'Mr & Mrs Mahi' Review: Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor Film Packs Powerful Message, But Tedious Storytelling Tests Patience

'Mr & Mrs Mahi' is not a biopic about the cricketing legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, despite the similar name. Set in Jaipur, the film delivers a powerful message about a husband's unwavering support for his wife's cricketing ambitions. However, the storytelling struggles to maintain consistent engagement throughout the narrative.

'Mr & Mrs Mahi' Review

It starts with the intense match where Shukla Starz need 4 runs off the last ball but fails, shattering Mahendra's (played by Rajkummar Rao) dream of becoming a professional cricketer. Five years later, an arranged marriage brings him together with Mahima (played by Janhvi Kapoor), whose own childhood dream of cricket was sacrificed by her father (played by Purnendra Bhattacharya) who wanted her to become a doctor instead.

The chemistry sparks when Mahendra learns of Mahima's natural batting prowess while bonding over a match. Against the opposition of his father-in-law, Mahendra takes it upon himself to coach his wife. "Tumhare liye yeh stethoscope nahi, cricket bat bana hai," he declares, convincing Mahima to take control and reignite her passion that he failed to fulfil.

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Rajkummar Rao Shines Again

Rajkummar Rao shines with his earnest performance and impeccable comic timing. Kumud Mishra is brilliant as Mahendra's disapproving father, making their strained relationship feel palpable. His internal conflict between pursuing his dreams or placating his dad carries strong emotional heft.

Janhvi Kapoor Convinces as an Aspiring Cricketer

Janhvi Kapoor looks perfect in the cricket nets, and her stance and shots look impressively authentic. However, her acting range feels limited, not quite capturing the emotional depths required, especially post-interval when Mahima's success causes insecurity in Mahendra.

The film's biggest strengths emerge when it focuses on the central theme of gender equality and breaking patriarchal norms through Mahendra's character. "Meri zindagi ab tumhari hai," (My life is yours now) he tells Mahima, putting her dreams above his own failed ambitions. Her gratitude, "Ye jo udaan maene bhari hai uski door mere coach, mere pati, mahendra hai," forms a moving culmination.

However, the storytelling feels tedious at points. The needless sibling rivalry sub-plot with Siku (Arjit Taneja) seems forcibly added, not adding much value. Mahima's own backstory of giving up cricket for academics also needed more clarity.

Sharan Sharma's 'Mr and Mrs Mahi' tugs at the heartstrings when it celebrates a husband's self-belief in enabling his wife's abilities. But the erratic pacing and lack of consistent emotional resonance make this an underwhelming experience overall. Cricket fans may still find joy in Janhvi's lifelike portrayal of an aspiring player stumbling into her forgotten path.

Overall Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

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Image Courtesy: IMDb