Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Jeetendra Kumar, Gajraj Rao, Neena Gupta, Maanvi Gagroo, Pankhuri Awasthy, Manurishi Chaddha, Sunita Rajwar

Director: Hitesh Kevalya

Rating: ****

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is the spinoff sequel to the 2017 superhit film Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. This one is directed by Hitesh Kevalya and revolves around the topic of homosexuality and the taboo about it prevalent in Indian society. So let's see what the debutante director has brought to our screens.

The film is a love story but not the regular ones you see. It starts in Delhi, where two young love-birds Kartik Singh (Ayushmann Khurrana) and Aman Tripathi (Jeetendra Kumar) are running to aboard a train at a station in DDLJ style. They are getting on the train not to run away to get married but to sell toothpaste with the brand tagline "Kya Aapke Toothpaste Mein Pyaar Hai" as it is their job.

Back at Aman's home in Allahabad preparations are going on for Aman's cousin Rajni aka Goggles` (Maanvi Gagroo) marriage. Kusum (Pankhuri Awasthy) arrives in the scene, she is the girl Aman's family has chosen for him as a match and Aman's mom Sunaina (Neena Gupta) calls him asking when he is reaching but he refuses to come home as he has his own love story going in Delhi not known to his family.


Kartik is a flamboyant one but Aman is reserved when it comes to accepting their sexuality publicly and confronting his parents about it. But Kartik insists and they both get on the train and join the family to attend Goggles` marriage. Things go south when Aman's father (Gajraj Rao) sees Kartik and Aman locking lips and what follows is a lot of situational comedy and drama that keeps you on engaged till the end.

It is Hitesh Kevalya's directorial debu and his direction is impeccable and gets you praising the man in every frame. He has weaved all the characters with so much conviction that the film belongs to every one of them and not just Ayushmann & Jeetendra. His writing is gripping and combined with his direction the film brings its characters and story to life. The joint family setup and the rib-tickling one-liners make sure there is not a dull moment in the film. The screenplay is filled with moments of laughter and humor keeping your eyes glued to the screen all the time.


Hitesh Kevalya has taken a sensitive topic like homosexuality and the taboo surrounding it in our society and presented it as a family entertainer beautifully. The film conveys the message it intends to without feeling preachy. It portrays all the emotions and drama in a brilliant way making up for a delightful film that you can even relate to. The question Ayushmann asks at a point in the film "Jack and Jill Hi Kyun Hamesha Hill Pe Jaate Hain Jack and Johny Kyun Nahin Jaa Sakte" is answered hilariously and effectively in the film that lasts with you.


Ayushmann Khurrana as Kartik shows off his versatility in getting in the skin of any character that comes his way flaunting his acting prowess, His nose-ring wearing flamboyant Bollywood style Kartik steals the show in comic as well as emotional scenes. Jeetendra Kumar is charming and performs well too succeeding in holding his ground in front of a performer like Ayushmann.

Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao as typical Indian parents refusing to accept their son's sexual orientation are the life of the film. Their comic timing is superb and they light up every frame they are in with their presence. It is just a complete delight to watch these two again after Badhaai Ho.


Maanvi Gagroo as Aman's sister Rajni/Goggles, Sunita Rajwar as Champa Tripathi, and Manurishi Chaddha as Chaman Tripathi are too good and their comic timings are spot on. Pankhuri Awasthy as Kusum looks fresh & fun and Bhumi Pednekar's cameo is cherry on top. The music is enjoyable and the songs there are, go with the flow complimenting the story.

In a nutshell, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan has entertainment engraved in its core. It is a love story that leaves a lasting impression on you and might even change your perception about the way you look at people who do not conform to societal norms of love. The climax of the film is heart touching and you'll leave the theatre smiling for sure. Watch it without a second thought.