Shaadi Ke Side Effects
Year: 2014
Director: Saket Chaudhary
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Vidya Balan, Ram Kapoor, Vir Das

Despite having an odd lead pair of Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat (of all people!), Saket Chaoudhary’s 2006-film Pyar Ke Side Effects was a zany comedy that scored well at the box-office. Now 8 years on, the Side Effects franchise comes up with its next offering and that too featuring two of the most talented lead actors- Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan. On paper, it looks a good bet for a fun-filled theatre outing. But is it?

What’s the plot?

It is a story of a young urban married couple. She (Vidya Balan) is a successful ad- company executive; he (Farhan Akhtar) is a struggling musician. They have a great marriage and they are doing all the right things to keep it saucy and sizzling. But then comes a difficult turn – she becomes pregnant! The couple’s confusion begins right from the time of deciding whether to continue with the pregnancy or not. Once the daughter is born, the things take a turn for the worse. She decides to become a full-time mum. With a demanding child, single income and little time for each other, the marriage starts showing up the cracks. Feeling stressed and suffocated, the husband decides to consult a family friend (Ram Kapoor) for a solution. What he gets from him is a tip to get some ‘Alone Quality Time’ to enjoy! Will this solution work to keep the marriage ticking?

What’s hot?

·        Farhan Akhtar tries his best to make the feeble plot work.

·        Ram Kapoor and Vir Das (in a cameo as a struggling actor) impress.

·        Occasional funny moments.

What’s not?

·        Unlike its wacky predecessor, this Side Effects story has practically nothing to keep you interested. It is a tediously told tale, which offers no fresh takes on the theme and has precious little comic material. The situations and characters are clichéd and on most occasions, they fail to tickle the funny bone. The attempted mesh-up of the comedy, emotions and real life philosophy fails to gel.

·        The wrap-up solution is silly- and no, it is not even funny or poignant or thought provoking!

·        Vidya Balan disappoints! The actress, who had emerged as the best among the current lot, loses ground in an insignificant role of a boring, nagging wife. She also needs to take care of her ballooning figure- just making jokes about it in the films is not going to make the problem go away!

Verdict

With a fun-filled pedigree and a super-talented lead pair, Shaadi Ke Side Effects was expected to be a rip-roaring rib-tickler. Unfortunately what we get is a tame, tepid tale which is not even sure whether it wants to be a comedy or a serious film!

Rating

2.5 stars