Varun Dhawan
Badrinath
Overview
Badrinath Ki Dulhania is a story of Badrinath Bansal from Jhansi and Vaidehi Trivedi from Kota and what happens when the two of them meet. Even though they both belong to small towns, their mindset about gender roles in society and about life in general are diametrically opposite. This leads to a clash of ideologies, despite both of them recognising the goodness in each other. Will they be able to overcome circumstances to accept their love for each other? Will they be able to surpass the expectations and pressures of their small town families to be together? Answers to these and many more such questions make for an interesting journey of love, laughter, emotions and madness called Badrinath Ki Dulhania.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Small-Town Romance That Couldn’t Quite Escape Its Own Shadow
I remember the first time I saw Badrinath Ki Dulhania’s trailer. There was Varun Dhawan, grinning that trademark grin, and Alia Bhatt, rolling her eyes at him with the kind of exasperation that only exists in movies where love is supposed to conquer all. The song was catchy, the colors were bright, and the promise of a small-town romance with a modern twist felt like exactly the kind of escapism Bollywood does best.
But somewhere between the first frame and the last, the film lost its way—or maybe it never quite found it in the first place.
Shashank Khaitan’s film wants to be two things at once: a frothy romantic comedy and a social commentary on gender roles in small-town India. That’s a tricky balance, and Badrinath Ki Dulhania wobbles between the two like a man trying to dance on a moving train. The premise is simple enough.
Badrinath Bansal (Dhawan) is a charming but entitled young man from Jhansi who believes a woman’s place is in the kitchen—or at least, in his kitchen. Vaidehi Trivedi (Bhatt) is a headstrong woman from Kota who dreams of independence and a career in Singapore. Their meet-cute is predictable (a wedding, a dance-off, the usual), but the film’s early moments crackle with the kind of energy that makes you think, Okay, this might actually work. There’s a playfulness to their banter, a push-and-pull that feels organic, even if the writing occasionally veers into sitcom territory.
But then the film starts to take itself too seriously. The shift happens around the halfway mark, when the story pivots from romantic comedy to something resembling a social drama. Suddenly, we’re supposed to care about Badrinath’s toxic masculinity and Vaidehi’s fight for autonomy, but the film hasn’t earned that weight.
The problem isn’t that the themes are unimportant—it’s that the script treats them like checkboxes rather than the emotional core of the story. One minute, we’re laughing at Badrinath’s over-the-top antics; the next, we’re supposed to be outraged by his misogyny. The tonal whiplash is jarring, like watching a clown try to deliver a eulogy.
Audience Opinions
Broad evidence
Audience 5.6/10
"A lighthearted romantic comedy with charming leads but a predictable and occasionally regressive storyline."
Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt’s chemistry is the standout feature, making the film enjoyable despite its clichéd plot. The humor and vibrant visuals add to its appeal, latestnetflix.com contends, but the story’s reliance on outdated gender dynamics and lack of depth in supporting characters leave many viewers underwhelmed.
What viewers praise
- Lead chemistry Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt’s on-screen pairing is widely praised for its energy and charm.
- Entertaining humor The film’s comedic moments are well-received, providing lighthearted relief throughout.
- Vibrant visuals The colorful cinematography and lively settings enhance the film’s romantic and comedic tone.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The storyline follows familiar romantic comedy tropes without adding much originality.
- Outdated themes Some viewers criticize the film for reinforcing regressive gender roles and stereotypes.
- Weak supporting cast The side characters lack depth and development, making them forgettable.
Recommended for
Romantic comedy fans Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt admirers Lighthearted movie lovers Bollywood enthusiasts
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Badrinath Ki Dulhania: Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt’s On-Set Chemistry and Early Buzz
Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), directed by Shashank Khaitan, marked the second collaboration between Bollywood’s powerhouse duo Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt after their 2014 hit Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. While the film promised a mix of romance, comedy, and drama set against the backdrop of small-town India, latestnetflix.com contends, early behind-the-scenes glimpses and director insights hinted at a production that balanced lighthearted fun with unexpected challenges.
Shooting Leaks and On-Set Vibes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_EQP6hq7Pk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvqcngxFDbI
Before the film’s release, the internet was abuzz with leaked images from the Badrinath Ki Dulhania set, offering fans a sneak peek at Dhawan and Bhatt’s chemistry in action . The photos, which surfaced online, showed the lead pair in casual, candid moments—suggesting a relaxed and playful atmosphere during filming. Clips later shared by the team, including a jet ski adventure featuring Dhawan and co-star Sahil Vaid, reinforced the idea that the shoot was packed with high-energy sequences and camaraderie .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RigG1_GE2Vw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfnVvr8d-Wc
Director Shashank Khaitan and Dhawan also teased the film’s tone in a promotional interview, describing it as a blend of humor and emotional depth. While the exact details of their conversation remain unverified, the duo hinted at a story that would resonate with audiences beyond just romantic escapism . The film’s trailer and song promos, like the upbeat "Badri Ki Dulhania" and the playful "Kudiyon-s to the BKD Team!", further fueled excitement, showcasing a mix of traditional and modern influences .
Critical Reception and Public Divide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuqWxFV_zUw
Despite the pre-release hype, Badrinath Ki Dulhania received mixed reactions from critics and audiences. On review aggregator SensCritique, the film holds a modest rating of 5.6/10 based on 29 votes, reflecting a lukewarm response from some viewers 
. Meanwhile, a YouTube video titled "Badrinath Ki Dulhania Flop Total Flop" claimed the movie underperformed, though the basis for this assertion remains unclear, as box office numbers and official declarations of failure were not provided in the available evidence .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUDKWh3b1KA
Film critic Anupama Chopra’s review, shared in a YouTube video, offered a more nuanced take, praising the performances of Dhawan and Bhatt while critiquing the film’s pacing and narrative consistency . The divide between fan enthusiasm and critical skepticism suggested that Badrinath Ki Dulhania might have struggled to fully deliver on its promise of a fresh, engaging romance.
Director’s Vision and Industry Standing
Shashank Khaitan, born in 1982, had already made a name for himself in Bollywood with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, which established his knack for modern romantic comedies with a nostalgic twist . Badrinath Ki Dulhania was positioned as a spiritual successor to that film, though with a shift in setting—from Punjab to the picturesque town of Badrinath. Khaitan’s approach to blending humor with social commentary (the film touched on themes like gender roles and small-town dynamics) was a defining feature of his directorial style, though its execution in Badrinath Ki Dulhania left some audiences divided.
The film’s supporting cast, including Shweta Basu Prasad, Gauahar Khan, and Sahil Vaid, added depth to the story, but the spotlight remained firmly on Dhawan and Bhatt. Their on-screen chemistry, a carryover from their previous collaboration, was a major selling point, even if the film itself didn’t quite reach the same heights as Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania .
The Verdict: A Mixed Bag with Moments to Remember
Badrinath Ki Dulhania may not have been a runaway success, but it wasn’t without its charms. The film’s vibrant songs, picturesque locations, and Dhawan and Bhatt’s dynamic performances kept it afloat, even if the narrative occasionally faltered. Behind the scenes, the shoot appeared to be a lively affair, with the cast and crew embracing the film’s fun, energetic spirit. Whether it was jet ski adventures or impromptu dance breaks, the production seemed to prioritize a sense of joy—even if the final product didn’t fully translate that magic to the screen.
For fans of Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt, Badrinath Ki Dulhania remains a notable entry in their filmography, even if it’s remembered more for its moments than its overall impact.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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