Shubh Mangal Saavdhan movie review: Sweet but hardly profound

Directed By: RS Prasanna
Produced By: Eros International, Y Not Studios, Colour Yellow Productions
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
Duration: 2 hours
Bollywood Bubble Rating: 2.5/5

Mudit Sharma (Ayushmann Khurrana) is a 26-year-old nice-looking guy with a prepossessing smile. Initially reluctant to get hitched, Mudit falls in love pretty hard and fast as he sees Sugandha (Bhumi Pedndkar). Unable to approach her directly, he ends up sending her a marriage proposal online. However, the goof-up is yet awaited. Mudit suffers from erectile dysfunction, which puts both of them (and eventually both the families) into great dismay.

‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ could be so much more than just another love story with familiar difficulties. Instead, it decides to remain on the surface, not capturing emotional dilemma at its best.

The film has good intentions that are sunk down by less effective execution. Though it intends to strike a conversation about erectile dysfunction, the purpose isn’t stood up at the end.

As I looked at Ayushmann and Bhumi’s escalating fondness, I wondered if affection grows that easily, if committing a life-long bond is that much a cake-walk, if human beings these days are actually capable of loving so much that they embrace the loved one’s major shortcomings with wide open arms. If you keep many ifs and buts aside, this one is an adorable story.

Ayushmann and Bhumi are decent in their respective shoes. But it is Ayushmann who I liked more. He is this troubled guy who is in desperate need for some positive vibes, but is trying his best to save everyone else from the horror of truth. The next performer who takes the cake is Seema Pahwa. She’s the kind of mother who never bores! Pahwa has got the formula right.

The film has a nice share of nice comic timing and effective punchlines. My favourite would be, ‘Alibaba ko gufa tak pahuncha do’. If you got it, you’re wise. If you didn’t, you’re otherwise! *Winks* On that note, pats to writer Hitesh Kewalya, for all those dosages of laughter. However, the same screenplay fails the film at times. The narrative feels stretched and acts as a turn-off. RS Prasanna’s direction lags noticeably and would bore you at times.

Further, it was a bad decision to create a miraculous end for ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’. Think on a larger note, and you might get the point we’re trying to make here. Despite all the societal and scientific progressions that we boast off, there are couples who survive alongside hurtful incompleteness; and they survive it together. They have indeed let love take over every shortcoming. They straw out perfect moments out of their much imperfect relationships. Isn’t that so much to take inspiration from? Not always would a man who is unable to quench his partner’s sexual thirst be blessed with a miracle. Why not give life a high five and take that in right spirit? Easier said than done. But easier shown that done in the film, too!

Production-wise, the film has been treated decently. It is fairly shot by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan. Tanishk Bagchi and Vayu’s music is situational, but isn’t something that would stay on your mind for a long time.

‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ qualifies as a one-time watch. Watch out for good humour and a super adorable Ayushmann Khurrana!

P.S. The bear’s guest appearance was better than that of Jimmy Sheirgill.

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