Badhaai Do Movie Review - A Complete Family Entertainer with a Solid message
Sumi and Shardul live double lives as gay and lesbian community members who are socially marginalised. They believe that settling for a compromise marriage to appease their overbearing families will provide them with cover while they pursue partners of their choosing. The story of this family performer is built around what they ultimately achieve and how they do it.
Marriages are said to be formed in paradise. Surprisingly, a large proportion of these 'heavenly marriages' appear to be all shining and bright as a result of different sacrifices made by couples. This matrimonial compromise is of a distinct kind in Badhaai Do, one that isn't typically spoken but has always existed.
For those unfamiliar, a lavender marriage is a hetero marriage between two homosexual individuals who agree to this agreement of convenience for a variety of reasons, including trying to fit into society, avoiding social stigma associated with their single status, and using it as a cover to live their lives with some semblance of freedom. Harshavardhan Kulkarni's film presents this convoluted arrangement with comedy and wit - but not at the expense of the characters - and sensitively addresses the protagonists' issue. The film aims to convey the concept that one's sexual orientation should not and does not define who they are. This is a fun family film that is a successor to the film Badhaai Ho.
Sumi and Shardul (Bhumi Pednekar and Rajkummar Rao) are newlyweds who live together like roommates in the film. Following Sumi and Shardul's wedding, they go on a path of walking on eggshells in order to keep their secret hidden from their families, friends, and neighbours while remaining loyal to themselves. They end up racing from one crazy situation to the next in the process. The romantic interludes between Shardul and Sumi and their real partners play out with the same ease, comfort, and turbulence as any other couple in our films, indicating that the film's goal is not to stereotype the gay and lesbian community, but to change minds and eliminate prejudices against them.
Shardul is perfectly portrayed by Rajkummar Rao. Particularly heartbreakingly beautiful are the emotionally heated times. He has a good grasp of his role, which he portrays with grace and honesty. Sumi is played by bhumi pednekar in a compassionate, nuanced, and spot-on performance. To add momentum to the proceedings, the first half should have been edited better. The storey misses its way a few times in its attempt to create layers, but it eventually hits home. The clip is beautifully shot, portraying the natural beauty and simplicity of Uttarakhand.
Overall, A Perfect Family Entertainer with a Solid message!
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