Common Sense Media Review
By Ishmeet Nagpal
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedy-drama depicts struggles of India's queer community.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Badhaai Do
What's the Story?
In BADHAAI DO, a closeted gay man, Shardul (Rajkummar Rao), and a lesbian woman, Sumi (Bhumi Pednekar), decide to enter into a marriage of convenience to deal with the pressure for heterosexual marriage by their families
Is It Any Good?
This Bollywood comedy-drama is entertaining, funny, and comforting. Badhaai Do has some inconsistent pacing, but engaging sub-plots and excellent songs make up for those shortcomings. Every single actor, no matter how minor their role, aces their part. Gulshan Devaiah as Shardul's boyfriend, Guru Narayan, is especially charming and steals the show. Chum Darang brings wonderful comedic timing to her character as Sumi's girlfriend, Rimjhim Jonkey. Bhumi Pednekar and Rajkummar Rao are perfect leads, and the friendship between their characters is heartwarming to say the least. The movie is packed with details and nuances that enhance every rewatch. The makers go out of their way to give the audience the happy ending they deserve. In a country where the battles of the queer community seem endless, Badhaai Do is a rare joy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Indian queer community was portrayed in Badhaai Do. What challenges did Sumi and Shardul face?
Which characters displayed traits of compassion, courage, empathy, and perseverance? Why are they such important character strengths to have?
This film is a rare example in Indian cinema that portrays the queer community in a positive light. Can you think of any other films that do? Why representation matters in kids' media.
There are a number of product placements in the film. Why might the fact that established brands like these be willing to place their products in a movie about gay people in India be considered a progressive move?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 11, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2022
- Cast : Bhumi Pednekar , Rajkummar Rao , Chum Darang
- Director : Harshavardhan Kulkarni
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studios : Zee Studios , Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 147 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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