There are a few moments between father and son which feel as if something real is going on – resentment and anger have a way of boiling up to the surface in strange ways between parents and children. But the rest of it is clunky and contrived, and the sudden switch between moods—from dad being foe to friend—feels too hurried.

Director Tanuj Bhramar could have explored gay relationships deeper. But in this film, he is almost content to let it all rest with a son’s acceptance — if willy-nilly — of his father’s sexuality.

Though elegant composed and filled with warm possibilities, Dear Dad stays awfully impersonal communicating only from a distance to tread a tediously linear path. Its all-important disclosure isn’t hard to guess what with Bhramar giving away ample signs along the way.   

Dear Dad touches upon a brave and important subject of acceptance, love and compassion, we wish the film was able to have a wider reach with a better storyline.

Dear Dad misses out on becoming a gem because of its treatment.

This could have been a better film dealing with a real issue, but sadly, the script and direction did not seem confident enough to deal with it.

While this could’ve been a breezy indie mood film that travels to a few festivals, it may face a serious challenge as a commercial release in India. The problem with it is simple — not much happens. And what does, happens at a lethargic pace, which can be unnerving.

In short, here is a drag of a film, called a bittersweet drama, which is, really speaking, much ado about — almost — nothing.