Badhaai Ho

Badhaai Ho is a delightful 2018 Bollywood film that seamlessly combines elements of comedy, drama, and romance in one engaging storyline. Under the expert direction of Amit Ravindernath Sharma, the lead performances by Ayushmann Khurrana, Neena Gupta, and Gajraj Rao, breathe life into this delightful story with raw authenticity and flair.

The narrative of Badhaai Ho primarily revolves around the central character Nakul Kaushik, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, an average middle-class boy working in a corporate set up in New Delhi, who, despite his modest income, strives to lead a satisfactory urban life and maintain a serious romantic relationship with his upper-class girlfriend, Renee, portrayed by Sanya Malhotra. Nakul's life takes an unexpected and embarrassing turn when his parents - Jeetender Kaushik (Gajraj Rao) and Priyamvada Kaushik (Neena Gupta), announce they are expecting a baby at an unexpectedly old age.

The Kaushik family is a typical middle-class family living in a modest society in Delhi, where societal norms and public scrutiny play a significant role in shaping individuals' lives. Jeetender and Priyamvada have two sons - Nakul, who works in a company and Gullar, a student. Jeetender is a middle-aged man who works as a ticket collector in the Indian Railways, while Priyamvada is a dutiful housewife. The Kaushik household also includes a cantankerous and feisty grandmother, excellently played by Surekha Sikri who adds a particular charm to the family dynamics.

The surprise pregnancy leads to a flurry of reactions from all corners. Nakul and his younger brother are initially embarrassed about their parents' late pregnancy and find it difficult to face their friends, colleagues, and society. The grandmother too voices her disapproval in her own inimitable style. The pregnancy news also strains Nakul's relationship with Renee and her mother Sunita (Sheeba Chaddha) due to their different societal status and attitude towards the situation.

Badhaai Ho progresses to show how the characters evolve to deal with this unexpected situation. The movie offers a refreshing perspective on themes not explored frequently in Indian cinema. With a healthy dose of laughter, the narrative silently addresses the age-related stereotypes and societal judgments and how they affect the relationships within and outside a family. The narrative, while showcasing the Indian family in its familiar chaos, also lies in its folding in of small details, intricacies, and idiosyncrasies of middle-class life.

One of the strengths of "Badhaai Ho" is its relatable and well-written characters. Nakul, as the son grappling with embarrassment and frustration, brings a great depth to his role and gives an incredible performance. Neena Gupta, as the mother, is exceptional, effortlessly portraying a range of emotions, from embarrassment to defiance to unconditional love. Gajraj Rao delivers a dignified performance as the unassuming and sensitive father-to-be. Sanya Malhotra, as the understanding and assertive girlfriend, leaves a lasting impression.

Taking a break from the usual, the film manages to address societal taboos associated with an older couple's love life in the most nuanced and wholesome way. It successfully manages to balance the humor and the sensitive aspects in the narrative. This film is incredibly enjoyable because it doesn't shy away from portraying, with sensitivity and respect, an often-ignored aspect of the lives of older people. The cinematography, music, and the overall contemporary production design of "Badhaai Ho" make it a cinematic treat.

In conclusion, Badhaai Ho is a masterful blend of humor, emotion, and reality. It combines a poignant narrative with stellar performances, lending a fresh and modern touch to family dramas in Indian cinema. It follows a unique storyline and is a sensitive portrayal of interpersonal relationships in the face of societal norms that make it a must-watch. If you're in the mood for a film that can both make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings, Badhaai Ho is an excellent choice. It is sure to strike a chord with its heartwarming message about family, love, and acceptance.