Mudassar Aziz’s latest film has brought together an exciting ensemble cast that promises a mix of comedy, drama, and emotional moments. Akshay Kumar returns to his roots in comedy as Rishabh Malik, a character who is both charming and mischievous. Vaani Kapoor plays his wife, Vartika, a novelist with a complex past and a strong personality. The couple shares a daughter, Anaaya, from Rishabh’s previous marriage to Rashmi, who has passed away. Taapsee Pannu is introduced as Harmeet Kaur, or Happy, adding her own flair to the group dynamic. Ammy Virk portrays Harpreet Singh, who shares a complicated relationship with his wife. Fardeen Khan makes a striking return as Kabir, introduced in style with a red jeep, while Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal round out the cast as Samar Tanwar and Naina, a couple with their own set of challenges with the portrayal of an extremely lovey dovey couple . Together, they all gather for Vartika’s sister’s wedding, setting the stage for a series of humorous and tense moments.
One of the film’s standout moments occurs at the airport, where Chitrangada Singh is introduced, and the scene is laced with a clever pun referencing ‘Desi Boyz’. Akshay Kumar’s entry as Rishabh Malik is nothing short of spectacular, reintroducing the audience to his unmatched comic timing. The narrative takes an interesting turn when the couples find themselves in a game of trust, where they have to keep their phones unlocked and read aloud any texts or calls they receive. This leads to several hilarious situations, such as Akshay’s prank on Aditya Seal and the subsequent chaos that ensues. The tension builds as secrets start to unravel, particularly when Vartika hints at her doubts about Rishabh, and Fardeen’s Kabir is put on the spot with a scandalous text message meant for Ammy’s character.
The movie’s first half is filled with humor, puns, and light-hearted banter, but it also delves into more serious themes, such as trust, fidelity, and the complexities of modern relationships. As the characters navigate their tangled relationships, the film balances comedy with emotional depth. Akshay Kumar shines in his role, reminding audiences why he is a master of comedy. Vaani Kapoor brings a nuanced performance as Vartika, particularly in the flashback scenes that explore her and Rishabh’s relationship. The ensemble cast works well together, each bringing their unique energy to the screen, especially in scenes like the dance to ‘Hauli Hauli’ and the intense dinner table discussions.
What I particularly enjoyed was the blend of humor and emotion. The puns were sharp, and Akshay Kumar’s return to comedy felt fresh and invigorating. The confrontation scenes in particular had me laughing out loud. However, the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, especially during the transition from comedy to more serious moments. Some of the emotional beats could have been more finely tuned to avoid disrupting the film’s overall flow. Additionally, while the phone game added a lot of excitement, it also felt somewhat contrived in parts. Nevertheless, Mudassar Aziz has crafted an entertaining film that delivers both laughs and thought-provoking moments, making it a solid watch for fans of ensemble comedies.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5