Can a romantic comedy successfully dismantle deep-seated patriarchal traditions in modern India?
In short: Badrinath Ki Dulhania is more than a breezy romance. It follows a man from a traditional Jhansi family who falls for an ambitious woman determined to prioritize her career over marriage. Their journey challenges entrenched social norms, including the dowry system, while exploring the complexities of gender equality and personal agency.
Released in 2017 and directed by Shashank Khaitan, Badrinath Ki Dulhania serves as a spiritual successor to the 2014 film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. The narrative centers on Badrinath Bansal, a man raised under the strict, patriarchal control of his father, Ambar. Witnessing his brother Alok’s unhappy arranged marriage—where his wife, Urmila, is forbidden from working—Badri initially seeks a traditional union. However, he becomes infatuated with Vaidehi Trivedi, an independent woman who rejects marriage to pursue a career as a flight attendant in Singapore.
The film’s conflict escalates when Vaidehi flees on their wedding day. Badri’s pursuit of her to Singapore becomes a catalyst for his own transformation. Rather than forcing her return, he begins to respect her autonomy, eventually realizing that a sustainable relationship requires him to support her career and stand up to his father’s traditionalist views. Upon returning to Jhansi, the couple confronts Ambar, asserting their right to marry on their own terms and vowing to raise their future children in a progressive environment that rejects dowry and upholds gender equality.
Critical reception was mixed but generally positive, with reviewers noting the film’s attempt to balance lighthearted romance with serious social critique. While some critics, such as Rajeev Masand, felt the film’s handling of heavy themes like the dowry system was occasionally heavy-handed, others like Shubhra Gupta praised it as a flavorful romance that effectively tackles patriarchy. The film was a significant financial success, earning over ₹200.45 crore worldwide. At the 63rd Filmfare Awards, it received eight nominations, with Arijit Singh winning Best Male Playback Singer for the track 'Roke Na Ruke Naina'.
Beyond its narrative, the film is notable for its musical influences, blending contemporary compositions with recreations of older hits. The track 'Tamma Tamma Again' draws from the 1990 film Thanedaar, which itself was based on Mory Kanté’s 1987 work. By weaving these cultural threads into a story about modern independence, the film attempts to bridge the gap between traditional expectations and the evolving aspirations of its characters.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Badrinath Ki Dulhania
- Also: Wikidata — Badrinath Ki Dulhania · CC0
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