Badrinath Ki Dulhania

Badrinath Ki Dulhania, released in 2017 and directed by Shashank Khaitan, centers around two young and dynamic characters, Badrinath Bansal played by Varun Dhawan and Vaidehi Trivedi played by Alia Bhatt. This vibrant and colorful film is set in the heartland of India, from the small town setting of Jhansi to the lively city of Kota, moving further to Singapore.

The film has two polar opposite characters meeting amidst the dreams and realities of small-town India. The movie sets a narrative that explores societal and gender norms, love, ambition and the challenges of the traditionalist Indian society.

Varun Dhawan stars as Badrinath Bansal, aka Badri, a lovable, somewhat naïve simpleton from a patriarchal and conservative family in Jhansi. Born into an affluent family, Badri is overshadowed by his elder brother's achievements while he mostly aids his father in the family's car financing business. His charm and gullibility create an appealing persona that's hard to ignore and easy to fall for.

On the other hand, Alia Bhatt plays the role of Vaidehi Trivedi – a fiery, rebellious young woman who hails from Kota and is determined to break socio-cultural barriers in her pursuit for financial independence and self-reliance. Vaidehi is well-educated, ambitious and unwilling to compromise her freedom and dreams for the sake of marital obligations and societal expectations.

The chemistry sparks when Badri falls in love with the strong-minded Vaidehi at a wedding, and the plot thickens as he attempts to woo her for marriage. Badri, who is smitten by Vaidehi's beauty, ventures to win her hand without having an understanding of her values and ambitions initially.

The vibrant and dynamic portrayal of their love story is one of the prime highlights of the film. It not only celebrates their journey together but also presents a vivid picture of the societal prejudice that they grapple with. The film oscillates between humor, romance, and heartbreak without losing its underlying message and the essence of its cultural backdrop.

Sahil Vaid, who plays Badri's loyal friend Somdev, adds another layer to the narrative with his humor and friendship. His character finely injects comedic moments and sometimes also adds the necessary sensitivities to the otherwise complicated narrative.

The film's music is one of the cornerstones, enhancing the movie's overall mood, aura, and message. From foot-tapping dance numbers that delve into the heart of Indian festivities like 'Tamma Tamma Again' and 'Aashiq Surrender Hua' to soulful tunes of 'Humsafar' and 'Roke Na Ruke Naina,' the soundtrack is a perfect blend of upbeat and soothing melodies.

The depth of Badrinath Ki Dulhania extends beyond its central romance. It harbors a social commentary on patriarchy, dowry, and the societal compulsion of marriage for women at the heart of its story. It's a fascinating blend of conventional Bollywood storytelling interwoven with a progressive message, clearly portraying the evolving New India. The film uses humor to cushion these hard-hitting social realities, keeping the audience engaged and entertained at the same time.

Boasting of power-packed performances, especially by the leading duo, Badrinath Ki Dulhania provides a fresh take on the rom-com genre without veering too far from the quintessential rich and picturesque larger-than-life Bollywood narrative. Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt deliver scintillating performances effortlessly oscillating between comic timing and emotional depth.

Visually Badrinath Ki Dulhania is vibrant, replete with colorful sets and beautiful costumes reflecting India's diversity and splendor. Characters are well crafted, and the storytelling is compelling. Eventually, Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a celebration of love and personal transformation, told through endearing characters and their journey of self-discovery within the boundaries of a traditional society.

In conclusion, Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a captivating romantic drama that blends humor, emotions, and a strong social message seamlessly. The movie stands as a remarkable representation of a modern love story that upholds its traditional roots but doesn't shy away from questioning societal norms. With its likeable characters, engaging narrative, and catchy music, this film has something to offer to every cinema lover.