Badhaai Do

Plot

Badhaai Do centers on Shardul (Rajkummar Rao), a police officer, and Sumi (Bhumi Pednekar), a physical education teacher, who find themselves trapped in the societal expectations of marriage. Both hiding their sexual orientations due to familial and societal pressures, they decide to enter a lavender marriage—a convenient arrangement allowing them to live as roommates while maintaining the facade of a traditional marriage. Shardul is gay, while Sumi is lesbian, and the unconventional union gives them the freedom to explore their true selves privately without facing the scrutiny of their families. As they navigate the complex dynamics of their relationship, Sumi and Shardul develop a deep friendship and support system. They face numerous challenges, including the constant pressure from their families to have children and societal judgments that weigh heavily on them. The arrival of Rimjhim (Chum Darang), Sumi’s girlfriend, and Kabir (Gulshan Devaiah), Shardul’s love interest, further complicates the situation, forcing them to confront the realities of living authentically within a traditional society. Badhaai Do skillfully combines humor and emotion, shedding light on LGBTQ+ issues in India. It offers a heartfelt narrative about acceptance, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing one’s identity amidst societal pressures.

Cast