'Do Aur Do Pyaar' Review: Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi shine in intimate, brilliant film

“Marriage is an institution, but who wants to live in an institution?” The quote by Groucho Marx received the loudest cheer as it set the tone for ‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ in the opening scene. The film flirts with the idea of ‘to be or not to be’ on the roller-coaster of a modern-day relationship.

Two people, Kavya [Vidya Balan] and Ani [Pratik Gandhi], ‘once in love’, are currently trapped in a marriage where conversations don’t go beyond utility talks. In pursuit of filling that void, both partners look for love outside of marriage, Vikram [Sendhil Ramamurthy] and Nora [Ileana D’Cruz], only to realise love between them was perhaps lost but not forgotten. Can they find their way back to each other or has that boat already sailed?

Director Shirsha Guha Thakurta uses a modern-day lens to explore relationships and their definition in today’s fast-paced lives. The biggest strength of ‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ lies in its intimate storytelling and relatable characters who leave little room for judgement but more for empathy.

Trailer of Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi's 'Do Aur Do Pyaar'

Shirsha uses her mastery to evoke a sense of understanding for each character in the film, instead of looking at them from a complete black-and-white prism. The director talks more with empty spaces, silence, awkwardness, and clever writing than dialogues.

It also helps that Kavya and Ani are played by two of the best actors in the country, Vidya and Pratik. Brilliant casting, no doubt. The two bring to life the vulnerability and loneliness of a couple with sheer brilliance while showing us the other side of the coin, their goofiness with equal passion.

There is an ease in the way Vidya and Pratik give and take as artists and seem so effortless on screen. They feed off each other’s energy. Vidya and Pratik’s on-screen chemistry is palpable. Their intimacy almost gives you a tingling feeling.

There is a scene where both Vidya and Pratik jam together and lose themselves dancing at a shady bar to an old 90s rendition and boy, be prepared to dance along. The scene is a testimony to their crackling chemistry where they can make you feel a rollercoaster of emotions at once.

What you like about the film is that this is not a ‘run-of-the-mill’ love story; it isn’t romanticising love but normalising various taboos surrounding it, with a tinge of humour which is refreshing to watch.

The supporting cast, including Sendhil and Ileana, also contribute and bring so many flavours to the story. Ileana as Nora is endearing and wholesome, and all things dramatic. Watching her after a long time will make you miss her a tad bit more. She has some of the best moments in the film. Sendhil as Vikram delivers a silent yet impactful performance.

There is no wrong or right in this story. It is just emotions, both fleeting and constant. That is where Shirsha deserves applause. In times, when relationships are getting complicated, ‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ is a reminder that maybe it’s not as complicated. It’s really about ‘showing up’ after all!

‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ is currently running in theaters.