Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana is a 2017 Hindi-language romantic drama directed by Ratnaa Sinha, starring Rajkummar Rao as Satyendra Mishra (Sattu) and Kriti Kharbanda as Aarti Shukla. The film explores love, betrayal, and revenge against the backdrop of societal expectations and family pressures in India. Set against the cultural norms surrounding arranged marriages, the movie skillfully blends romance with social commentary, highlighting issues like gender discrimination, dowry, and the struggle for women’s independence.
Plot Overview:
The story begins with Satyendra, a simple and honest man working as a government clerk in Kanpur, and Aarti, an ambitious and educated woman with dreams of becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Both their families arrange a meeting, as is typical in traditional Indian arranged marriages. From their first interaction, Sattu and Aarti seem to have a good rapport, with both feeling an instant connection.
Aarti is honest about her aspirations of pursuing a career, while Sattu assures her that he will support her dreams post-marriage. This promise forms the basis of their emotional bond. They gradually fall in love with each other despite the short time frame between their engagement and the wedding. However, on the day of their wedding, Aarti receives the IAS exam results and learns that she has cleared the exam. Faced with the dilemma of choosing between marriage and her career, Aarti decides to run away, leaving Sattu heartbroken at the altar.
First Half: Love and Heartbreak
The first half of the film is focused on the blossoming love story between Sattu and Aarti. Both belong to middle-class families with traditional values, and much of their courtship is set within the constraints of these expectations. The scenes where they get to know each other reflect their initial chemistry, and the simplicity of their interactions makes their relationship seem genuine and relatable.
The twist occurs on the wedding night when Aarti, egged on by her sister, realizes that marriage could clip her wings, stopping her from pursuing her career ambitions. This moment sets in motion the emotional core of the film. Aarti's decision to flee devastates Sattu and leaves both families in shock. The heartbreak is intensified by the sense of betrayal, as Sattu had made his support for her career very clear during their courtship.
Second Half: Revenge and Redemption
The narrative takes a dramatic turn post-interval when the story leaps five years into the future. Aarti is now a successful IAS officer in the city of Lucknow, while Sattu, embittered by the betrayal, has transformed his life. No longer the simpleton he once was, Sattu has risen through the ranks of the government and is now a high-ranking officer in the Provincial Civil Services (PCS), the very job Aarti had once aspired to achieve.
Their paths cross again when Aarti becomes involved in a corruption case related to a government project, and Sattu is appointed to lead the investigation. The power dynamics have shifted completely, with Sattu now in a position of authority over Aarti. Their reunion is tense and filled with unresolved anger, particularly from Sattu’s side. He views the situation as an opportunity to exact revenge on Aarti for abandoning him on their wedding day.
As the investigation progresses, Aarti realizes that Sattu’s grudge against her might jeopardize her career. Sattu, however, is torn between his lingering feelings for Aarti and his sense of betrayal. The film explores how deeply the wounds of their past run, and whether love can be rekindled after such a dramatic break.
Themes:
Gender Roles and Patriarchy: One of the film’s central themes is the conflict between Aarti’s desire for professional independence and the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman. The film critiques the traditional mindset that often forces women to choose between a career and marriage. Aarti’s decision to flee from her wedding is portrayed as an act of defiance against these expectations, though it comes at the cost of personal relationships.
The Impact of Social Expectations: The film also delves into the pressures placed on men to uphold family honor. Sattu’s devastation at being left at the altar is as much about his personal heartbreak as it is about the shame and humiliation it brings to his family. His desire for revenge is fueled by the stigma attached to being jilted in such a public manner.
Revenge vs. Forgiveness: The second half of the film explores the idea of revenge and its futility. Sattu’s initial plan to ruin Aarti’s career reflects his pain, but as he gets to know her again, he begins to question whether holding onto that anger is worth sacrificing his own happiness.
Love and Redemption: At its core, "Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana" is a love story about second chances. While betrayal and heartbreak define the first half, the second half is about healing and the possibility of forgiveness. Sattu’s journey is not just about exacting revenge on Aarti but also about coming to terms with his feelings and learning to let go of his pain.
Performances:
Rajkummar Rao shines in his role as Satyendra, brilliantly capturing the transition from a naive, love-struck man to one embittered by betrayal. His nuanced performance adds depth to the character, making his internal conflict palpable. Kriti Kharbanda also delivers a strong performance as Aarti, balancing vulnerability with strength as she grapples with the consequences of her decisions.
Their chemistry is one of the film’s strong points, and both actors effectively convey the emotional journey of their characters—from the sweetness of first love to the bitterness of betrayal, and finally, to reconciliation. Supporting actors like Govind Namdev, Navni Parihar, and K.K. Raina also contribute to the film’s authentic portrayal of middle-class family dynamics.
Cinematography and Music:
The cinematography by Suresh Beesaveni captures the small-town charm of Kanpur and the contrasting bustling energy of Lucknow. The film’s visual narrative complements the story’s emotional arc, with soft, warm tones in the romantic scenes giving way to darker, more intense hues in the latter half.
The music, composed by Anand Raj Anand and Arko, plays a pivotal role in heightening the emotional intensity of the film. Songs like “Jogi” and “Pallo Latke” became quite popular, with the former capturing the emotional essence of Sattu’s love for Aarti and the latter providing a fun, festive backdrop to the wedding preparations.
Conclusion:
"Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana" is a unique blend of romance, drama, and social commentary, making it more than just a typical love story. The film is a commentary on the societal pressures that shape relationships in India, especially within the context of arranged marriages. While it is not without its flaws, particularly in its melodramatic moments, it succeeds in delivering a story that is both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking. Through the lens of Sattu and Aarti’s journey, the film explores the complexities of love, trust, and the pursuit of individual dreams in a society bound by tradition.
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