Taboo topic given an engaging twist
THIS is that film which Bollywood serves us very rarely because the taboo subject defies the norms of traditional cinema storytelling. Amit Mishra and his team of witty writers have made a film which is as awkwardly indulgent as it is oddly entertaining.
The story is based on the middle-class Kaushik family’s trials and tribulations in New Delhi. The lives of Nakhul (Ayushmann Khurrana) and his brother Juna (Rahul Tewari) take a huge and embarrassing turn when they find out that their mother, Mrs Kaushik (Neena Gupta), is pregnant again.
Struggling to accept the news, the story tackles how they come to terms with the unexpected addition to the family.
The film’s strongest asset is the social drama that evolves from its rousing screenplay.
The writing is effectively intertwined with a simplistic, enjoyable directorial style that’s relevant and relatable.
While there may be some significant debate about the age gap between the expectant parents and their grown children, the director gets you easily drawn into the conversations between characters.
I found myself stuck between sitting back and enjoying the humour that came from the scenarios instead of questioning the ethos that provides shock value and vital ingredients to the film’s joyful story.
Ayushmann Khurrana can almost never get wrong with his choice of movie roles.
He recently had us gripped with an edgy performance in Andhadhun and returns in a lighter, more humorous character who is easy on the viewer’s mind. His ability to slip effortlessly into his character is praiseworthy!
Neena Gupta is the life of the film. The veteran actress’s seniority is felt in her expert approach to the challenging character. For most of her screen time she is nuanced, with natural tones, and her subtlety wins over the respect of the audience.
Gajraj Rao as the father is brilliant. It’s mostly heart-warming to watch Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao bring a form of respect to old-age romance, which is rarely shown in Hindi cinema.
Surekha brings the house down with show-stopping glee. She plays her archaic mother-in-law character with a domineering presence and the funniest lines of the film.
The music is strictly average. Some song interludes affect the pace and realistic feel of the story writing, particularly in the second hour.
A hard-hitting message is delivered in a film which hits all the right notes and wins your heart right from the start.
It’s uproariously amusing and entertaining.
A must-watch!