Veere Di Wedding and all the ruckus around it

On a rainy afternoon, I stepped into the theatre and saw women, of different age groups, entering. You can sense the excitement as these women discussed the exact moment to whistle. It’s always pleasing to find crowds in theatres. No matter how many pubs, gyms, parks, grounds are built, for Indians, their favorite outing is watching a movie in the theatre. For a long time I thought this culture of ours was dying, but seeing a decent crowd, one can assure that theatre culture is far from extinction. It was evident how badly they wanted to experience a women friends movie, which relates to them at some level and would probably tell their story. They all buckled up when the lights hit preparing to have the time of their life.

This isn't entirely a movie review, but I would be including some bits from the film. This isn't a rant as well. This is an average cinegoer trying to get his head wrapped around this negativity surrounding the film.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion regarding the film in general. Constructive criticism is helpful. I don't think anyone associated with the film dismisses anyone’s opinion, as each person's point of view matter. It helps the makers get a fair idea of their mistakes and would gain a better understanding of the audience’s pulse, eventually aiding in making their next venture a bigger success. Mixed comments on social media say one story, the box office says another, now enquiring with friends, family, and strangers around, a short list of scenes that bothered them are:

• Twelveth Standard students having champagne at home.
• We’re informed Avni's maid is going through domestic violence, but that segment is diffused through comedy.
• The below poverty line joke.
• Sakshi making fun of Meera's weight, about being 'sexy' and suspected body shaming.
• Constant drinking, smoking and cursing.
• The post-marriage masturbation scene and blackmail.

Firstly, I agree there were fallacies in the film, and the film was far from perfect. But these parts shouldn't really be a problem with anyone, as Veere Di Wedding is a piece of art. It is fictitious and last I checked it isn't a biography. Never in the film or otherwise it is mentioned these four characters are quintessential role models. All four women are flawed in their own way, like in all films leads are invariably flawed. Yes constantly drinking and smoking isn't healthy or cool, but again these characters are only human.

To readers who haven't watched the film and is honestly curious about the whole ruckus behind it, before acquiring wrong notions about the film, let me explain. In a nutshell, Kalindi (Kareena Kapoor Khan), accepts her boyfriend's proposal whilst oscillating between the idea of being married his whole family and being with the man she loves. Meanwhile, her friends Avni (Sonam Kapoor), Sakshi (Swara Bhaskar) and Meera (Shikha Talsania) deal with demons of their own, simultaneously, exploring their interpersonal bond.

I personally didn't have a problem with the scenes mentioned above. Most of the dialogues are between friends while they're having fun. It is completely natural that best friends mock one another, and most times they're downright filthy. Let the characters smoke, drink, dance, masturbate, and do absolutely anything they want, irrespective of gender, all that should be fine. Weather seventeen-year-olds drinking champagne, and a husband blackmailing his wife because she masturbated, relatable or believable, is a different question altogether.

I, however, genuinely wished for more conflicts in the film. Despite a strong start, the comedy was inconsistent till interval and drops post, but it does make you grin briefly in the second half. The in-film branding could have been dialed down. Though all characters cuss, it appeared forced and the only actor who nailed her role and seeped into the skin of her character, whilst cussing, or otherwise is Swara Bhaskar. Shikha Talsania too did well in emotional scenes. Manoj Pahwa brought some laughter in the theatre, but his segments were limited anyway.

Further getting into the debate, Is this the first Indian film on female bonding or friendship - No. A couple of years back, two films, Parched and Angry Indian Goddesses released which talked about issues with women and friends bonding. However, it is also true, Veere Di Wedding shouldn't be compared to these films as it is of a different genre. This is a comedy film mostly, so a lot of scenes should be taken in that spirit. So without viewing it as a feminist film or holding grudges against certain actors, you will realize this movie has nothing in it for an issue to be created. All it tried to convey are four independent women at different phases of their life, supporting each other and celebrating friendship.Moreover, all over my social media, I've been spotting abuses hurled at actors or makers of the film. Quite distasteful, spiteful, below the belt trolls. If the outcome of the film is decided, before one steps into the theatre, then why go watch it at all? If this movie is causing one so much hassle, then instead of spewing hatred please watch other films e.g. Parmanu, which is based on an event that made the nation proud. Forget this film and move on.

Furthermore, if an actor smokes or drinks or swears on screen, it isn’t the actor, but the character which is. An actor only does her job, their off-screen and on-screen personalities should not be merged. For many this is basic, unfortunately for some this level of understanding is alien.

To conclude, can Veere Di Wedding be put in the same league of buddy films like Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara? No, but likewise, does it deserve all this hate? Absolutely not, as hundreds of people put their blood, sweat, and tears into making of not just this film, but any film.

Finally, Whatever mentioned above is my opinion alone, you may disagree, but if you ask, who am I to comment on the film? Or discuss its issues? - I'm just the average ticket-buying movie buff, trying to make sense of the whole situation.