Is Daddy Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Daddy is likely a skip if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 135 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Daddy Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1989, Daddy emerges as a significant entry in the TV Movie, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Pooja has been brought up by her grandparents, and has no recollection of her mom and dad. Unlike standard genre fare, Daddy attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Mahesh Bhatt, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the TV Movie elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any TV Movie is often anchored by its ensemble, and Daddy features a noteworthy lineup led by Pooja Bhatt. Supported by the likes of Anupam Kher and Avtar Gill, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Pooja Bhatt, Anupam Kher, Avtar Gill manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1989 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the TV Movie, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Daddy is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Daddy follows a sophisticated deliberate pace. Over its 135 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Daddy resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the TV Movie landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.3/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Daddy is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Pooja has been brought up by her grandparents, and has no recollection of her mom and dad. She is told by her grandpa, Kantaprasad, that her dad had passed away. Years later, Pooja has now grown up. She starts getting mysterious phone calls from a male who merely says "I love you", and hangs-up. When her grandpa has these phone calls traced, the caller is Anand, Pooja's dad. Kantaprasad has him beaten up, and warns him against contacting Pooja again. When Pooja is being molested by a male in her apartment building, Anand comes to her rescue, and it is then Pooja comes to know that this shabby, alcoholic man is her dad. Will Pooja accept him, or will she follow her grandpa's advise and continue on with her life.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Daddy (1989) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.3/10 and strong performance metrics in the TV Movie, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Pooja Bhatt, Anupam Kher, Avtar Gill or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Daddy is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1989. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Daddy has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.3/10, and global collection metrics, Daddy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1989 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Daddy movie hit or flop?
Daddy is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.3/10 and lower collections.
Is Daddy worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.3/10, Daddy may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Daddy online?
Daddy may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Pooja has been brought up by her grandparents, and has no recollection of her mom and dad. She is told by her grandpa, Kantaprasad, that her dad had passed away. Years later, Pooja has now grown up. She starts getting mysterious phone calls from a male who merely says "I love you", and hangs-up. When her grandpa has these phone calls traced, the caller is Anand, Pooja's dad. Kantaprasad has him beaten up, and warns him against contacting Pooja again. When Pooja is being molested by a male in her apartment building, Anand comes to her rescue, and it is then Pooja comes to know that this shabby, alcoholic man is her dad. Will Pooja accept him, or will she follow her grandpa's advise and continue on with her life.