DO AUR DO PYAAR: Movie Review

Sometimes love isn’t enough – it’s the main idea behind director Shirsha Guha Thakurta’s latest film Do Aur Do Pyaar, an adapation of the 2017 A24 film The Lovers. Starring Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi, Do Aur Do Pyaar is an exploration of infidelity, marriage, and relationships through the lens of a couple struggling to define their relationship while seeing other people. This film doesn’t necessarily explore a lot of new territory cinematically or narratively, but it’s a mostly wise and subtle slice-of-life film that delves into its characters’ relationships in an empathetic way. With winning performances from Balan and Gandhi, Do Aur Do Pyaar is solidly engaging, although it never completely elevates itself.

Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi shine in Do Aur Do Pyaar and deliver performances that feel consistently convincing and empathetic. As a couple with a storied past and a present that feels more uncertain than ever, both Balan and Gandhi slip into their roles with a subtle maturity that only these performers can bring. Although Balan’s last film Neeyat failed to leave much of a mark, the performer shines here as a seasoned and spontaneous presence as her character Kavya. Meanwhile, Gandhi (who has just impressed in Madgaon Express) also breathes effortless life into his complex character and delves into his emotions and even humorous moments in a nuanced way. In their supporting turns, both Ileana D’Cruz and Sendhil Ramamurthy also shine considerably with performances that feel additive and nuanced, despite the limited screen time.

Do Aur Do Pyaar is nothing we haven’t seen done before in cinema; it’s a story about cheating spouses who find that their own dwindling connection may have some life left in it yet. However, the film (which is written Amrita Bagchi, Eisha Chopra, and Suprotim Sengupta) feels like it’s executed with a level of sensitivity and restraint that feels refreshing to see onscreen in Indian cinema. With perceptive performances from Balan and Gandhi, as well as a handful of funny and thoughtful scenes, Do Aur Do Pyaar manages to warm the heart, even if it never digs deep enough into many of its complex themes.