Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana

wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)

quick review:

You get a ridiculous romance free with an intense revenge drama. Unfortunately, you leave with an after-taste of the silly rom-com instead of the well-written revenge bits.

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Director: Ratnaa Sinha
Running time: 145 minutes
More Movie Info

Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana - Preview

When I heard the title and the cast, I was expecting a film like Bareilly ki Barfi or Shubh Mangal Savdhaan. The first minute or so of the trailer reconfirmed that notion. I was waiting for the traditional family versus couple conflict and hoping for a conflict of a traditional household having objection to an educated daughter-in-law taking up a job or something of that sort. And whammm! I was completely thrown off by what this one presented.

Of course, that is only the first reaction. Now, I am just hoping that the character transition isn’t force-fitted or too sudden. I am truly hoping there is some inkling in the exposition or there is a relatively longer transformation. Anyway, looking forward to this one in the hope that it is going to be somewhat different from the ‘runaway bride’, Tanu Weds Manu series.

Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana releases on 10 November, 2017.

Music Reviews:
Bollywood Hungama - "3/5"
glamsham - "4/5"
Milliblog - "Decent enough soundtrack despite the multiple composer palette."
Movie Talkies – "3/5"

- meeta, a part of the audience

Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana gets many nuances of Indian society right to perfection. So much so that it even includes the Hindi film industry’s irreverent melodrama as a part of that society. Only that this bit doesn’t work for the film. It is a complete, disjointed extension to the otherwise well-written, revenge drama the film starts out as.

Maybe the fall into regular Hindi movie fare feels worse because of the high you are at in terms of nuance and subtleties for more than half of the film.

A boy is yelled at by an uncle for teaching his sisters “incorrect values” by asking them to educate themselves further. They are women, education is not really their thing. In a wedding, the otherwise arrogant, aggressive father of the girl, becomes meek and submissive. A married daughter is called a guest in her own parents’ house. These situations made my nerves tense because I have heard them in real-life, some of them were even pointed towards me. While these lines sound dramatic, it is the kind of drama that is seen in real life.

While these are some of the overt points the film makes well, the subtleties were rare and refreshing. Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana does not talk about girls not being allowed to dream. It shows it through the sheer happiness a girl expresses when she gets permission to do a certain thing. She is caught by surprise when she her ambition is supported by the men of her life.

This is rightly captured by Kriti Kharbanda’s portrayal of an innocent, restricted woman from the heart of her country. A woman who doesn’t know that her dream of being a government officer is not supposed to be a dream but is her right. The drama is moved forward ably with Rajkummar Rao’s (Sattu) depiction of smitten love and insane wrath. He is gaining screen presence with every film. The entire supporting cast – Govind Namdeo, Manoj Pahwa, Vipin Sharma, the lady who plays Sattu’s mother – perform like they were born in the milieu and have lived those lives. Even the shrill, Nayani Dixit makes us believe her character is this know-it-all whether she is being anxious, announcing doomsday or calming another person down.

Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana doesn’t preach despite being a film that revolves around two social issues – dowry and a woman’s right to education. While risking on a borderline lecture once, these issues are brought about through the story. That it is not brought about overtly dangerously treads coming across as supportive of dowry or against woman’s education.

What could be seen as apathy towards the dowry system actually hints at how sad the situation of woman’s education is – the issue related to dowry has becomes secondary and an integral part of the system. When faced with a situation where a mother-in-law is likely to not be supportive of the daughter-in-law’s rights, the latter is not able to trust her husband and takes a drastic step – that is completely legit given her situation. What could be seen as a comment made in support of dishonour due to a broken engagement, could be a hint at how imbibed the system is that the revenge seems legit too – this I guaged from the hooting and clapping in support of the revenge, in the theater.

This is such a gray social situation which is taken as black and white. Not one single person in the story takes a moment to understand why this intelligent woman took an irreversible step. The audience actually cheers when she is made to suffer for it. Even though the otherwise nice man is clearly using inappropriate means to get back to her. Even when the woman is completely trapped from all sides, despite being wronged – the audience cheered. I hope there were others in the audience who that there with clenched teeth like me.

While the film makes some points overtly but well, the subtleties are rare and refreshing

Either way, the movie gets you involved. This could so easily have become a social message film and you want to applaud it for not taking that route. But just when you begin to clap, your hands are held back by a ridiculous climax. The last 20-30 minutes of the film nosedives into an abyss and goes deeper and deeper right till the end. It seems the movie (if not the industry) has two types of writers and their skills are not interchangeable. You can either write the regular Hindi film drama or a layered account of characters and society. Just like not everyone can do the latter, looks like one who has accomplished the latter cannot write the ‘masala’ easily either.

Stalking isn’t cute. Forcing someone into marriage is hardly romantic. And even if these things were cute and romantic, in some strange world, they make for an awful appendix to close a film, especially a thus-far, well-written film. And in any case, making marriage the be-all and end-all requirement for any couple and thus resolution for a film seems unreal. Especially when you get other snide comments about real-life society right such as men insisting that a woman cover her head with her duppatta (scarf) in a temple.

The film peaks and should have stopped at that high. After that, the fall feels like you were betrayed. Or maybe the fall feels worse because of the high you are at. In any case, this one is yet another ‘alas’.

- meeta, a part of the audience

22 reviewers(?) - 4 yays 9 so-so 9 nays

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

Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...When SMZA talks about the dowry system, the inequality towards women in civil services and general working opportunities etc, it really feels like a mature and relevant story. But the treatment is so lackluster that it relegates the movie to Indian soap opera status. It’s a definite letdown. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...The film, however, leans too much on clichés. Songs are abrupt and obstruct the narrative. The filmmakers have also relied heavily on melodrama but despite these minor hiccups, this is an invitation you must not miss.... full review

Thumbs up, Sify Movies : ...The production values are moderate, but seem apt in a film of this setting. Nothing seems incongruous. The music is melodious and captures the essence of the romance in the first half and the anguish in the second, with accuracy. "Tu banja gali Banaras ki" and "Mera Intekam dekhegi" are worth a mention.... full review

Thumbs up, by Troy Ribeiro, Zee News : ...Overall, this simple love story with stellar performances, garbed with some hard-hitting issues of our society, is a treat to watch. A wedding worth attending, for sure. ... full review

So-So, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Overall, Shaadi Main Zaroor Aana is strictly enjoyable only in parts. Don't expect it to be an interesting affair as it might give you a headache in the second half. ... full review

So-So, by Rahul Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...SMZA is not a movie which will find a way in your DVD collection but it is at least a movie you can watch on a weekend because it makes you walk out with a smile on your face. ... full review

So-So, by Meena Iyer, DNA : ...All in all, it’s a film that had potential to be a sweet love story. However, this one doesn’t quite get there because it’s not passionate enough on any count—be it in its social messaging--or be it in the romance. ... full review

So-So, by UDITA JHUNJHUNWALA, FirstPost : ...Rao’s Satyendra shows two shades. He starts off as the youthful, warm-hearted young man unaware of the biases towards him as a boy child waiting to come of age. In the latter half he’s the cold-hearted and bitter officer determined to bring down the Mishras who so badly humiliated his family. Rao interprets both with expected nuance and control. ... full review

So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...he one good song and dance comes after the credit starts rolling-too late to make an impact. This one is fairly likeable for Rajkummar Rao’s performance… but it also defies belief at every turn! Share this Post: ... full review

So-So, Free Press Journal : ...Overall, this simple love story with stellar performances, garbed with some hard-hitting issues of our society, is a treat to watch. A wedding worth attending, for sure. ... full review

So-So, by T J Reddy, fullhyd.com : ...Badrinath Ki Dulhania seems to be a comparatively better prospect. ... full review

So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...If you are a fan of Rajkummar Rao and small-town flicks, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana may work for you…... full review

So-So, by Renuka Vyavahare, Times of India : ...The film could have been much better than it eventually turns out to be. But if you don't mind watching a modest family drama, reminiscent of the 90s, you won't mind being privy to this emotional alliance. ... full review

Thumbs down, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, SHAADI MEIN ZAROOR AANA rests on an interesting idea but the treatment is lacklustre. With lack of buzz, the film will have a tough time at the box office. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Umesh Punwani, koimoi : ...Skip this wedding! Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana is a failed and stereotypical attempt of tackling issues like dowry and sexism. You can watch it for Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda – if this single reason is enough for you. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Sonil Dedhia, MiD DAY : ...Directors must now avoid banking on his acting prowess alone and focus on green-lighting good scripts. Kharbanda, too, is earnest. The rest of the cast members, including Manoj Pahwa, KK Raina and Govind Namdeo, try to save the sinking ship, but fail. Instead of attending this shaadi, you'd rather watch a film that teaches you to be Singlle. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...While Gazal Dhaliwal's dialogues lend the film a refreshing and irreverent voice, editor Chandan Arora could've suggested a chop or five in the second half.... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana? Ignore the invite. But if you still want to give it a shot simply because of Rajkummar Rao, heed this advice: he has done, and will do, infinitely better films? Wait for the next one. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...How long is this film? The audience by now has sent for knives and amazon has delivered them at their seats... It's like that Game of Thrones wedding in the theatre... ... full review

Thumbs down, by Urvi Parikh, Rediff : ...In fact, this movie will test the patience of quite a few cinegoers, who might be tempted to walk out anytime in the second half. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...The outrage over the dowry demand against Arti is forgotten during the plummet into unintended farce; her ambition to be an officer nullified by her flight; Satyendra’s spite legimitised by his sense of hurt. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...Post-interval the film takes a totally different turn to become an implausible revenge saga with a sudden twist in the end. All to eventually show the man’s goodness and superiority over the woman. ... full review

25 tweeters(?) - 21 yays 1 so-so 3 nays

theketanworld: Today I watched "Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana", waah..!! what a movie..!! story is suspence lovestory. Rajkumar Rao's ac… https://t.co/TtYiUdBMGG

sunsharma: Shaadi mein zaroor aana is the best movie and must watch...dear friends

SMZAofficial: Sattu + Aarti = Love ❤️ Go watch the cutest jodi in theatres now -https://t.co/S01LiMQtzm @RajkummarRao… https://t.co/wnD84AMMYH

Saurabh25007024: Very inspiring movie..❤❤❤❤ https://t.co/n0wpJh4O52

rohit_chahal: Meri Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nice movie...

rickychem06: Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana: The movie has a full of twist and suspense. Rajkumar Rao again proves that he is a multi-t… https://t.co/db2K0FdaXo

rastoarpit: Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana ace movie! go watch <3

rashmibansal: Saw the film 'Shaadi mein zaroor aana' - liked it! Later checked the reviews.. all bad. But I give it 3.5/5 for v g… https://t.co/Sn4vMwC6nd

kaviansh7: "Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana" true love story movie, Really Awesome 4* movie...

JyotiiJaiswal: #ShaadiMeinZaroorAana Review: .@RajkummarRao और @kriti_official ने बुलाया है तो जरूर जाइए! My rating- 3 STAR… https://t.co/QCZph0HzSs

IT_Kabootar: This new age of Bollywood movies that are done right. Shaadi mein zaroor aana, dekhne zaroor jaana.

imaayusharma: i love this movie completely, #shaadi_mein_zaroor_aana

iluvdt: After #Sanamterikasam Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana was the best Romantic film for me...

IAMMUKESHMADHU: movie is very good..but mistake in editing...1 baar dekne pr to full paisa wasul hai https://t.co/vtLlrlcaHJ

dharmubaba: Movies like "Shaadi mein zaroor aana" have a predictable plot. But still I like it coz of the desi touch

deo26: Feel good shaadi this ! #ShaadiMeinZaroorAana my review on @DMmovies https://t.co/VHcNaGLiAo

baeless_launda: I strongly advise y'all to go watch Shaadi mein zaroor aana. It's by far the best movie I've ever watched.

AficionadoYash: 'Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana': Wedding worth attending

adityajain1411: A good watch - Shaadi mein zaroor aana! Excellent acting by Rajkumar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda!

Aashu9: Go watch this shaadi saga! #ShaadiMeinZaroorAana has everything that you expect from a Bollywood entertainer!Here's… https://t.co/nINJZduPZj

100rabh_25: Tweeting while walking out of a full house late night show. Perfect sunday watch, Shaadi mein zaroor aana.… https://t.co/KRRB320en4

rivyuse: Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana Review {3/5}: The film could have been much better than it eventually turns out https://t.co/tZWxXEXTlP @Rivyuse

Shikha2206: You'll feel so much for @RajkummarRao in #ShadiMeinZaroorAana. It has typical Bollywood romance with a touch of rea… https://t.co/LdlkdTrl1W

nitinfive: Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana…a simple lve stry wid back 2 back #stellar performances…Rajkummar Rao Kriti Kharbanda... https://t.co/JMXerzahL0

JhinukSen: Having said that, here is my review of #ShaadiMeinZaroorAana : This wedding season, stay at home. https://t.co/qq48hfVG91

9 readers - 7 yays 2 so-so 0 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Antoine04 : San Diego

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Esica : Awesome...

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Hitesh Jaganiya : Shadhi me aana jaroor dekhne jana

Yay! Thumbs Up, by nick : 59 chars

Yay! Thumbs Up, by pawan

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Preet Man : Nice Movie

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Selvi : Rajkummar Rao is shining star of Bollywood, I love his acting and want to watch this movie for him.

So-So, by abhi

So-So, by Bilash : 90

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

Plot Summary

‘Boy meets girl’ meets ‘revenge drama’

What Worked

  • Dignity of brass band guys again rang true to life, maybe a snippet of the kind of character he is.
  • Some flashbacks show you events that were not shown to you earlier, when those things were happening.

What did not

Note: This section simply lists the things that I did not like in this movie. This is not the overall impression about this movie. Please read the full review here

  • Sattu spits on Arti’s face in a scene in a romantic song (it’s raining in this particular scene). What was that?! I certainly hope not an innuendo.
  • The big reveal in the climax is predictable from a mile

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: None
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A kiss, a dream sequence with some making out. Talk about sex and making out in a couple of scenes
  • Concept: ‘Boy meets girl’ meets ‘revenge drama’
  • General Look and Feel: A small town atmosphere captured well.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

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

Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana - Cast, crew, links

Director:
Running time:
145 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:

Comments (5)

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The trailer seems interesting, Will go to watch this movie. thanks

Nice Movies.. Super performance by Rajkumar Rao.. everyone should watch this movie

This is really a nice movie.

This is a really awesome movie. I like the song "Pallo Latke" - it's so nice song from the movie.

I watched it 3 times. A really nice movie.

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