Mere Husband Ki Biwi Review: A Love Circle Full of Chaos and Charm

Director: Mudassar Aziz
Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Rakul Preet Singh and others

Runtime: 143 minutes

Release Date: February 21, 2025

Available on: Theatrical release

Mere Husband Ki Biwi Review: Bollywood has always had a fascination with love triangles, but Mere Husband Ki Biwi adds a unique twist by transforming it into a ‘love circle.’ Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film brings together Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Rakul Preet Singh in a tangled mess of romance, divorce, and rediscovery. While the film shines in parts, particularly due to the performances of its leading ladies, it does stumble in execution. Let’s take a deep dive into what works and what doesn’t in Mere Husband Ki Biwi.

A Story of Love, Divorce, and Confusion

Set in the vibrant backdrop of Delhi, Mere Husband Ki Biwi revolves around Ankur (Arjun Kapoor), his ex-wife Prabhleen (Bhumi Pednekar), and his new love interest Antara (Rakul Preet Singh). The film opens with Piyush Mishra’s narration, humorously describing modern marriages, setting the stage for a romantic comedy.

Ankur, a man recovering from his tumultuous marriage, experiences nightmares about his ex-wife. His best friend Rehan (Harsh Gujral) tries to assist him in moving on from the relationship, dates him with a Russian dance girl. The rest, however, is destined to be otherwise. During a business trip to Rishikesh, Ankur literally runs into Antara, his college sweetheart, and the two are attracted to one another. Just when he decides to move on, Prabhleen returns to his life when there is an untoward accident that triggers partial amnesia. She forgets about their divorce and tries to rekindle their marriage, leading to a chaotic tug-of-war between the two women.

The film unfolds as a battle of wills between Prabhleen and Antara, as both attempt to claim Ankur, who seems clueless throughout. The conflict creates moments of comedy, drama, and emotional depth, giving the audience a mixed bag of entertainment.

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Performances That Steal the Show

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its performances:

Bhumi Pednekar as Prabhleen: She steals the spotlight with her loud, eccentric, and unpredictable character. Prabhleen is not a typical ex-wife seeking revenge but rather a complex woman trying to reclaim what she believes was lost. Her portrayal adds layers of humor and heart, making her one of the most memorable aspects of the film.

Rakul Preet Singh as Antara: Rakul strikes a balance between poise and competitiveness. Her chemistry with Arjun Kapoor is good, but her dynamic with Bhumi is what makes the movie watchable. Their power play and competitive banter over Ankur generate some of the finest moments in the film.

Arjun Kapoor as Ankur: Arjun delivers a decent performance, but his character is often overshadowed by the strong female leads. While he excels in emotional scenes, his confused and passive demeanor makes it hard to root for him.

Harsh Gujral as Rehan: Harsh plays Ankur’s best friend, providing comic relief. His character, though, is underwritten and follows the trope of the ‘funny best friend’ who is only there to serve the lead.

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Strengths of the Film

1. A Refreshing Take on Love Triangles

Unlike any other ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’ type film, it does not resort to justifying extramarital affairs. The whole plot remains based on emotional conflicts, misunderstandings, and growth rather than just lies.

2. Powerful Heroines

Bhumi and Rakul are the protagonists here, so it is more than a movie totally dominated by guys. Their acting makes the plot interesting and brings something new to the relationship and self-esteem world.

3. Emotions in the Mess

Despite the comedic tone, the film handles sensitive themes like divorce and second chances with maturity. It doesn’t place the blame solely on one person, allowing for a more balanced and relatable portrayal of modern relationships.

Where the Film Falls Short

1. A Messy Screenplay

At 2 hours and 23 minutes, the movie tries patience. The first half is too slow to set up the premise, and the second half is all about pacing problems. The script is uneven, with some scenes dragging unnecessarily.

2. Forced Comedy and Flat Dialogues

For a rom-com, many of the one-liners fail to land. The humor, particularly in the dialogues between Ankur and Rehan, feels forced. A sharper script with wittier dialogue could have significantly improved the film’s impact.

3. Underdeveloped Side Characters

While the main trio gets ample screen time, supporting characters like Dino Morea, Shakti Kapoor, and Aditya Seal feel like mere add-ons. They have little contribution to the story, making them forgettable.

The Ending: A Neat Bow on a Chaotic Package

The last few minutes of the film offer a satisfying twist, elevating the overall experience. Without giving too much away, the resolution brings an unexpected yet heartwarming conclusion, emphasizing friendship and self-discovery over stereotypical romantic resolutions.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

Mere Husband Ki Biwi is a mixed bag. It shines in its performances and progressive themes but falters in execution. The film tries to balance comedy, drama, and romance but struggles to maintain consistency. If you enjoy light-hearted family entertainers with strong female characters and a pinch of chaos, this movie might be worth a watch. However, if you’re looking for a tightly written, laugh-out-loud rom-com, this one may not hit the mark.

The film doesn’t reinvent the wheel but offers a decent dose of drama and entertainment. With better writing, it could have been a great addition to Bollywood’s rom-com genre. Nonetheless, it’s refreshing to see a film that doesn’t reduce women to one-dimensional roles but instead allows them to shine in their full complexity.