Badhaai Do

Harshavardhan Kulkarni returns to the screen with Badhaai Do, a comedy-drama that tackles the sensitive subject of same-sex relationships through the lens of a forced union. Released in February 2022, this Junglee Pictures production stars Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar as two strangers who enter a lavender marriage to satisfy their conservative families. The film balances humor with genuine emotional weight, exploring how societal expectations can complicate personal freedom.

Set against the backdrop of Jalandhar, Punjab, the story dives into the quiet desperation of Shardul Thakur and Suman Singh. Both characters face relentless pressure from their respective households to produce heirs and maintain appearances. When their paths cross at a matrimonial arrangement, they see a unique opportunity to solve their problems without compromising their identities. What follows is a chaotic yet heartwarming journey of two people pretending to be in love while navigating the absurdities of Indian wedding culture. [edit]

Shardul Thakur works as a police constable in Jalandhar, living a double life under the watchful eye of his eccentric aunt, Baby Thakur. She dreams of seeing him married off immediately, unaware that he is gay and secretly meets his boyfriend Kabir whenever possible. His daily routine involves dodging his aggressive heterosexual colleague Prem Kumar Singh, who constantly pushes for Shardul to settle down. Meanwhile, Suman Singh teaches at a local school and hides her lesbian identity from her mother and sister. Her secret becomes harder to keep when her girlfriend Rimjhim moves into their home, bringing a flamboyant energy that clashes with the household's rigid expectations.

The pressure mounts until both families demand weddings within months. Shardul faces threats of disownment if he does not find a bride, while Suman’s mother expects a grandchild soon. In a moment of mutual desperation, they meet through a matchmaker and strike a deal. They agree to a marriage of convenience where they will pretend to be a happy couple to placate their relatives but live separate lives once the ceremony concludes. This arrangement allows them to keep their partners and their true selves hidden from prying eyes.

The wedding preparations plunge them into a whirlwind of traditional rituals and social scrutiny. Shardul struggles to act affectionate toward Suman during family gatherings, while Suman tries to manage Rimjhim’s presence without raising suspicion. Their fake domestic life forces them to spend more time together than ever before. They begin to share stories about the suffocation they feel in their respective homes. The line between performance and reality blurs as they realize they are the only two people who truly understand each other’s pain.

Tensions rise when external factors threaten to expose their lie. A strict new inspector arrives on the scene, adding danger to their already precarious situation. Shardul’s aunt grows suspicious of the lack of intimacy between the newlyweds, and Suman’s mother notices strange dynamics in her daughter’s behavior. The couple must navigate these obstacles while grappling with feelings that were never part of their original plan. As the wedding day approaches, they face a choice between maintaining their safe facade or risking everything to live authentically.

The narrative builds toward a climax where the truth threatens to unravel. The audience watches the two characters grapple with their growing feelings for one another and the fear of losing the freedom they have fought so hard to protect. The story explores the nuances of LGBTQ+ life in India, highlighting the emotional toll of hiding one's true self and the courage it takes to seek acceptance without compromising one's identity.[edit]