Mr. & Mrs. Mahi review: Rajkummar Rao-Janhvi Kapoor's cricket passion marred by narrative hiccups

Team OTTplay

Meet the Mahis

Doctor Mahima (Janhvi Kapoor) and former cricketer Mahendra (Rajkummar Rao) meet through an arranged marriage. Tying the knot, they become Mr. and Mrs. Mahi, discovering a shared love for cricket.

Cricket as a shared passion

Mahendra realizes Mahima's natural cricket talent. Together, they embark on a journey where he supports and coaches her to pursue her cricket dreams.

Complicated story

Mr. and Mrs. Mahi by writers Nikhil Mehrotra and Sharan Sharma attempts a complex narrative, but feels more like a prolonged test match rather than a fast-paced T20 game.

Mahendra's struggles

The film begins with Mahendra's failed cricket dreams and his struggles with a disapproving father, played by Kumud Mishra, setting a somber tone for his character.

Mahima’s journey

Despite being a doctor, Mahima sees honesty in Mahendra and chooses him as her partner. Their relationship evolves, intertwined with cricket.

Gender roles in focus

The film critiques outdated gender roles, as Mahendra's obsession with being the coach overshadows Mahima’s aspirations, reducing her to a mere catalyst.

Performances

Rajkummar Rao excels in his role, while Janhvi Kapoor's performance feels like an extension of her previous work. Kumud Mishra impresses as Mahendra's stern father.

Lacking the X factor

Despite promising performances and a cricket backdrop, the film falls short on engagement due to convoluted storytelling and unresolved themes.

Music as a saviour

The film's soundtrack stands out, offering soothing and memorable songs that provide a brief respite from the narrative's shortcomings.

Final verdict

Mr. and Mrs. Mahi aims for six but barely reaches the boundary, tangled in outdated gender roles and a stretched storyline, making it a test match rather than T20.