After a successful theatrical run, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Mahi’ has embarked on its OTT journey. Directed by Sharan Sharma, the film combines elements of sports, romance, and complex family dynamics in a quintessential Bollywood drama, reminiscent of a ‘Mahi’ sixer on the last ball.

The plot revolves around Mahendra and Mahima, a couple bonded by their shared passion for cricket. Mahendra’s faded dreams of becoming a cricketer are rekindled by his wife’s natural talent for the sport. The narrative captures their journey through training, selection, fame, and the inevitable frustrations. Drawing parallels with films like ‘Aashiqui 2’ and ‘Abhimaan,’ the film delves into themes of male ego and the challenges faced when a wife’s success overshadows her husband’s.

Rajkummar Rao stands out as the ‘Dhoni‘ of the drama, carrying the film on his shoulders with a powerful performance. He masterfully portrays Mahendra’s evolution from an underconfident man to someone grappling with jealousy and frustration over his wife’s rising stardom. Janhvi Kapoor, although facing the challenge of matching Rao’s prowess, delivers a sincere performance. Kumud Mishra also shines, especially in his scenes with Rao, adding depth to the drama.

Sharma’s direction is marked by a keen use of cinematic elements to enhance the storytelling. The use of color tones, particularly red, effectively conveys Mahendra’s jealousy and anger. Symbolism is artfully employed, such as the gate representing the couple’s divergent paths, and shaky camera work heightens the tension during confrontational scenes. Early sequences feature flickering lights over Dhoni’s picture, symbolizing Mahendra’s wavering cricketing dreams.

While the film employs familiar sports drama tropes like training montages, slow-motion shots, and hyper-positive voice-overs, these elements are reminiscent of other popular sports films like ‘Chandu Champion,’ ‘Dangal,’ ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,’ and ‘Gunjan Saxena.’

The film is adorned with beautiful songs and picturesque visuals, particularly in the romantic sequences between Rao and Kapoor, echoing the signature style of Dharma Productions‘ love sagas.

‘Mr. and Mrs. Mahi’ is a perfect watch for those looking to experience the essence of Hindi cinema. With strong performances, especially by Rajkummar Rao, and a well-crafted directorial approach by Sharan Sharma, the film offers a compelling blend of drama and romance.