Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sara Ali Khan and Rakul Preet Singh, was released in theatres this week. The Hindi-language rom-com has received a split verdict. While many critics found it to be a "harmless, breezy entertainer", there are others who felt it was an "exhausting, overstuffed farce".
Unlike its predecessors, this sequel avoids glorifying infidelity or relying on regressive tropes. The protagonist is caught in a "web of misunderstandings rather than actual cheating". Several reviewers pointed out that the director, Mudassar Aziz, delivers the comedy at a near-constant high pitch.
However, by doubling the formula, critics from major publications like The Hindu and The Indian Express argued that the screenplay becomes overly frantic. A few critics pointed out a creative contradiction: while the film gives its female leads professional identities (like Wamiqa's character being an editor-in-chief), the script leaves them "stranded in standard glamorized tropes, with their entire narrative arcs still revolving completely around the central male character".
Unnecessary stereotypes and outdated gags around homophobia were criticized by many reviews.
Many critics noted that Ayushmann is firmly back in his comfort zone. Reviewers found his performance natural, relaxed, and anchored with great comic timing. Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is produced by T-Series, the makers of Prabhas' Spirit.
