CAST: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Avneet Kaur,

DIRECTOR: Sai Kabir

This film is a clever blend of dark satire peppered with elements of romantic comedy, portraying the journeys of two offbeat dreamers aspiring to make a mark in the dazzling city of dreams. Helmed by Sai Kabir, who also penned the script, Tiku Weds Sheru is brought to the screen under the production wing of the versatile actress Kangana Ranaut, and features the incredible duo of Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Avneet Kaur in the leading roles.

Tiku Weds Sheru delves into the lives of two peculiar characters, whose ambitions drive them to chase success in the glamorous metropolis of Mumbai. As they navigate the hustle and bustle, they find themselves entangled in a series of challenges. It is through these hurdles that they stumble upon deeper, more significant discoveries about life.

Tiku Weds Sheru opens by presenting us with Sheru, portrayed with starry-eyed ambition by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Sheru envisions himself as the next big thing in Bollywood, but reality anchors him in the position of a junior artist struggling to make ends meet. Whether it’s acting as a go-between or maintaining ties with the underworld, Sheru’s relentless optimism doesn’t waver as he clings to the hope of a brighter future.

Conversely, Tiku, played with effervescence by Avneet Kaur, is a young dreamer determined to make it to Mumbai and ascend to stardom. To set her plan in motion, she ties the knot with Sheru and together they embark on their journey to the city of dreams. However, the luminous allure of the entertainment industry proves to be a treacherous ocean, as the couple swiftly realizes that the path to their aspirations is far more grueling than they had anticipated.

Incorporating elements of romantic comedy, the film melds light-heartedness into a darkly satirical narrative, focusing on the lives of dream-chasers in the metropolis, and offering a glimpse into the roller coaster that their lives can become. Tiku and Sheru radiate unyielding optimism and a shared zeal for Bollywood, but their rose-colored glasses obstruct them from recognizing the stark reality, a theme that persists until the film’s conclusion.

As the duo persistently faces obstacles and setbacks, they manage to maintain an unwavering purity in their characters that takes a backseat in the film. This subtle portrayal by the leads is commendably executed and serves as a beacon that draws the audience’s attention amidst a somewhat lackluster storyline.

The film also harbors a few cringe-worthy moments that stem from the characters’ boundless positivity and confidence; yet, these instances lend authenticity to their roles. I particularly appreciated the departure from the cliched fairytale ending in favor of a more grounded conclusion. A grandiose climax isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and the film acknowledges this by bidding adieu to its dreamers in a poignant manner.

In closing, there will be instances where the characters may seem to be overexerting themselves, or you might feel as if you are stretching yourself to make it to the end of the film. It’s not the smoothest viewing experience, but, contrarily, it is not as underwhelming as one might anticipate.

Streams on Prime Video