When Shoojit Sarcar’s Vicky Donor came in 2012, it was lauded by everyone for tackling the narrative around sperm donation and infertility in a light hearted manner. Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, a remake of Tamil film Kalyana Samayal Saadham is also a romantic comedy based on a quirky concept- erectile dysfunction. Vicky Donor worked not only because of the quirky premise but also because it was emotional, daring and in your face. Shubh Mangal makes the serious issue fun and comical but falters in taking the issue head on and striking a connect.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan mocks how people don’t use the word sex, but never in its runtime of 120 minutes, does anyone mention the word “erectile dysfunction”- not even the doctor. The disorder is referenced in nudge and winks, by eye movements, by biscuits withering away but never by actually saying the word. Only at the end are we shown a book which is titled the Erectile Dysfunction, so as to clear the air lest people confuse between this and another penile disorder.
The film produced by Anand L Rai, is about the Great Indian Wedding- about a Delhi couple Mudit (Ayushmaan Khurrana) and Sugandha (Bhumi Pednekar) who fall in love and decide to get married. Their relationship hits a rough patch when days before their wedding, the couple discover that Mudit is unable to perform in bed. The film handles this serious issue comically with a lot of humour being derived from the interaction between the two families and characters. There is a running gag about the uncle asking to settle long due expenses with his brother, the kid brother getting beaten up for his cheekiness and Sugandha’s mother writing a poem about her honeymoon involving caves and arrows- all of these are hilarious and elevate the film. The film also has its share of poignant moments especially one where Sugandha tries to stretch her limits and takes Mudit to the park.
The first half of the film is easy and light hearted and hence flows smoothly, but the second half is jarred by clunky editing- there are scenes which make no sense- if they were meant to draw laughs they fall flat. The attack by the bear, the entire character of Mudit’s ex girlfriend, Mudit’s re-entry of his Baraat to please the bride, their going to a room to have sex- all of these seem lost on screen. I am still to get my head around that baffling climax involving bad CGI in the air and a special appearance that is just pointless. Thankfully, all this is packaged in less than 2 hours, and you will seldom be bored.
The inconsistent film is salvaged by great acting from its actors, esepcially the supporting cast. Although a fresh pairing could have worked better, both Bhumi Pednekar and Ayushmaan do justice to their roles. Seema Bhargava was a delight to watch in Bareilly Ki Barfi and she does not disappoint as Sugandha’s modern yet conservative mother. One of the film’s funniest moments has her reciting the poem she wrote on her honeymoon with caves and arrows as metaphors for the human body. Brijendra kala as the miser uncle also brings in a lot of laughs.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan has its problems, but its heart is in the right place. It gives a beautiful message that love is more than just a physical attraction and being there for the other person in health and sickness. Just for this beautiful message and the moments of comic relief, which don’t let you be bored it is worth a watch.
Rating- 3 Stars
The Commentator 