Marriage jokes can never go out of fashion. What’s more, one doesn’t need to tie the knot to enjoy the jokes and it raises laughs across people of all age groups. And sure enough, many films have been attempted as well that revolve around the nok-jhok associated with the members of this sacred institution.
A film bearing the title Shaadi Ke Side Effects immediately arouses curiosity and when one learns that it stars Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan and directed by the same genius who made Pyaar Ke Side Effects, expectations are bound to be skyhigh. The theatrical trailer confirmed that the film is going to be a laugh-riot and most importantly, very relatable. And sure enough, the film has tons of laugh-out-loud moments that make for a great watch!
The story of the movie: Siddharth Roy aka Sid (Farhan Akhtar) and Trisha (Vidya Balan) are married to each other and try unconventional methods to maintain the zing in their lives. However, one day Trisha finds out that she’s pregnant and as a result, Siddharth’s life goes for a toss.
After the baby, Mili, is born, Siddharth finds it difficult to fulfill his responsibilities as a doting father and husband and in the process, fights between the couple become common. With no hope in sight, Sid approaches his brother-in-law Ranvir (Ram Kapoor) who is considered as an ideal hubby-and-dad. He gives some debatable tips which Sid laps it up instantly. What happens thereafter forms the rest of the story.
Director Saket Chaudhary’s debut venture Pyaar Ke Side Effects was one-of-its-kind and boasted of several interesting and never-before-seen moments. For instance, I can still vividly recall the sequence where the characters of Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat are fighting with each other and a scoreboard pops up (Check out the scene here!) Something like this was novel then (and even today) and one does expect Saket to come up with something in the same league with Shaadi Ke Side Effects.
Thankfully, the film does have such moments and that too from the very beginning. Moreover, many funny scenes that one must have repeatedly seen in the promos successfully raise laughs when seeing the film as well! Also, the first half never gets boring. One thing beautifully leads to another. The intermission point is crucial and very interesting.
The second half too has its moments and although the film doesn’t bore, it starts dragging at places. It should’ve been trimmed by at least 15-20 minutes. Also, the film seemed very relatable in the beginning portions. But later on, it fails to look convincing in many scenes.
One wonders how the couple is able to afford such a high-end apartment and pay their bills without fail every month. Also, the horse riding scene does have the thrill element to it but ‘how-can-he-do-this’ questions arise. The ‘twist’ in the climax will surely have its adversaries. Same goes for the final scene in the film but in my view, it offers something new and unexpected and executed well.
With Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan as the leading actors, one is confident of getting to see some power-packed performances. And expectedly, Farhan is terrific and extremely funny. He gets his act just right and doesn’t let his performance go over-the-top. He also shines in the emotional and confrontational sequences. This is surely a performance that would be remembered!
Vidya Balan looks amazing and delivers a stupendous performance. She has played a ‘pregnant’ lady before (Kahaani) but obviously, both the roles are poles apart and in this film, she plays her part with perfection. Many are surely going to relate with the problems and joys she goes through in the film.
The actress wasn’t in her top form in her last film(Ghanchakkar) and it’s good to see the actress back in her league with Shaadi Ke Side Effects! Moreover, she looks fat which adds to her cuteness and sizzling quotient and goes well with her character as well.
Ram Kapoor leaves a huge impact, despite being a supporting character. Ila Arun (Aunty) gets a dynamic part to essay and gives a class performance. Vir Das (Manav) is wacky and although his track could’ve been shorter, it is interesting thanks to the manner in which the actor essays his part. Watch out for him saying ‘die-die-die-die-die’!
Purab Kohli(Shekhar) is hardly there but is fine. Nitesh Pandey (hotel manager) gives a terrific performance. The kids playing Mili are lovely especially the one playing the part in the climax. Gautami Kapoor (Ranvir’s wife), Rati Agnihotri (Trisha’s mother), Bacchan Pachera (Vishnu) and the actors playing Siddharth’s friends do a great job as well.
Pritam’s music is okay but music flows well with the film. The best is undoubtedly Harry Is Not A Brahmchari. Tumse Pyaar Ho Gaya is in a way forced in the film but no complaints as it’s very well shot in the locales of Australia.
Mickey McCleary’s background score is impressive, especially the one used in Vir Das’ scenes. Manoj Lobo’s cinematography is superb and the same goes for production design. Saket Chaudhary, Zeenat Lakahni and Arshad Syed’s story-screenplay-dialogues are interesting and very topical. Dialogues in several scenes take the film to dizzying heights.
Screenplay is very exciting, especially in the first half. Saket Chaudhary’s direction is as good as his debut film. However, it loses steam to an extent in the second half. Also, it would have been great if he had ensured the setting seems realistic which isn’t the case, more so in the second half. He took a risk with the climax but he tried his best to make it look convincing. He had an almost 7 ½ year gap between his first and second film and hope he comes out with his third film soon!
Some of the best scenes:
Sid-Trisha in the disco.
Sid talks with the hotel manager.(hilarious!)
Sid stops Trisha from abortion.
Sid pretends to be pregnant.
Sid holds his daughter for the first time.
Sid’s birthday.
The intermission point.
Aunty comes to meet Sid-Trisha.
Sid-Manav bond over music.
The songs Harry Is Not A Brahmchari, Tumse Pyaar Ho Gaya.
The final 15-20 minutes.
On the whole, Shaadi Ke Side Effects is an endearing and funny tale that is sure to touch a chord with many as it deals with several relatable issues of marriage, pregnancy and children. The film is well written and directed and several scenes are bound to make you go ‘LOL’ literally!
What goes against the film is that it gets a bit unconvincing and stretched in the second half. The film is almost 145 minutes long and should have been 15-20 minutes shorter. Also, the climax might not find acceptance from all. Nevertheless, the film deserves to be seen for its fun and quirkiness and of course, for its performances. Go for it and have fun!
My rating-3.5/5!