Homophobia is more widespread than Coronavirus, I was apprehensive of watching the movie at a theater (what will people say and think, boo hoo, will there be homosexuals at the movie, save me from them, etc.) and if the puzzled audience reactions after the screening are an indication, we are a long way away from accepting homosexual or same sex relationships as normal, irrespective of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Clearly, change doesn’t come fast.
The refreshing thing about the take is how a Hindi movie finally steers clear of stereotypes associated with homosexuality. For years, Hindi movie makers have depicted homosexuals in mocking light. They have been shown to be needy, horny, and having a certain walk and manner of speaking, all played up for ‘comic relief.’
But then we are a country where a man and a woman caught making love or just holding hands are harassed, as if it is a gunah (crime) to love, and those committing violent acts have a better chance of getting off lightly. When it is hard to be straight and express one’s sexuality out in the open in India, to be gay and do so is even harder, almost impossible.
Missing the markÂ
Intensity lost in comedy genreÂ
Too many threads:Â There is also a rushed, crowded feel to this gay love story, with familiar small town, joint family vibes. The jokes are good, but there are too many characters and sub-plots running through the main plot, so there are no standout moments, even the mid-marriage kiss doesn’t have the shock, stunned impact it could have had in a gritty drama.
Propped by excellent performances by Ayushmann Khurrana and Jitendra Kumar and ably supported by Gajraj Rao, Neena Gupta, a nice, cute turn by Pankhuri Awasthy as Kusum and a superb Maanvi Gagroo as Goggle/Rajni.
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is an uneven but spirited, surefooted take on letting love and people be, even if the message doesn’t through until the last heartwarming father-son scene.
Go for the jokes that work and the risky take, this is bold Hindi cinema, not at its best, but good fun while it lasts. Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh (2015) remains the best Indian movie on understanding homosexuality, with a haunting, sensitive performance by Manoj Bajpayee.
