Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, Harsh Gujral

Director: Mudassar Aziz

Rating: **½

Mere Husband Ki Biwi attempts to deliver a quirky romantic comedy but ultimately stumbles due to a cluttered climax. While Arjun Kapoor stands out with his charismatic presence, Rakul Preet Singh and Bhumi Pednekar struggle to create a lasting impact. The film's biggest surprise, however, is comedian Harsh Gujral, who steals scenes with his impeccable comic timing.

Plot Overview: A Battle of Love and Ego

Imagine overhearing your fiancé’s ex plotting to rekindle their romance—what would you do? Confront her, set boundaries, and move forward, right? However, in Mudassar Aziz’s Mere Husband Ki Biwi, this scenario forms the foundation of the second half’s chaos. The film follows two women locked in a competitive tug-of-war, each vying for the affection of the same man, seemingly without considering his emotions.

Despite its promising premise, the film's humor and drama take a backseat as the narrative spirals into a drawn-out and disorderly climax. What starts as an engaging rom-com soon turns into an overstretched emotional mess, leaving audiences frustrated rather than entertained.

Performances: Arjun Kapoor Shines, Harsh Gujral Delivers

The film’s saving grace is Arjun Kapoor, who effortlessly slides into his lover-boy avatar. Moving away from his action-packed roles, Kapoor brings warmth, charm, and authenticity to his character, reminding audiences of his early rom-com successes.

However, the true show-stealer is Harsh Gujral. His witty dialogues, impeccable timing, and engaging chemistry with Kapoor ensure that every scene he appears in brings genuine laughs. His punchlines land perfectly, offering some much-needed comic relief amid the film’s messy structure.

Leading Ladies: Lackluster Chemistry and Predictable Tropes

Despite having well-defined roles, Rakul Preet Singh and Bhumi Pednekar fail to make a lasting impression. Bhumi’s feisty Punjabi character starts off strong but quickly turns overwhelming, while Rakul’s portrayal of the "good girl" feels too generic to stand out.

Their on-screen rivalry, which should have been the driving force of the film, comes across as overly scripted and lacks genuine chemistry. Both actresses have played similar roles before, making their performances feel repetitive and uninspired.

Themes and Execution: Hits and Misses

Mere Husband Ki Biwi does attempt to explore deeper relationship themes. The film highlights how love doesn’t always translate into a successful marriage, and how expectations often lead to disappointments. One of the most thought-provoking dialogues by Harsh Gujral’s character emphasizes that while friends stay in our hearts, we place romantic partners on unrealistic pedestals.

The film also touches on the complexities of divorce and career ambitions in marriage. However, the execution feels one-sided. While the wife is painted as the villain for taking extreme measures, her husband's unreasonable behavior at her workplace is barely addressed. This subtle bias in storytelling diminishes the film’s attempt at gender equality.

Screenplay and Direction: A Tight Edit Was Needed

Director Mudassar Aziz, known for films like Pati Patni Aur Woh, tries to strike a balance between humor and drama. While the comedy works in parts, the screenplay loses momentum as the film progresses. The climax, predictable and overextended, feels like an endurance test rather than an engaging resolution.

A tighter edit, cutting down at least 15–20 minutes, would have significantly improved the pacing. Instead, the film drags, making the audience more likely to lose interest before reaching the end.

Nostalgia Factor: A Blend of Old and New

Despite its flaws, the film does manage to evoke nostalgia with its retro elements. Classic references such as Shakti Kapoor’s signature "Ow," old-school doctor mispronunciations, and memory-loss tropes add a playful touch. The soundtrack, featuring remixes of yesteryear’s hit songs, further enhances this nostalgic charm.

Additionally, the film includes clever meta-humor, such as references to Arjun Kapoor’s previous roles and Harsh Gujral being dubbed a “Sasta Vicky Kaushal.” These moments provide brief but enjoyable entertainment for cinephiles.

Final Verdict: Lighthearted But Forgettable

While Mere Husband Ki Biwi does not bring anything particularly fresh to the table, it still works as a lighthearted, casual watch. If you’re looking for a mindless comedy with some fun performances, it might be worth a one-time viewing with friends and family. However, don’t expect a groundbreaking rom-com - this one barely scratches the surface of its potential.