Four years ago, ‘Badhaai Do’ stormed theaters, delivering a fresh take on love, identity, and societal hypocrisy through the lens of Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar. This 2022 release, a spiritual successor to ‘Badhaai Ho’, fearlessly explored same-sex relationships and the concept of lavender marriages in conservative India.
Directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni, the story centers on Shardul (Rajkummar), a closeted gay cop, and Suman (Bhumi), a lesbian educator, who marry to appease their families. What follows is a rollercoaster of comedic mishaps and emotional revelations as they live together under one roof, grappling with their secrets.
On its anniversary, Bhumi shared an emotional Instagram post featuring a memorable scene, expressing how her affection for the film deepens over time. Despite polarized audience reactions, ‘Badhaai Do’ resonated deeply for its authentic depiction of LGBTQ struggles, family dynamics, and the quest for personal freedom.
The ensemble cast, featuring talents like Gulshan Devaiah and Seema Pahwa, elevated the film’s impact. It stands as a testament to Bollywood’s slow but steady shift towards progressive storytelling. Looking ahead, Bhumi’s teaser for ‘Daldal’ has ignited excitement, showcasing her versatility in a gripping cop drama that promises edge-of-the-seat thrills.