Cast and Characters

• Rajkummar Rao as Satyendra Mishra (Sattu): A sincere and ambitious young man from a middle-class family, excited about his arranged marriage.

• Kriti Kharbanda as Aarti Shukla: A strong-willed and educated woman with dreams of becoming a government employee, until her life takes an unexpected turn.

• Govind Namdev as Shukla Ji: Aarti’s father, a government employee with traditional values.

• Navni Parihar as Mrs. Shukla: Aarti’s mother, who supports her daughter’s dreams.

• Nayani Dixit as Abha Shukla: Aarti’s sister, the youngest of the family.

• Manoj Pahwa as Tauji: Sattu’s uncle, who plays a pivotal role in the events that unfold.

• KK Raina as Mishra Ji: Sattu’s father, who values societal norms and traditions.

Credits

• Director: Ratnaa Sinha
• Producer: Vinod Bachchan
• Writer: Kamal Pandey
• Music: Anand Raj Anand, Arko, Rashid Khan
• Cinematography: Suresh Beesaveni
• Editor: Ballu Saluja

Plot Summary

“Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana” revolves around the lives of Satyendra Mishra (Sattu) and Aarti Shukla. Their arranged marriage seems promising, but things take an unexpected turn on the wedding day. Aarti’s ambitions are crushed when she learns about Sattu’s family demanding a dowry. Furious and disillusioned, Aarti decides to take a stand against the injustice.

Years later, destiny brings them face to face again, but their paths are drastically different. Aarti is now a government officer, and Sattu finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit. The film explores their emotional journey as they navigate love, revenge, and redemption.

Trivia

1. The film’s title, “Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana,” translates to “Definitely attend the wedding,” reflecting the anticipation and significance of the event in Indian culture.

2. The film’s setting in the backdrop of Uttar Pradesh adds an authentic touch to the storyline, portraying the societal norms and challenges faced by individuals.

3. Rajkummar Rao’s nuanced performance as Sattu and Kriti Kharbanda’s portrayal of Aarti received praise for their emotional depth and chemistry on screen.

4. Director Ratnaa Sinha aimed to shed light on social issues like dowry and gender inequality through the story’s narrative, making it more than just a romantic drama.

5. The film’s music, including tracks like “Main Hoon Saath Tere” and “Pallo Latke,” added to its emotional and festive moments, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Review

I watched this movie on TV. It was one of those days. I have deactivated my Tatasky connection since then. Let’s just say it has been at least two years.

That’s how much I procrastinate…

Without much further ado, let’s get started.

“Shadi Mein Zaroor Aana” stars Raj Kumar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda in lead roles. It is a romantic dramedy that I instntly fell in love with.

We were eating dinner and my brother suggested we watch this movie. I was initially smitten by the beauty that is Kriti. She resembles Deepika Padukone from some angles, one of my favourite actresses. 

Awe aside, let’s review the movie.

Kriti is an ambitious girl Aarti Shukla, engaged to Satyendra Mishra aka Sattu, played by Raj Kumar. On her wedding day, she runs away to pursue her ambition, leaving Sattu vulnerable, and angry. And, thus begins a very entertaining and satisfying story.

There are twists every few minutes but it doesn’t overwhelm the viewers but lets us see the other point of view. I had a nagging feeling that this style of perfect story telling is familiar. Halfway through and completely engrossed in the story, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between this movie and Tanu weds Manu.

Edited: I just googled a bit. The makers are same for Tanu weds Manu. No wonder!

I must mention a couple of scenes that are glued to my memory.

The scene in men washroom is terrific. It tells us both side’s story, emotion, anger and confusion. There scene is followed by a quiet walk but the egotist officer is still at play as he makes an indecent proposal.

She then tries to get him to agree to marry him. It isn’t as straightforward as one would hope.

I like the scene when her parents are bargaining the dowry, as if they are discussing buying a plot or property… It breaks your heart a little, that marital alliances are still up for sale.

Kriti Kharbanda looks pretty in every frame. She has acted well, although her decibel levels could have been adjusted a bit to make is less screechy. I had the same problem with Kareena Kapoor’s Geet in Jab We Met but that’s a story for a different itme.

Raj Kumar Rao, the man doesn’t need more accolades. We all know he is a performer. It was for the first time I was watching his movie. And, the last, to be honest. I am not much into Bollywood movies, not since I deactivated my Tata Sky connection. The last movie I watched in its entirety was Bahubali Beginning and Bahubali Conclusion two years ago. Oh, and a rewatch of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani if that counts.

I digress, As usual. So watching Rajkumar Rao was a treat. You can feel for the vulnerable lover, a responsible officer. He is a man aching to avenge the insult and trauma that Aarti forced him through. And yet ,his heart yearns for Aarti, for he loves her.

The drama factor is on all time high. Comedy is an abundance, as is romance. I absolutely loved the movie. 

Go on, watch it! 

Or not… It’s a free world.  

~