Kavya Ganeshan (Vidya Balan) and Aniruddh Banerjee (Pratik Gandhi) have shared a tumultuous marriage spanning 12 years. Their union began with a three-year courtship that culminated in a daring elopement. However, over time, they drifted apart, their once-vibrant connection dwindling into silence. Kavya finds solace in the company of Vikram (Sendhil Ramamurthy), an Indian-American photographer. Meanwhile, Aniruddh seeks companionship with Nora (Ileana D’Cruz), an aspiring actress. As both couples contemplate divorce, Kavya receives news of her grandfather’s passing, prompting her return to Ooty, her parental home. Aniruddh goes with her, adding an additional layer of tension to the already strained dynamics within the Ganeshan family, particularly with Kavya’s unforgiving father, Venkat (Thalaivasal Vijay), still harbouring resentment over their elopement.
Amidst the sombre atmosphere, Kavya and Aniruddh find themselves afforded the opportunity to confront their emotions and rediscover the spark that initially drew them together. The unfolding events during their time in Ooty set the stage for a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of love, forgiveness, and second chances.
Do Aur Do Pyaar offers a candid portrayal of the complexities within marriage, as the protagonists navigate the highs and lows of extramarital affairs. What sets this film apart is its non-judgmental stance, allowing viewers to interpret the proceedings for themselves. Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi shine as a married couple rediscovering passion outside their relationship. Their chemistry breathes life into the narrative. Through their journey, the film provides a refreshing take on relationships both within and outside the confines of marriage, making it a compelling watch for those seeking a nuanced exploration of love and commitment. Casting Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi together is a masterstroke as both actors are good at reacting to their co-stars. They feed off each other, balancing each other out like trained trapeze artistes, trusting the other to reach out and grab in time to break the fall. They look like a much-married and harried couple alright. Vidya Balan is grace personified throughout. Her smiles, her aches, all seem real. She’s her character and ceases to be an actor. The same can be said of Pratik Gandhi. In Madgaon Express (2024), he demonstrated his ability for comedic acting and here too, his coming timing is spot on. His interactions with Vidya form the soul of the film.
Sendhil Ramamurthy and Ileana D’Cruz both play the ‘other’ factor in a marriage but aren’t homebreakers. Their love is shown to be genuine and they’re portrayed as people who met the right person at the wrong time. Both Senthil and Illeana have done full justice to the parameters of their respective roles.
All-in-all, watch Do Aur Do Pyaar for a fresh take on modern relationships. And for Vidya Balan’s and Pratik Gandhi’s performances, making acting look easy.
