“Badhaai Ho” Review: Quirky, Fun, And Relevant

There is a revelation, and that one revelation leads to a few internal and external conflicts. In this film, the revelation is when a mother of 2 adult children ends up being pregnant. The internal and external conflicts come in the form of the Indian society, where we are always concerned about what people may think and are constantly trying to struggle between what the majority perceives are morally “correct” and traditional, versus the more liberal and progressive thought process in which many wish the country could move towards. This film tries to bridge the gap between two extremes in its own way. Does it success? Badhai Ho will keep you hooked from beginning to end, but don’t expect many twists and turns in the plot. In this film there is more of an emotional graph than a plot driven graph. Considering that, to keep an audience hooked is an even greater achievement…. This film may have just gotten it right!

The screenplay is top notch. It is very well written, and special mention goes to the subtlety in which the message of the film is communicated to the audience. Nothing seems forced. The screenplay and the director also deserve credit for maintaining a quirky and fun filled tone throughout the film. The screenplay is also backed with some brilliant dialogues which take the movie a notch higher.  In the second half, one can argue that the film “gets slow”, but I believe that the second half is where the film reaches a particular point where the narrative has to move in a specific pace for the emotions to work out properly. However, it is true that while the first half is filled with funnier moments, the second half tends to mellow down on that front. But wither way, the film still manages to keep us hooked till the climax.

On the technical front, this film does well. The cinematography, editing, music, production design, and everything works well with this movie. But quite frankly, when it comes to this movie, the main winning is the story and the screenplay. That is what makes this movie. Plus of course the direction! Now to the acting front: The two leads in this film are Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao. They are exceptional! From the dialogue delivery, to the body language, they get it all right! Ayushmann Khurana is definitely skilled when it comes to choosing the right scripts. From “Vicky Donor” to “Dum Laga Ke Haisha, to “Shubh Mangal Savdhaan” to “Barielly Ki Barfi” to the other recently released “Andhadhun”, all his films have something new, and tend to be quirky, fun, and gripping. He is undoubtedly a performer who has created his own space for himself. He keeps you glued to the screen. Yes, this isn’t his film per say, but he lights up the screen non-the-less. Sanya Malhotra has done a laudable job and looks beautiful.

Overall, “Badhai Ho” is a fun, quirky, meaningful, and well-made film for the entire family! It’s a must watch!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.