Badhaai Do Review: Rajkummar-Bhumi starrer will make sure you leave the theatre with a smile & a heart full of love

Even before the trailer of Badhaai Do released, fans had high expectations from the film as it was a spiritual sequel of 2018’s Badhaai Ho , which was a huge success, and also because it marks Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar ’s first film together. The actors are two of the most talented and versatile performers of Bollywood and watching them on-screen is always a delight. When the trailer released, it looked entertaining. However, it also made many wonder if the makers will be able to tackle the topic with the much-needed sensitivity. Well much to our delight, Badhaai Do has passed with flying colors. Read on to know all about it, without any spoilers!

The film begins with a brief introduction of our central characters and their families-- Shardul, played by Raj, is a policeman posted at the mahila thana. There are times when he is strict, but also has a warm and funny side to his personality. At times he annoys you with his chauvinistic attitude, but it only goes to show how a person’s personality is conditioned by the society they grow up in, and is not based on their sexuality. Suman aka Sumi, portrayed by Bhumi, is a physical education teacher in a Dehradun school. She is a no-nonsense person who craves independence and love. The only common factor between them is that their families won’t stop badgering them to get married and settle down. Their paths cross and Shardul comes up with the idea of a lavender marriage-- a marriage of convenience where Shardul and Sumi, who are homosexuals, tie the knot and live together as roommates only to get their parents off their back.

Let’s begin by talking about the performances. We all know that Rajkummar and Bhumi are naturals. They have done such a good job of breathing life into their characters that you forget who they actually are while watching the film and see them as Shardul and Sumi. There are times when you root for them but there are also moments where your heart just breaks watching them live a lie-- they have to hide their true identity just so their families would accept them. Then there is a supporting cast of actors who have wonderfully portrayed their roles-- Seema Pahwa as Shardul’s overly involved aunt, Sheeba Chaddha as his mother who is lost in another world, Lovleen Misra as Sumi’s overbearing mother and Chum Darang, who wins your heart as Bhumi’s on-screen love interest Jhilmil.

Before the interval the makers take things slow. It is entertaining with a few leisurely shot scenes, where the story is not rushed in any way. For a few minutes you worry if this is the speed that the rest of the film would take. But thankfully it changes gears in the second half and also gives us a mind-blowing, and seeti-maaroing, entry by Gulshan Devaiah . We won’t divulge details about his character, but know this-- he rules the screen in this cameo and leaves you wanting more! Another great factor of the film is that the romantic scenes between Shardul and his partner, and between Sumi and Jhilmil, have been shot in the most beautiful way. They are full of love, give you butterflies in your stomach and feel magical. Most importantly, they are a treat and make you see love as it should be seen-- as love! And don’t even get us started on the dreamy romantic numbers.

Coming to the story-line: The concept of lavender marriages is not ideal, but it is also not unheard of. It’s a sad reality of the society we live in. There are many out there, even today, who are unable to come out of the closet and instead opt for living a lie. Can you imagine how emotionally draining and painful it is for them? I personally did not feel the film promotes lavender marriages. If anything, it raises awareness of how tough life can be for some people only because their sexual orientation is not considered ‘natural’ by a few unevolved minds. Shardul and Sumi’s story also explains the importance of acceptance. It gives us a brief look at the mentality many people continue to have and explains how imperative it is to remember that you are nobody to validate another individual.

Badhaai Do is not predictable, which is another beautiful thing about it. Just when Shardul and Sumi begin to think everything is sorted, things take an unexpected turn. But it gives them a chance to proudly accept themselves. So go book your tickets if you haven’t yet, because Badhaai Do is a must watch. The heartwarming story-line and natural performances will make sure you leave the theatre with a smile.

A parting note: Our sexuality is not a choice or something we have control over. If someone opens up about it, they are not coming out. They are letting you in. Don’t disappoint them.