- By Srishti Pandey
- Fri, 31 May 2024 08:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mr. & Mrs. Mahi Review: Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor are back together on screen in Sharan Sharma’s Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, a romance-sports drama that explores the pursuit of happiness. Following their collaboration in the 2021 film Roohi, Rao and Kapoor bring their chemistry to this new project, playing characters whose dreams and desires intersect in unexpected ways.
In Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, Rajkummar Rao stars as Mahendra Aggarwal, aka Mahi, whose life revolves around cricket. Despite his dreams of playing for India, repeated rejections and his father’s (Kumud Mishra) disdain force him to work in the family’s sports goods shop in Jaipur. Janhvi Kapoor plays Mahima Sharma, also Mahi, a doctor with a hidden passion for cricket, which she gave up to pursue medicine under her father’s pressure. The two meet through an arranged marriage, where Mahendra’s father exaggerates his achievements. Later, Mahendra’s honesty about his failures wins Mahima’s heart, leading to their marriage.
The film then follows Mahendra’s struggle to prove his worth, driven by his father’s criticism and his own desperation for fame. Mahima’s support helps him re-enter cricket as her coach, while she discovers her own passion for cricket.
The movie highlights the quest for real happiness, emphasizing that true joy comes from within and not from external validation. Janhvi Kapoor’s dedication to her role shines through her impeccable cricket skills, a result of nearly two years of rigorous training. Rajkummar Rao is endearing as the devoted husband, though his character bears some similarities to Sattu from his 2017 film Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana.
The chemistry between Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor is heartwarming and authentic. Both actors emote beautifully, portraying a charming and relatable married couple. Their journey through the highs and lows, arguments, and reconciliations is depicted with sincerity, highlighting how a partnership can thrive by resolving differences and setting aside egos.
The supporting cast also delivers good performances. Kumud Mishra and Zarina Wahab play Mahendra’s parents, with Wahab's pivotal scene offering a touching moment that underscores the timeless wisdom of a mother’s guidance. However, Mishra’s character transformation at the end feels abrupt though endearing. Arjit Taneja, a well-known TV actor, plays Rajkummar Rao's brother who is a TV star in the film, handling his limited role with ease.
Rajesh Sharma, in his role as Mahendra’s coach, performs well but lacks the depth of his character as the coach of the real-life Mahi, aka Dhoni, as seen in the 2016 movie M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. This indicates a need for stronger character development, although he still pulls off his role effectively.
Written by Nikhil Mehrotra and director Sharan Sharma, the film's script could have been more engaging. It sometimes feels like a predictable mix of emotions and themes that may not resonate with everyone. The supporting characters, in particular, could have been more fleshed out.
The music, composed by a team including Aadesh Shrivastava, Tanishk Bagchi and Vishal Mishra, is average. While the songs complement the scenes, they lack the lasting impact expected from a Dharma Productions film. The dialogues are decent, with a few lines that elicit smiles and giggles, but they don’t leave a lasting impression.
While the film's primary theme of love is evident, it falls short in delivering memorable music and standout writing, making it an average watch despite its heartfelt moments.
Mr. & Mrs. Mahi Review | Final Verdict
Rating: 3/5
Directed by Sharan Sharma, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi struggles to maintain engagement with its predictable plot. The familiar themes of lovers supporting each other’s dreams and parental misunderstanding feel worn out. The post-interval section drags, with the storyline becoming too obvious, though the emotionally charged final moments are worth watching.
Despite its deep message, the film fails to captivate fully. With an average soundtrack, it attempts to blend sports, romance and themes of self-love and self-discovery, ultimately lacking the thrill needed to keep the audience hooked.
Mr. & Mrs. Mahi is a suitable choice for those seeking a light-hearted, clean film to enjoy with loved ones. Otherwise, it might be more appreciated after its OTT release on Netflix.
