringing. However, when Romi is tasked with talking about his non-existent father at school, his curiosity sparks a unique idea — he demands a new papa on a 30-day trial period. This idea was most likely inspired by his mother's maternal uncle who watched advertisements of products being given on a trial period.

On the other hand, Prajapti 'PD' Dwivedi, is a simple yet affable man from Ujjain, who is looking for a job and arrives in Delhi at his paternal uncle's office while Ana is searching for a father on Romi's request.

The story shows how PD, an educated, unemployed man adjusts into the environment created by Ana, a single yet hardworking mother and Romi.

Cast 
The cast is as follows:
 Genelia Deshmukh as Anamaya "Ana" Roy Choudhary
 Manav Kaul as Prajapati Shankar Dwivedi "PD"
 Zidane Braz as Romi Roy Choudhary, Ana's son
 Gajraj Rao as Srivastav, PD's uncle 
 Shakti Kapoor as Timmy Sharma, Mamaji
 Sheeba Chadha as Timmy Sharma's wife, Mamiji
 Swaroopa Ghosh as Ana's mother
 Barun Chanda as Ana's father
 Raynu Verma as school principal
 Somansh Singh Dangwal as Shakey
 Manju Sharma as Shakey's mother
 Padam Mishra as Gogi's father
 Gagan Ahuja as Lucas
 Ajay Jadhav as peon in Parivartan Placement Service

Soundtrack 

The music has been composed by Shantanu Moitra, Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Mago & Mayank, and Kaushik-Guddu, while the background music has been composed by Anupam Roy. The lyrics have been penned by Sidhant Mago and Arko.

Reception 
The film opened to several positive critics reviews:

The Times of India said, "Trial Period is a family entertainer worth checking out for the treatment, light-hearted and warm moments, especially the equation between its characters." 

Pinkvilla said, "Genelia Deshmukh and Manav Kaul led Trial Period's ability to have some very difficult conversations with respect to parentship and companionship make it a must watch with families." 

CinemaExpress said, "Trial Period is an endearing tale of finding love and belonging."

IndulgeExpress said, "It has a quirky approach to the pangs of parenting and different opinions are explored in fun-filled ways. It’s a slice of life with a pinch of humour and reflects the need of the time."

Koimoi said, "A sweet harmless film mostly written in broad strokes but whole lot of heart."

Scroll.in said, "Manav Kaul and Genelia Deshmukh turn out lovely performances, either as a make-believe couple or as individuals trying to do what is best for Romi."

New Indian Express said, "In a rather simple storyline, filmmaker Aleya weaves in a lot of layers that address some significant topics and also create room for discussion. With a quirky idea of “buying a father and trying him for a trial period” forming the crux of the story, Aleya creates space to break the shackles of conventionally defined gender roles."

One of the 5 reasons why one should watch the film as stated by First Post said, "“Trial Period” benefits from the visionary direction of talented filmmaker Aleya Sen, who has a penchant for selecting unique concepts that draw inspiration from real life. Her artistic and creative touch infuses the storytelling with depth and authenticity, making the movie an immersive and fun cinematic experience."

CineBlitz said, "The movie introduces a captivating concept of ‘father on rent,’ enthralling viewers with its fresh and innovative narrative. Leading actors, Genelia and Manav Kaul, also join the chorus of admiration for the visionary director, Aleya Sen."

Navodaya Times said, "ये फिल्म प्यार और दोस्ती की एक प्यारी-सी कहानी है। ये कहानी कभी आपको हंसाएगी है तो अगले ही पल सोचने पर भी मजबूर कर देती है।"

Punjab Kesari said, "अलेया सेन ने फिल्म में मानवीय रिश्तों को नए तरीके से पेश किया है। मजाकिया संवादों और खुशनुमा स्थितियों के साथ ट्रायल पीरियड नॉन-स्टॉप हंसी की गारंटी साबित होती है। कुल मिलाकर फिल्म एक मजेदार सिनेमाई अनुभव देती है।"

References

External links 
 

2020s Hindi-language films
2020s Indian films
2020s sports films
2023 directorial debut films
Films about cricket in India
Hindi-language drama films
Indian direct-to-video films
Indian sports drama films