Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is the second mainstream film to explore the subject of same-sex relationships, after Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019). Although not technically a sequel to Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017), this directorial Hitesh Kewalya stars Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role. He’s reunited with his co-stars Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao in Badhaai Ho, while Jitendra Kumar, known as the co-leader for web series like Bachelors and Kota Factory stars.
What’s Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan About?
Kartik (Ayushmann Khurrana) is in a relationship with Aman (Jitendra Kumar). While Kartik has no parents to answer, Aman is a member of the large Tripathi family, who are unaware of his sexual orientation. Kartik goes with him when he visits Allahabad for his cousin’s wedding, and the men are caught kissing by father Shankar (Gajraj Rao) of Aman. Shankar claims at first that Aman is just going through a phase and that he’s going to “get better.” But all hell lets loose as Aman openly kisses Kartik at the wedding. From threatening suicide to pressuring him into a girl’s marriage, Shankar and his wife Sunaina (Neena Gupta) are doing everything they can to make Aman change her mind.
What works?
The only abnormal thing about homosexuality is that in Mainstream Bollywood it wasn’t well represented. Even Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga catered for the more’ waking’ public. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan aims for the masses to normalize same-sex relationships. It, therefore, uses comedy, dysfunctional relationships with the family, comedy, naach-gaana, and more comedy to appeal to the larger Indian public. The dialogs are simplistic but elicit a lot of laughter and the ensemble that delivers them is excellent in depicting the dysfunctional set-up of the family. The games of guilt and self-victimization remind you of your own family reunions.
In Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan leading the circus of insane characters is Ayushmann Khurrana who does what he does best. There are different plugs used to remind us of the actor’s previous movies be it Dream Girl, Badhaai Ho or even Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, just to let you know how this actor is unlike Bollywood’s mainstream stars. His roles just seem quirkier and frankly, we don’t mind. While the Kartik by Ayushmann is filmy and over-dramatic, the Aman by Jitendra is more serious and more poised. They make a good pair and they’re as sweet as their chemistry can be. But the actor stealing the show is Neena Gupta acting with her class ‘ Indian Mother.’ There has been ample opportunity for the family matriarch to perform to her full, and boy does a great job. She is both stern and charming, and her husband Gajraj Rao in Badhaai Ho complements her well. In supporting roles, Sunita Rajwar, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Maanvi Gagroo also add to family craziness.
What could’ve been better?
The film does not explore the perils of homophobia or the oppression that the LGBT community is facing. It tries to keep the mood light with plenty of comedy and masala entertainment to cater to Indian baby boomers.
Why You Should Watch?
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is essentially a love story packed with humor. It not only makes for a fun watch but its normalization of homosexuality is presented in the most Bollywood way it can be. Check it out for two hours of non-stop laughter and fun.
