Film Review: Shaadi Ke Side Effects - Pati, Patni aur Woe!

Shaadi Ke Side Effects
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Vidya Balan, Illa Arun, Rati Agnihotri and Purab Kohli
Director: Saket Chaudhary
Rating: ***

What it's about: 

Shaadi Ke Side Effects is a romcom that begins with a married couple indulging in some role play on a night out. Right off you know, this is the kind of Hindi film that you haven't seen before. It deals with the situations – comical and ironical – that follow once Trisha (Vidya Balan) and Sid (Farhan Akhtar) realize they are expecting a baby. The arrival of the tot brings with it challenges that neither anticipated. Sid grapples with how to be a good husband and father while being financially and emotionally supportive. Trisha worries constantly about her baby, her weight gain and giving up a career. It is an unknown territory for both and it throws up new situations and complicates their life to the point they don't recognize it, or each other. Lies and deceit follow. Does the couple overcome their growing differences? Or do they drive them apart? That's something you will find out as the film progresses. 

What's good:

What's brilliant about the story is that this is something that almost 99.9% of the population has gone through or will go through. It's all so relatable. It's fun, and real. If you haven't been through it, you have seen near and dear ones go through it. From the fear of parenthood, when a couple learns about the pregnancy to parenthood jitters (reading books, Sid walking around with a fake belly and having nightmares) to the post baby situations (the infant wailing at late nights, potty situations and befriending other parents), Saket captures all the stages wonderfully and keeps you engaged into the strange new world of diapers and kiddie parties, while maintaining a good balance between the emotion and humor. Vidya and Farhan's chemistry is bang on. Ram Kapoor's character is brilliant, and one you are not likely to forget. Other interesting characters in the film are Illa Arun, Vir Das and his musician friends. The soundtrack has many hummable songs.

What's not:

The film is titled 'Shaadi Ke Side Effects' but it is more about parenthood ke side effects.The second half gets a bit heavy and stretched. But the climax saves the film.

What to do: 

Have a baby? Planning to have a baby? Go watch it.