Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: A Disappointing Revival

The much-anticipated revival of Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in 2025 has left viewers disappointed. With outdated themes and performances that feel like a parody of the original, the show struggles to connect with modern audiences. The characters seem trapped in a bygone era, and the writing lacks creativity, making the series feel juvenile and underwhelming. As nostalgia turns into frustration, many are left wondering if this revival is a step backward for Indian television. Will the creators reconsider their approach before further tarnishing the legacy of a once-beloved show? Read on for a deeper analysis of this lackluster return.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2025, 22:27 IST

A Lackluster Return to Television

As I tuned into the first episode of Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, 2025, my immediate impression was that it parodied the melodramatic family dynamics that captivated audiences a quarter-century ago.

However, it became clear that the creators are earnest in their approach. They are committed to the same exaggerated family connections, over-the-top acting (with the exception of Smriti Irani, who attempts to inject some rationality into a show that seems intent on self-sabotage), and the same outdated sets, all while remaining blissfully ignorant of contemporary realities.

The dialogue has become even more cringe-worthy. At one point, Tulsi Virani, embodying an exaggerated sense of compassion, declares, 'Baa always said, if the women of the house cook together and the aroma of the food spreads across the home, then that is a parivaar.'

Really? Women today have evolved, but not in Ektaa Kapoor’s fantasy world. The women in the Virani household are still depicted as cooking and squabbling.

The cast appears to be mimicking the original characters rather than genuinely portraying their roles in a way that reflects the passage of 25 years. When we first encounter Tulsi, she is conversing with a tulsi plant, a monologue that reinforces outdated family values that would even make Sooraj Barjatya uncomfortable.

No one reminisces about the past anymore, especially not a matriarch like Tulsi, whose schedule is perpetually full. The premiere was filled with clips from the original Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which evoked the opposite of nostalgia. It felt like a lazy attempt at filmmaking with uninspired writing.

The women of the Virani family are still engaged in gossip, while the men lounge around pretending to be busy, and the creators seem to believe they have a winning formula.

They are mistaken! The revival of Kyunki… Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi lacks any appeal for modern audiences. The execution is shockingly underdeveloped and juvenile.

Seeing the characters stuck in a time warp is uncomfortably outdated. It feels like waking up in a world that has moved on. It would be wise to cancel this show before it further tarnishes the legacy of what was once a significant part of our lives.