Mere Husband Ki Biwi review: A love triangle so twisted, even the husband is confused

New Delhi: Love triangles have always been a staple in Bollywood comedies, but Mere Husband Ki Biwi takes things up a notch with a chaotic clash between a man’s past and present loves. Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film centers on a bizarre yet entertaining rivalry between two women fighting for the same man, with little regard for his feelings. While the premise holds promise for a witty, engaging rom-com, the execution struggles to maintain its charm, leading to an overextended and somewhat predictable conclusion.

The story introduces us to a man (Arjun Kapoor) caught in an awkward tangle between his ex-wife (Bhumi Pednekar) and his soon-to-be wife (Rakul Preet Singh). What starts as a playful, situational comedy soon transforms into an over-the-top battle of wits and emotions. The first half sets up the tension well, delivering moments of humor and nostalgia. The second half, however, loses direction, turning into a stretched-out spectacle that could have benefitted from a sharper edit.

One of the film’s highlights is Harsh Gujral, whose impeccable comic timing adds much-needed energy to the narrative. He delivers some of the film’s best punchlines and shares an effortless camaraderie with Arjun Kapoor. Speaking of Kapoor, he slips comfortably into his role, playing the confused yet endearing lover with ease. Having previously explored intense and action-driven roles, he embraces a more playful, romantic avatar here, which suits him well.

However, the film falters when it comes to its female leads. Bhumi Pednekar starts off strong, but her character’s fiery nature quickly becomes overwhelming, while Rakul Preet Singh’s portrayal of the sweet, sensible love interest feels overly familiar. Their on-screen dynamic lacks the spark needed to make their rivalry compelling. Instead of engaging banter, the exchanges often feel forced and formulaic, making it difficult to truly invest in their tug-of-war.

Beneath the comedy, the film attempts to explore the complexities of relationships, especially how love doesn’t always guarantee compatibility in marriage. There’s a thought-provoking moment where a character reflects on how friendships are cherished deeply, but romantic partners are often placed on unrealistic pedestals. However, the narrative fails to dive deeper into these themes, opting instead for exaggerated portrayals, particularly of the ex-wife, who is depicted in a rather one-dimensional, antagonistic manner.

Mudassar Aziz, known for lighthearted yet socially aware comedies, tries to balance humour with emotional depth. While the laughs land well in certain places, the story ultimately drags, and by the time the climax arrives, it feels more exhausting than exciting. A crisper, more focused screenplay would have significantly improved the film’s pacing.

Mere Husband Ki Biwi final verdict

Despite its flaws, Mere Husband Ki Biwi finds some redemption in its nostalgic elements, classic Bollywood references, catchy retro tracks, and witty self-aware humour. If you’re looking for a film that doesn’t demand much thought and provides some decent laughs, it makes for a passable weekend watch. However, if you’re hoping for a fresh, unpredictable rom-com, this one might leave you wanting more.