Looking at the trailer we all knew that it’s about a middle-aged couple getting pregnant unexpectedly and was hoping for a comic riot – which it was but more than that the movie was also about family values, going against the odds and standing for yourself. Walking into the theater I did not expect to shed any tears, however, call me an old fashion or an emotional freak, at the climax I was sobbing with a wide smile on my face.
The movie starts with the introduction of characters and their lifestyles. Ayushman Khurrana, playing the role of Nakul Kaushik living in government quarters with his father (TT at Indian railways), mother (a housewife), a younger brother and an old age grandmother – whereas Sanya Malhotra, playing Renee Sharma, living with her widowed mother in the upscale suburbs, both working together and in love.
A few minutes in and the big news breaks out. Each character’s comic timings and flawless rendition of emotions are impeccable. The best thing about the humor was, no one looked like they were trying too hard to make it look funny. Ayushman, who by the way, in my opinion, is one of the most natural actors in Bollywood, deserves a standing ovation for carrying the transitions of this character so beautifully and making a regular boy next door, appear so unique and enthralling with his screen presence. The constant bantering between the family members, the family’s initial reaction to the news and the entire process of making the awkwardness seem normal leaves audience in fits of laughter.
The only one thing off is the brief and irrelevant addition of a character, shown to be confused about his sexuality. I don’t think its anything to be made jokes on, especially in a day and age when we as a world are striving hard to get equal rights for our LGBT community.
From gripping one-liners like "tere liye toh mera baph hi kaafi hai” to the grandmother’s taunts, everything seems very organic and genuine. More than anything, I believe that the most captivating thing about this movie was the awkwardness – it made it relatable, funny and left audiences with a social message.
Badhaiyan jee Badhaiyaan!!!
