Badhaai Do Review: Rajkummar Rao & Bhumi Pednekar shine a light on reality in a light hearted way!
Movie: Badhaai Do
Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni
Cast: Bhumi Pednekar, Rajkummar Rao, Chum Darang, Sheeba Chaddha
Rating: 3.5/5
Badhaai Do begins with family members discussing one of their favourite topics: marriage, set among the picturesque hilltops of Dehradhun. Both Shardul and Sumi’s parents are on the lookout for a suitor, blind to the fact that their children are gay. While the two have been going about their lives, Sumi’s dating adventure leads her to Shardul, a macho-yet-humble and pampered cop.
Badhaai Do seeks to knock down the first door and make advances in a country where Indians are unaware of, hostile to, or simply non-inclusive of the LGBTQIA population. It does so, however, with lighthearted references to moral policing, body shaming, and not being fair enough to marry. The early part of the film is littered with plot holes.
Sumi and Shardul have to deal with their own personal worlds as well as the one they have established together now that they are married in a lavender setting. In his screenplay, director Harshvardhan Kulkarni creates a few minor problems, but they never become a big source of concern. Fights, disputes, and family problems are all settled quickly, leaving you wondering where the plot is going.
The second half of the film shines brighter than the first, owing to actress Sheeba Chaddha, who brings life to a boring love story. Sheeba, who plays Shardul’s mother, provides comic relief and her own charm with her odd yet likeable demeanour.
As one might anticipate, Rajkummar and Bhumi provide a sincere performance. The supporting cast, which includes Chum Darang, Seema Pahwa, and a surprise appearance by Gulshan Devaiah, keeps you intrigued and nails comic timing.
Verdict:
Whether it’s about living your own truth or legalising adoption for LGBTQIA people, Badhaai Do aims to spark a conversation while also highlighting the fact that we still have a long way to go by holding up a mirror to society.
