With family dramas becoming increasingly rare on the big screen, Daadi Ki Shaadi attempts to revive the comforting chaos of old-school Bollywood entertainers. Directed by Ashish R Mohan, the film mixes
humour, emotions and generational conflicts into a wholesome package led by Neetu Kapoor, Kapil Sharma, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Sadia Khateeb.
Plot
Daadi Ki Shaadi arrives with a delightfully simple premise- what happens when a grandmother decides to get married again? In the film, Kapil Sharma’s (aka Tony) family has had a hard time finding a suitable bride for him. However, when he is finally introduced to Sadia Khateeb and they agree to marry one another, Neetu Kapoor’s (Sadia’s daadi) plan adds a comic twist to their situation.
Her decision sends her family into emotional and comedic turmoil, bringing out buried family tensions and creating misunderstandings. However, is the reality truly what meets the eye? Kapil and Sadia soon discover that the elderly man who is supposed to marry Neetu is faking his identity. What follows is a journey of chaos and high emotions.
Performances
Neetu Kapoor is undoubtedly the heart of the film. The veteran actress brings elegance, warmth, and emotional honesty to the role, making you invest in her character’s unconventional journey. She balances comedy and vulnerability naturally, carrying much of the film’s emotional weight. The veteran actress lit up the screen and it was hard to look at anyone else around her.
It was especially refreshing to watch when Neetu Kapoor played the lighter aspects of her character. She draws you in in the more vulnerable scenes, and it is a reminder of why she is a superstar. Much of the film’s emotional impact rests on her ability to balance vulnerability with mischievous charm- and she pulls it off effortlessly.
Kapil Sharma plays a pleasantly restrained version of his TV avatar, but his acting skills still need more polishing. At 6 films old, the actor should have outshone the comedian on the big screen. Nonetheless, Kapil Sharma delivers one of his better performances in Daadi Ki Shaadi. While his emotional scenes feel slightly off, his shift from slapstick to a more refined comedic avatar is a welcome effort.
One of the biggest talking points about the film is that it marks Riddhima Kapoor Sahni’s acting debut. At 45, she is the oldest Kapoor to debut, and with this age and legacy comes a confidence that shows on screen. While naturally inexperienced in some scenes, she brings sincerity to her performance.
While we had witnessed a chirpier Riddhima in Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives, her more serious scenes in this film give her a chance to show off her talent. This she does, to an extent. Riddhima’s natural chemistry with Neetu Kapoor translates well on screen, and a particular scene in which she tells her future step-dad that he cannot replace her father is a highlight. It’s hard not to wonder about their real-life mother-daughter dynamic.
What Works
Neetu Kapoor’s graceful performance, Kapil Sharma’s effort, and the novelty of Riddhima Kapoor Sahni’s debut make the film worth watching for audiences craving wholesome entertainment over spectacle-heavy blockbusters. It is a warm, sentimental, and chaotic film designed for family viewing. It may not offer major surprises, but it succeeds in creating a feel-good atmosphere.
What Doesn’t Work
Much of the plot is already revealed in the trailer and the film does follow a safe formula typical to the genre. Those expecting sharp writing or innovative storytelling will be disappointed as the story is predictable.. Neetu Kapoor does a lot of the heavy lifting and her absence is felt when she is not on screen.
Kapil Sharma, though better, remains unpolished. His pairing with Sadia also doesn’t work. While it is unfortunately common for heroes to romance heroines nearly 20 years younger, in Kapil and Sadia’s case, the difference feels obvious and the pairing feels off and even uncomfortable to watch. The jokes also don’t land a lot of the times.
Final Verdict
Still, for audiences craving clean, family-oriented entertainment in an era dominated by action spectacles and dark thrillers, Daadi Ki Shaadi offers a refreshing change of pace. While occasionally over-the-top, the film comes off mostly sincere.
