| Directed by | Harshavardhan Kulkarni |
| Starring | Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Sheeba Chaddha, Chum Darang |
| Music by | Hitesh Sonik |
| OTT Platform | Netflix |
| IMDb Rating | 7 |
Badhaai Do Official Trailer
Badhaai Do is a Bollywood movie directed by Harshvardhan Kulkarni and produced by Junglee Pictures.
A follow-up to the 2018 hit Badhaai Ho, the film stars Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead roles.
The movie follows the story of a gay policeman and a young girl who dreams of becoming a national-level athlete, as they navigate societal pressure and familial expectations.
The film explores themes of acceptance, family dynamics, and breaking social norms. With its promising cast and intriguing premise, Badhaai Do has generated a lot of buzz among Indian cinema enthusiasts.
In this Badhaai Do Movie review, we’ll take a closer look at the film’s different aspects, from acting and casting to music and sound design, to see if it lives up to the hype.
Plot Summary
Badhaai Do follows the story of a gay police officer, Shardul Thakur (played by Rajkummar Rao) and a young woman, Sumi Saxena (played by Bhumi Pednekar) who dreams of becoming a national-level athlete.
The two cross paths when Shardul is assigned to be Sumi’s coach to help her fulfill her dream of competing in the national sports tournament.
However, their journey is not without challenges as they must navigate societal pressure, familial expectations, and their own personal struggles.
Shardul is struggling to come out to his family, especially his conservative father, who disapproves of his son’s sexual orientation.
Sumi, on the other hand, is dealing with a mother who wants her to marry and settle down instead of pursuing her athletic ambitions.
As they work together to achieve Sumi’s dream, Shardul and Sumi develop a bond and understanding of each other’s struggles.
The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and breaking social norms, as the characters grapple with their own identities and navigate societal expectations.
Will Shardul be able to come out to his family, and will Sumi be able to break free from her mother’s expectations and pursue her passion for athletics?
Badhaai Do takes the audience on an emotional journey as it addresses these questions and more.
Acting and Casting
The acting and casting in Badhaai Do are commendable. Rajkummar Rao delivers a brilliant performance as Shardul, portraying the character’s internal struggle with sensitivity and depth.
He brings a level of authenticity and relatability to his role, making his character’s journey all the more impactful. Bhumi Pednekar is equally impressive as Sumi, showcasing a range of emotions and physicality as an aspiring athlete.
The supporting cast, including Saurabh Shukla, Supriya Pathak, and Disha Rindani, all deliver nuanced performances that add depth to the story.
Shukla, in particular, brings a comedic touch to his role as Shardul’s senior police officer, providing some lighthearted moments in an otherwise emotionally charged film.
Visuals and Cinematography
The visuals and cinematography in Badhaai Do are both stunning and add depth to the storytelling.
The film is set in the picturesque backdrop of Agra and the surrounding countryside, and the cinematography captures the beauty of the location with striking visuals.
The use of colors and lighting in the film is also noteworthy, with warm tones and soft lighting used to create a sense of intimacy and emotional depth in key scenes.
The camera work is smooth and well-executed, adding a layer of dynamism to the film’s pacing.
Script and Dialogue
The script and dialogue in Badhaai Do are well-written and emotionally resonant. The story is engaging and provides a deep dive into the struggles and aspirations of the characters.
The film deals with issues of social stigma and family dynamics in a thoughtful and sensitive way.
The dialogue is natural and authentic, and the interactions between the characters are well-crafted, bringing a sense of realism to the film.
The film’s humor is well-balanced, providing some much-needed levity in an otherwise emotionally charged story.
The script also features some strong character arcs, with the leads going through significant personal growth throughout the film.
The emotional depth and nuance in the script make for a compelling and engaging narrative that keeps the audience invested in the story until the very end.
Music and Sound Design
The music and sound design in Badhaai Do are noteworthy, with the soundtrack complementing the story and characters. The songs are well-composed and add a layer of emotional resonance to the film.
The sound design is also well-executed, with attention paid to the ambient sounds and background score. The film’s pacing is accentuated by the score, which enhances the emotional impact of key scenes.
Overall, the music and sound design in Badhaai Do are well-crafted and add a layer of depth to the film’s storytelling.
The filmmakers have paid close attention to detail and have created a memorable soundtrack that complements the performances and storytelling.
Themes and Messages
Badhaai Do deals with themes of family, social stigma, and personal growth. The film explores the impact of societal expectations on individuals and how these expectations can lead to tension and conflict within families. The movie emphasizes the importance of acceptance and the power of forgiveness.
The film also touches on the theme of personal growth, with the two leads going through significant transformations throughout the story.
The characters must confront their own fears and biases to move forward and build stronger relationships with one another.
Overall, Badhaai Do delivers an important message about acceptance and the importance of breaking down societal barriers.
The film underscores the importance of love and compassion in creating strong and meaningful relationships, and highlights the need for empathy and understanding in overcoming social stigma.
The film encourages the audience to challenge their own prejudices and biases, and to approach others with openness and kindness.
Conclusion
Badhaai Do is a heartwarming and engaging film that delves into important social issues with sensitivity and nuance.
The film is well-acted, well-written, and well-directed, and the themes and messages it delivers are relevant and timely.
The lead actors, Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, deliver excellent performances that bring depth and emotional resonance to their characters.
The visuals and cinematography of the film are also noteworthy, creating a captivating visual landscape that immerses the audience in the story.
The film’s themes of acceptance, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness resonate strongly with audiences, making it an important contribution to the world of Indian cinema.
Badhaai Do is a must-see film for anyone looking for a thoughtful and meaningful exploration of the complexities of family relationships and societal expectations.
