SHUBH MANGAL SAVDHAAN IS THE ROM-COM BOLLYWOOD HAS BEEN WAITING FOR!

Shubh Mangal Savdhaan tells you how every love story doesn't revolve around boy stalking the girl, falling in love with her, fighting the goons to get her and then eventually having the cliche happy ending. The film begins exactly where every love story ends, talk about a breath of fresh air, eh? The couple is very much in love and while they are prepping for their Roka ceremony, they go back a little in time to narrate how it all came about. We know in the very beginning that it's going to be a happy ending, yet it is how the movie keeps you gripped through the entire run time, without giving you a hint of boredom, which is applaudable. Without wasting much time, the film gets to the point, that too without even mentioning the words "erectile dysfunction" and "penis" even once. And no, it doesn't let humour take a back seat even for a second

Shubh Mangal Savdhaan begins with breaking stereotypes and continues doing so throughout the movie. Sugandha (Bhumi Pednekar) and Mudit (Ayshmann Khurana) make a perfect couple and their chemistry doesn't just make you go 'aww' but also cracks you up constantly. Thankfully, they are not the ideal couple you can't bear to tolerate. They fight and make-up as often as any other couple we know of. That's exactly what makes the movie relatable, the makers not not trying to picture a larger than life situation. That's exactly why Erectile Dysfunction doesn't look out of place in this scenario. We are dealing with some basic problems that need to be dealt with but acknowledged first.

The film manages to take your heart away because it has no designated role for the genders. When Mudit thinks he won't have a solution to this problem just a few hours before the Baraat is meant to leave, he calls Sugandha to meet him and decides to call off the marriage. Rather than the girl walking away or crying, the woman is made to deal with the situation and authoritatively tells the guy to not impose his decisions on her. There are several moments in the film when the girl is convincing the guy to get married to her. Who ever said only a man was meant to go down on his knee?

The film also deals with the mentality of the Indian parents and how they are making an effort to step out of their cocoons. Sugandha's mother gives her a metaphorical sex talk before marriage and her father takes his onscreen son-in-law to a veterinary doc for his treatment. There are several moments in the film when Sugandha's father asks her to run away from the wedding, not considering what the society will say about it. The efforts are recognised and it is in no way portrayed as an easy job. The boy's father, on the other hand, feeds on his male ego and refuses to accept his son's dysfunctionality. Both sides of the coin are shown with complete accuracy and zero bias.

Another point the film brings to your notice is not every time do the children need to succumb to their parent's needs. Throughout the film, the couple has moments of self-doubt but not for once do they let the world interfere in their love life even if that includes their parents. During the last half an hour, a misunderstanding develops between both the families where the boy's family blames the girl and they decide to call off the marriage, it is Mudit who gives a piece of mind to both sides. Sugandha too, never lets the "gents problem" come in between the couple and shuts her parents up as and when required.

Bhumi Pednekar and Ayshmann Khurana looked very much like the reprised version of their old selves from Dum Laga Ke Haisha. They were inseparable, effortless and refreshing. The awkward moments between the couple, like when they make out before their marriage, have been beautifully shot. You are made to feel like a part of their awkwardness and you can totally feel the heat. The supporting cast these days bowl you over with their performances. Seema Pahwa and Neeraj Sood are playing Bhumi's onscreen parents and they are absolutely smashing. Most times you're just awed by their comic timing and acting prowess.

The songs are the highlight of the film as well because it's not every day a film has an appropriate soundtrack that does not deviate from the structure of the film. Hitesh Kewalya with his writing leaves no stone turned, it makes sense every step of the way and well, it could definitely make you fall off your seats. The director, RS Prasanna, nails every scene with every character having carved out a niche for themselves. And the best part—none of it looks forced.

The film swiftly breaks established opinions without shoving it in your face and nothing about the film will look made up or superficial, no, not even the climax. Go watch the film, send your parents to watch it too (accompany them if you're brave enough to) and make the most of your time!