Badhaai Do trailer: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar break boundaries with marriage of convenience

Harshavardhan Kulkarni's Badhaai Do (2022) offers a spin on the idea of marriage as a practical social contract.

Comical and entertaining, the trailer for the film touches upon the key and taboo subject of two closeted homosexual individuals entering into a marriage of convenience.

As Bhumi Pednekar's PT coach turns 31, the pressure on her to marry, from parents and neighbours, becomes unbearable. Unknown to them, she is a lesbian who is struggling to come out. Her luck turns when Rajkummar Rao, who plays a gay cop, decides to sign on for a marriage of convenience with her.

Except a marriage does not end problems, only kickstarts new ones. From parents now hankering for a grandchild to neighbours constantly suspecting something amiss, the couple walk on eggshells to find their privacy and quiet. As Pednekar attempts to keep her relationship (Chum Darang in a supporting role) closeted, Rajkummar Rao's cop becomes her key ally.

The film explores the concept of 'lavender marriages'. Prevalent in conservative societies, these marriages helped LGBTQ individuals protect their privacy and lifestyles while keeping up with society's codes. The subject is radical and has not been explored in Hindi cinema openly.

Kulkarni's film does seek to replicate the tone, humour and comedy of errors of the pseudo-prequel, Badhaai Ho (2018). However, it does feel a little 'on the nose' with its treatment of the LGBTQ theme. Hopefully, the storyline explores a more nuanced take on the relationship and the conflicts that emerge from it.

With Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar leading the story, the supporting cast of Seema Pahwa, Sheeba Chadha, Loveleen Mishra and Nitesh Pandey promise an enjoyable film.

Produced by Junglee Pictures, Badhaai Do is set to be released in theatres on 11 February. Watch the trailer below and let us know if you are keen to watch this film.

Correction, 08:35pm: An earlier version of the report said the film would be released in theatres on 4 February 2022. It's being released a week later.