Badrinath Ki Dulhania

wogma rating: Watch if you have nothing better to do (?)

quick review:

Too distant for city audiences to find relatable. Too superficial for smaller town audiences to find believable.

Read more
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Running time: 140 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Social
More Movie Info

Badrinath Ki Dulhania - Preview

Yet another “new age” woman who can't be tied down by marriage. Yet another man who wants to convince her otherwise. Yet another time, she is in tears because of a man. Yet another time, the end of the story seems written from the word go. It all seems very repetitive.

Now, even the ways in which the couple is drawn towards each other hold little interest. Ultimately, it is going to be a montage of sweet moments they share. Sure, we can wait for good performances, but we have seen both Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan deliver far more demanding acts compared to a what looks like a run-of-the-mill rom-com.

And even as there is little to hang on to in the trailer, yet another time I am hoping to be proven wrong with all my assumptions.

Music Reviews:
Bollywood Life – "3.5/5"
Bollywood Hungama – "3.5/5"
Deccan Chronicle - "1/5"
Firstpost - "chart-buster written all over"
glamsham – "3.5/5"
indian express - "music is just right but we miss the magic that they created in its prequel."
koimoi – "3.5/5"
Milliblog - "Superbly kitschy, pulsating and inventive remix that retains the original voices for fantastic effect, barring Badshah’s annoying rap"
Music Aloud – "2/5"
Times of India - "the album is an interesting melange of songs that pander to different 'music tastebuds'"

- meeta, a part of the audience

Hearts in the right places and good causes and a message in the film can take a film only so far. It still needs solid continuity, logical flow and a decent amount of believability. Because the message of “not accepting dowry” or “no showing a woman her place but having it for her as default” falls flat when adamant chauvinists change their beliefs before you could bat your eye. If only things were so easy, if only.

I assume the makers didn't want us to “keep our brains at home” for this one.

I assume the makers didn't want us to “keep our brains at home” for this one. Some might claim that is an unfair assumption. In that case then, the message and attempt to make an impact is lip-service.

The writing is way too weak for the film to have any impact at all. Scenes linger, and not in a good way. The film takes too long to say what it want to stay. While the main characters have grey streaks, the side characters are too stereotypical. While I didn't find a laugh in some supposedly funny situations - how is rape funny? - it is difficult to appreciate the few laughs you get in the first half because of missing details. The lapse in logic is distracting.

For example, our hero doesn't know the formula for simple interest. But, can the character really be blamed? The writer-director doesn't seem to have their Math together. Who pays the dowries for the two daughters doesn't add up? No one seems to be bothered about the cost of the lavish wedding. These are the exact things that would bother a person who has actually gone through the process of organizing a wedding.

Let's not even get into the mumbo-jumbo that Badrinath's sister-in-law gives as financial advice. It boggles the mind. All that time, energy and effort spent on making a film, and no one could approach the film's accountant to give them a decent two lines? Let alone the fact that she said it all so fast, she might as well have been saying, “MutualFundinvestmentsaresubjecttomarketrisks. PleasereadtheOfferDocumentcarefullybeforeinvesting.”

The other actors do play their parts alright, but the thick accents seem too put-on. It is difficult to believe that Varun Dhawan or Alia Bhatt have grown up with that background. Their performances are not bad at all. However, knowing what they are capable of, his performance came across as too generic and Alia in fact felt a little too shrill.

Sure, the attempt at being progressive is obvious. But Badrinath Ki Dulhania seems to go about it rather lazily – taking the simplest “next steps” without a introspective and/or an exploratory eye at, what real life dowry cases or cases where a woman is held down, look like.

- meeta, a part of the audience

35 reviewers(?) - 19 yays 10 so-so 6 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, BADRINATH KI DULHANIA is a beautifully textured love story and an enjoyable entertainer that wins you over and keeps you hooked right till the end. At the Box-Office, it will be a sure-shot success. Do not miss it. - See more at: http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/badrinath-ki-dulhania/critic-review/#sthash.KcoA8G1B.dpuf... full review

Thumbs up, by Rashma Shetty Bali, Bollywood Life : ...Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan prove that their pair means a bona fide success. Shashank Khaitan gives you a movie that you can relax with family and friends on an extended Holi weekend. Go watch it especially for Varun Dhawan! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Overall, Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a one time watch which has humour, social message, good looking actors and high degrees of emotions. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Bhavini Trikha, Desi Martini : ...It is definitely a must watch. If you liked the prequel, You will love this one! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rahul Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...Badrinath ki Dulhaniya is a well presented sharp romcom. Don’t miss it . For two reasons - one , its sincere fresh approach will win your heart and second BKD is a big lesson to some of our recent big name flop makers that content will ensure hits not promotion and purchased reviews. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Yugantika Sharma, Desi Martini : ...This film is ofcourse a must watch because you have no reason to reject it. Even the duo between the two leads is far better than their previous films. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Tushar P. Joshi, DNA : ...Badrinath Ki Dulhania is light, entertaining and likeable. Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt prove that on screen chemistry can be enough sometimes to keep you engaged in an average plot with a predictable narrative. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Well acted and well conceived, Badrinath Ki Dulhania and its socially relevant ideas rise above the frivolous execution to give you a solid film. The usual tropes of masala movies like the spunky music and the slick clothes etc add no value to this movie. What does make sense is the fact that it takes run of the mill romance and turns it into a quirky and very entertaining experience. This one’s a definite must watch. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Vaishnavi Kulkarni, fullhyd.com : ...Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya is a fun watch for kids and adults alike. It is nice to watch a film that promotes the concept that mere love is never enough, and that it is friendship, mutual respect and support for each other's choices that make for a happy marriage. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...But just like a big fat Indian wedding, there’s a bit of colour, dance, music and loads of drama thrown into Badrinath Ki Dulhania. Take the plunge with Dhawan and Bhatt. Their combined acting skills and comic timing will make it an enjoyable affair. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sarit Ray, Hindustan Times : ...Badrinath... is a move in the right direction. It lacks the realism of hard-hitting indie cinema, but still takes a pertinent subject to a wide audience. In Badri’s goofy humour, and in Vaidehi’s courage, one hopes that people will see a bit of themselves. ... full review

Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Conclusion: Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a movie which holds the standard set by Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. It is entertaining, it gives out a social message, it has great performances from the two leads and it holds a nice page throughout the duration of the movie. If you liked the first part, you should definitely check out Badrinath Ki Dulhania. It doesn’t try to outdo or copy the original and that is what makes this sequel unique. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Another element that works for the film is its music, which is foot-tapping and fun, be it Tamma Tamma or the title track. All in all, Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a fun watch with a noble message... full review

Thumbs up, by Kriti Tulsiani, News18.com : ...Badrinath Ki Dulhania, second film in the franchise, promises to be equally entertaining as the first one. Starring Varun as Badrinath Bansal and Alia as Vaidehi Trivedi, the trailer looks like it's a modern yet desi take on weddings. Whether it'll be any different from the previous one - remains to be seen. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...This is certainly not Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, but stands in its own place. Happy to entertain. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...By rendering her character as a picture of refined grace and magnanimity, Alia makes Varun’s turnaround seem emotional not enforced. She is Badrinath’s greatest asset and ability. Both the film and its leading man have the good sense to recognise that. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Nihit Bhave, Times of India : ...RSVP Yes to this wedding; it’s grand, with good music, great people and delicious food for thought. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...I laughed and cried with Badri and his dulhania. This one is paisa vasool all the way. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Raghav Jaitly, Zee News : ...'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' turns out to be a complete entertainer. Keeping in mind the Holi spirit and festivities, the movie not only brings smiles on your faces but also forces you to question meaningless traditions and other social evils. In the flick, Varun Dhawan shines as an innocent lover while Alia makes an impact with her firm attitude. The film also carries the fragrance of Indian small towns in its heart. ... full review

So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...The dialogues lend spice and the supporting cast is winningly incorporated while the music has enough pep to keep you humming. The smarmy lessons in love and the contrived messaging though, leaves a lot to be desired.... full review

So-So, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...Watch it for the impeccably infectious chemistry between Varun and Alia they both nail it to the core and certainly are the most endearing young pair of Bollywood. ... full review

So-So, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...But Dhawan and Bhatt are there to save the day, clearly enjoying their parts. Varun is in fine form as a zealous manchild with a big heart and not much brain who struggles to strike a balance between familial loyalty and love. Bhatt shines as the mature woman who dreams big and won't settle for less. She especially stands out in the brief moment of silences and teary-eyed looks that convey Vaidehi's inner conflict and regret.... full review

So-So, by Ananya Bhattacharyal, india today : ...If you're just looking to have a good laugh and enjoy small-town humour, Badrinath Ki Dulhania will not disappoint. But if you're looking for food for thought, the film might just not live up to your expectations.... full review

So-So, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Badrinath Ki Dulhania‘s rom-com with a message format is likable. Alia-Varun once again show, they are the new-age Raj-Simran. A 3/5 for it. ... full review

So-So, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...The first half has the tang of real life; the second, the sterile good cheer of a film that’s literally on foreign ground. Frankfinn is promoted throughout the film, though the ending is sponsored by Good Intentions. Uday Bhatia ... full review

So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...The film, however, does much to extend the marketing goals of Singapore Tourism, even throwing in a montage, which includes the sights and attractions of the Lion City. Come to think of it, this one is much like the amusement park plugged in the film — a candyfloss story that goes round like a Ferris wheel, knocks about like bumping cars before plunging like a rollercoaster to dash into a predictable end. A fun ride, nonetheless. ... full review

So-So, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...One evening, when Badri unexpectedly pops up to join him, there is already another glass up there, waiting to be poured into. This certainly feels like an obvious continuity error, and probably is one, but maybe, just maybe, there's another way to look at it. Maybe the elder brother had been waiting for a bit of company. ... full review

So-So, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...Like Badrinath’s not-quite-stalking, Khaitan gets away with his not-really-condescending depiction of small-town India as a small-minded place by writing strong and nicely timed scenes. ... full review

So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...But did such a wonderful message have to be incorporated with chauvinistic clichés like stalking and sexist dialogue? Several films, in their bid to please a varied audience, give muddled insights, but this one is the queen of the mixed message movie. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vertticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Like Som, Badrinath Ki Dulhania is not what it appears to be. It is sad to see an acclaimed, seemingly thinking actress like Alia Bhatt lend herself to the games this film plays. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya is undeniably fun. Only, it doesn’t want you to leave your brains at home. It wants you to think about the things it’s doing. That’s the trouble.... full review

Thumbs down, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...In short, BADRINATH KI DULHANIA offers nothing new and can only be seen if you don’t mind watching the same stuff again and again served in a marginally entertaining way (with a better first half) largely depending upon the charm and fan following of its young stars. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Samedha Arora, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Watch this movie if you free time to spare and discount on your movie tickets ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...Sure, this obvious analogy has been done to death. But you can so imagine the podgy, carefree Govinda as the rich man's loser son, winging a picture like this back in the ‘90s. In the '90s, of course, one could get away with all kinds of stuff. Maybe, even now you can. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Badrinath Ki Dulhania Movie Review: Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan's film is a pulpy, uneven romantic caper that strives to pass itself off as a mellow tale of patriarchy, love, honour and ambition ... full review

72 tweeters(?) - 62 yays 4 so-so 6 nays

zunairayy: Just watched Badrinath ki dulhania and loved it. A must watch film.

Zozzyyy14: Badrinath Ki Dulhania was such a funny film

Winkerbell_: Badrinath ki Dulhania is a movie about feminism which sounds ironic but the plot is good.

vivekisms: Absolutely enjoyed Badrinath ki Dulhania.

VibhushreeDwive: Just watched@badrinath ki dulhania#it was fabb

VarunRocks7: Guys plssssssssss go and watch badrinath ki dulhania in your nearest theatres.... Pls do

ufffyaar: Watched Badrinath Ki Dulhania. I liked the topic they chose. Fun movie.

TripathiPrizmi: https://t.co/WmbQHRdmjK A well-defined, structured follow up of the series. It brings the same amount of joy, laugh… https://t.co/Lv1qoINo3A

ThatMovieBoy: I can watch 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' one more time. Quite entertaining.

TeenWolfAnd1D_: Just watched Badrinath Ki Dulhania! It was amazing ❤️❤️ @aliaa08 @Varun_dvn https://t.co/EdCywk7AqF

sunilyour: Movie: Badrinath Ki Dulhania, My Rating 4/5. awesome good full entertainment,not bad to watch once https://t.co/N3COPHPQhT

sohrabnhood: badrinath ki dulhania was so good

siddhesh360190: Super film badrinath ki dulhania

ShyamaGanatra27: I absolutely loved Badrinath Ki Dulhania

shivansh_sareen: Badrinath Ki Dulhania is an AMAZING FILM! Hard hitting social message cleverly woven into a beautiful story! @BKDMovie @Varun_dvn @aliaa08

Shghulamghous: Badrinath ki dulhania is achiiii movie ✌

shellysharmaa: loved badrinath ki dulhania

sayan_ms: Badrinath Ki Dulhania A must watch movie #GirlPower

sahina55: Badrinath Ki Dulhania emerges a winner https://t.co/qf0qR1o6nF #djalomraj

randhir54531991: amazing movie badrinath ki dulhania must watch

ramya_xx: Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a masterpiece

RahmanAlavi: Badrinath ki Dulhania ❤❤❤

ohshizitsresh: Badrinath Ki Dulhania was so good I swear

NidaKhairat: Badrinath ki Dulhania .❤ Awesummuvie#comedy#luv#swt expressions#luv acting of both varun N Alia .☺@Varun_dvn @aliaa08

Nadine_Himmer: Badrinath Ki Dulhania 7/10

NadiaSukander: Badrinath Ki Dulhania was lovely

N0CHILLNAJI: Badrinath Ki Dulhania was niceee fam

musicandhowell: Just saw badrinath ki dulhania AND DEFINITELY IN MY TOP FAVORITES

maya0405901: Badrinath ki Dulhania movie review: Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan film is the perfect Holi watch

mainbhiengineer: Badrinath ki dulhania is sweet film with desi humor, it's not a very well written film on feminism but it talks about it, that's nice. Watch

king_sadashiva: Badrinath Ki Dulhania is Perfect family entertainer with Much needed message. Varun Dhawan is Excellent. Alia is

kamransani: Badrinath ki Dulhania! Full Paisa wasool!

kaif_uh: I just saw Badrinath Ki Dulhania @Varun_dvn i watched all movies of VD. Its a great movie by him. I liked so much. @aliaa08 @Varun_dvn

item_boyy: Loved Badrinath Ki Dulhania ... Perfect family entertainer ..SUPER HIT

iShaharyar_MD: Badrinath Ki Dulhania is an absolute delight to watch.

irzakhaan: Last night watched "Badrinath ki dulhania"...if you are looking for some entertainment and comedy than it's for you

imgamingdirectr: Seeing badrinath ki dulhania quite a nice movie #inox

imbrb2: badrinath ki dulhania is a very good movie

iamBalaram5259: Watched bollywood film Badrinath ki dulhania super movie..

hrnurtweets: Watched Badrinath Ki Dulhania today! This one's a must watch! A rom com with a social message! Loved it! #BadrinathKiDulhania

hmake1998: Badrinath ki dulhania! Awesome movie with great acting of Varun Dhawan.

GreekMedusaa: So i watched badrinath ki dulhania. Great acting. Predictable storyline. I'm more determined now to run on my wedding day.

giveawayzulx: Probably for the very first time, Alia Bhatt got completely overshadowed in a movie. Loved Badrinath ki Dulhania.

giveawaytugz: Watched#Badrinath ki dulhania#movie yesterday.Good film.every girl must watch this film.

FaizanQurashi: Badrinath ki dulhania was amazing. 5/5 would recommend. You were amazing bro @Varun_dvn and u too @aliaa08 :)

DmitryByrnes: Thank You Badri & Vaidehi For a Great Spent Weekend With You!) #BadrinathKiDulhania https://t.co/IBLq45efTN https://t.co/JFS4Rt3iMe

devdhawan365: Badrinath ki dulhania was amazing

desigabs: Badrinath Ki Dulhania was really good https://t.co/1eZlPhN7wY

Deepika_Deepik1: Awww watched badrinath ki dulhania and i loooooovvveeedd ittttttt so much

clarissaSM: Badrinath ki dulhania was such a freaking hilarious movie but also had scenes so fking relatable that it punch my heart out

catherine_likes: We watched Badrinath Ki Dulhania yesterday. ''Twas fun ☺

BigFan048: Watched Badrinath Ki Dulhania! Wonderfullll Film

Ayeshaaziz_: Badrinath Ki Dulhania was soooo goooood!

Ashish_enjoys: Are humko Badrinath ki dulhania bahut hi acha laga...@Varun_dvn @aliaa08 @karanjohar @ShashankKhaitan

Arunraj12211994: I Loved the movie #^_^Badrinath ki Dulhania(^^)# Lovely Acting by Both Varun sir and Alia mam

AnushaArif: Badrinath ki dulhania is such a cute movie!

Anshuls1997: Just watched badrinath ki dulhania....wonderful movie @Varun_dvn @aliaa08 #superhit

Anisha02671928: I liked so much Badrinath ki dulhania....its awsome

anchita_dhawan: Damn BADRINATH KI DULHANIA WAS FAB!! Enjoyed it next level!

amolbhosale0011: I saw Karan Johar film Badrinath ki Dulhania. Acting of Alia and Varun is very nice. Direction was good. Music is also excellent.

3466rajashahroz: I watched Badrinath Ki Dulhania it's An superb Romantic Movie I love it So.. Much.. @aliaa08 @Varun_dvn

1_Drop_of_rain: Loved badrinath ki dulhania.... varun is adorable

StacyDiaconis: Badrinath Ki Dulhania: Part fun, part dull

rafurunuluv: Badrinath Ki Dulhania: Part fun, part dull

gauthamFlirts: badrinath ki dulhania loses its tempo in 2nd half

enthahotness: Badrinath Ki Dulhania’s Feminism: It Isn’t Perfect, But It’s Still Important https://t.co/iqxth2rCWU

SeemaFaraz: Saw 3 movies this week: my ratings, Ae dil hai mushkil : 8/10 Badrinath ki dulhania: 1/10 Ok Janu : 7.5/10 #Bollywood

phyllidajay: It's 2017 And It's Shocking That A Film Like 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' Actually Got Made https://t.co/Djw3SN1VTp

nitinfive: Badrinath Ki Dulhania...a flat cocktail of #B'wood films...pyar tragedy fight drama action all in one... https://t.co/1TcWL1X0Em

MEERAHANDICRAFT: badrinath ki dulhania bakwaas movie of the year

Ktens: Badrinath ki dulhania is such a tiresome bore.

jasilasyed: Badrinath Ki Dulhania is so annoying that it shows us how to ditch our family and follow your heart for so called "love". Ki bakwas la

5 readers - 1 yays 1 so-so 3 nays

Want to Watch, by Anuj

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Soundarya

So-So, by Sonia

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Annkur

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Fan

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Manoj

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: A few fist fights
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None
  • Concept: Dowry and gender inequality set up within a romance.
  • General Look and Feel: An attempt to keep it lively

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Badrinath Ki Dulhania - Cast, crew, links

Cinematography:
Background Score:
Running time:
140 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
Genres:

Comments (7)

Click here for new comment

Soundarya

This is the worst review for the movie I've ever read !!! The movie was super good ❤❤❤ !!!

Annkur

Aree lekin Meetu - JMD :) so much fun.

Anuj

RANGOON- catch on dvd for sure, BKD- watch if nothing to do? The reviewer whose perhaps among the exact 1000 admirers of the [comment partially deleted because it is a personal attack] Vishal Bharadwaj and Anurag Kashyap seems have have lost her mind yet again!! :D

@Soundarya oh oops!

@Annkur ha ha ha...I found a couple other things funny too, that's why not the worst rating ;)

Was a one time watch! Loved it and was entertained while watching.

I expected a lot from the movie. The main reason is that it's from Dharma productions and heroine is my favorite Alia ! But nothing works. sad.

Good review. thank you.

Fan

I cannot understand what drives me to watch your typical Dharma or YRF film. Each time after watching the film I end up complaining more about the garbage that they dish out under the name of formulaic film. No difference then with Badrinath Ki Dulhania.

You have your classic Dharma (or YRF, both are interchangeable) formula. Boy meets girl or girl meets boy. Some sparks fly before love blossoms. Then too much of senseless song and dance follows. In function of the mood of the director, they select between mustard fields of Punjab, colourful streets of Rajasthan, green valleys of Switzerland/Austria, Snow laden mountains of Switzerland, streets of NYC, or in this case Singapore. After about 1 and a half hours of some totally useless and irrelevant episodes the directors realise that it is time to end the film. And so within a few minutes all the speeches, heart-changes, habit-changes happen which did not happen over 6 decades of the life of the concerned characters. And lo and behold you have the chocolaty candy flavoured ending to the colourful extravaganza.

Absolutely nonsense formulaic films first made popular by YRF but now equally milked by Dharma. The only reason this formula is used ad nauseam is that for whatever it is worth it still gives the return on investments to these producers. Whose only objective is to make money. Film-making, recounting an interesting story, presenting superlative performances in any particular department, etc. are nowhere on their priority list. Pure simple business arithmetic – make a film for X amount and generate X times 1.25 of revenues at the minimum.

The cherry on the cake is the disclaimer at the very start of the film. In English (written and spoken), it could not have been slower for anybody to understand what is the disclaimer against. Why make this drama of disclaimer if you do not even want to give the sufficient amount of time for your audience to read it fully. And what about your non-English audience (in Jhansi and Kota BTW)? No disclaimer for them?

Absolutely raddi film. Watch it if you have made it a point to give your hard earned money to Dharma and their ilks.

Leave a Comment