Badhai Ho
Badhaai Ho Is Laugh Riot & A Complete Family Entertainer
Banner: Junglee Pictures & Chrome Pictures
Producers: Vineet Jain, Aleya Sen, Hemant Bhandari, Amit Ravindernath Sharma, Sushil Chaudhary & Priti Shahni
Director: Amit Ravindernath Sharma
Star Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra, Gajraj Rao, Neena Gupta, Sheeba Chaddha, Surekha Sikri, Shardul Rana, Rahul Tiwari, Alka Amin, Alka Badola & Arun Kalra
Music: Tanishq Bagchi, Rochak Kohli, Jam8 & Abhishek Arora
Since the time Ayushmann Khurrana debuted in the year 2012 with Vicky Donor, he has become the poster boy of films which were unconventional, taboo & yet attracted moviegoers in hordes. While his 1st ever film talked about sperm donation, his last year’s sleeper hit Shubh Mangal Saavdhan dealt with erectile dysfunction. Now he’s back with yet another film on similar lines, Badhaai Ho.
Badhaai Ho is the story of a family that faces an unusual situation. Nakul Kaushik (Ayushmann Khurrana) resides in Delhi with his family comprising of his father Jeetender aka Jeetu (Gajraj Rao), mother Priyamvada (Neena Gupta), grandmother (Surekha Sikri) & younger brother Gullar (Shardul Rana). Nakul Kaushik is in a steady relationship with his colleague, Reene (Sanya Malhotra). 1 day Jeetu & Priyamvada get intimate when they are reading the poem written by Jeetu that is published in a magazine. 19 weeks later, Priyamvada falls ill & the doctors inform that she is pregnant. For Nakul Kaushik & Gullar, the world comes crashing down. Priyamvada is told that if she wants to abort, she should do so within the next 3 to 4 days. But she doesn’t feel like aborting & decides to go ahead with the pregnancy. What happens next forms the rest of the crux of the film.
Akshat Ghildial & Shantanu Srivastava’s story is very simple & relatable. It’s surprising that nobody made a film with this subject as the principle plot & the writers treat it well. Akshat Ghildial’s screenplay is a bit subtle. This goes against the film in a few scenes but still manages to click. Every situation in the film seems straight out of life & there’s nothing that’s over the top. Akshat Ghildial’s dialogues are very witty & funny and would be loved, as again, they will resonate with the audiences.
Amit Sharma’s direction is decent but he falters in the 1st ever half. Also he should have treated the romantic portions well. The track of Nakul kaushik & Reene is weak and it’s the older couple & Dadi who takes the cake. But on the positive side, Amit Sharma brings out the emotions very well in a lot of sequences. The film has quite a few subplots & the sequence of Nakul Kaushik going to Gullar’s school to teach a bully might seem unwarranted. But it is important as it helps in explaining how different generations react to such kind of development in their lives.
Badhaai Ho might seem like a laugh a minute riot from the promos but it’s not. The funny moments are definitely there but the film also has its share of emotional & touching moments. Hence, keep your expectations right & you’ll surely enjoy the fare. The film’s beginning & introduction of the characters is a bit shaky. The film picks up only when the Kaushik couple announces about the “good news” to Nakul Kaushik & Gullar. The reaction of Dadi at this juncture will surely be loved. The film again falls a bit & the intermission point makes it seem like an art house film. But it’s in the 2nd half where the film shines the most. The outburst of Dadi in Meerut is clap worthy. Nakul Kaushik’s reaction when his parents return from Meerut is priceless. Another scene that stands out is Nakul Kaushik apologizing to Reene’s mother (Sheeba Chadha). The finale however is the best part of the film & would surely make viewers teary eyed.
Talking of music, “Badhaaiyan Tenu” is the best of the lot & is very catchy. “Sajan Bade Senti” is average but it is presented very well. “Nain Na Jodeen” is touching but the impact is limited as the romantic track is not that strong. “Morni Banke” appears during the end credits & is okay. Abhishek Arora’s background score however is entertaining & has a naughty vibe which suits the film.
Sanu John Verughese’s cinematography is appropriate. Ratheesh UK’s production design is straight out of life. The house of the Kaushik’s looks authentic. Kirti Kolwankar & Maria Tharakan’s costumes are appealing especially the ones worn by the lead couple. Dev Rao Jadhav’s editing could have been crisper at a few places.
Performance wise Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a brilliant performance & his act is spot on. Whether it is the scenes where he’s acting rude or when he gets drunk & creates a ruckus…he is first rate. In the scene where he apologies to Reene’s mother, he’ll win a lot of hearts. Sanya Malhotra is quite decent but has limited screen time. Neena Gupta is the soul of the film & puts up a very convincing & lovable performance. In several scenes, she expresses so well with her eyes & silences. Gajraj Rao is in top form & steals the show in several scenes. He is like the 2nd hero of the film & fulfills the responsibility ably. Surekha Sikri is out of this world & her scenes are sure to induce claps & whistles. Shardul Rana gives a wonderful performance & his scene with Ayushmann Khurrana in the 2nd half is note worthy. Sheeba Chaddha leaves a tremendous impact in a small role. She also communicates a lot through her silences. While the others are fine!
On the whole: Badhaai Ho is not a laugh riot but emerges as a complete family entertainer with emotions as its USP. The film leaves you with a smile.
Tail Piece: At the box office, it is at an advantage. It has been released during an extended weekend & and th families are bound to come in large numbers. It is surely a “Badhaai Ho” time for the makers & the investors!
