Directed by : Abhishek Kapoor

Main jo hoon woh hoon, and I am not ashamed of it. 


Spoilers ahead.. 


It all feels like a regular rom-com when Manvinder Munjal/Manu (Ayushmann Khurrana), a body builder from Chandigarh meets Maanvi Brar (Vaani Kapoor), a Zumba teacher and eventually falls in love. But the surprise comes when Manu learns Maanvi is actually a transgender.

I don't remember any film made on a transgender before as a lead, rather the fun of eunuchs is a regular thing in our movies. So, this is a very fresh take done in a safe but right manner by Abhishek Kapoor who had been off the mark in his last two films but here he does find himself showing signs of returning back to his best.

There are issues, like what was the need for Manu to talk to eunuch to realize his mistake when he was slowly through the online videos starting to feel the guilt. Also, the unwanted Manu's father involved with a Muslim lady angle to give comic relief. And when will we get over the obsession of wanting our lead hero to magically succeed in something in the climax at which he has been failing badly till date, because the inspiration, his love is present in there. Sometimes, just trying is enough too!

Two standout scenes for me were, one where Manu reacts to the reality of Maanvi, totally shocked and saying things he shouldn't have. And the other where Maanvi gets angry over Manu at the Mall getting fed up of watching him behave like an idiot. 

In the Music, 'Kalle Kalle' is my favourite, also loved 'Attraction' and 'Maafi'. Even the dance numbers are enjoyable, easily one of very good album that I have heard probably since Love Aaj Kal if my memory serves right. 

Ayushmann Khurrana is good, the fact that its a Punjabi background character always makes me happy that he played it, making it feel much real. But, its Vaani Kapoor who steals the show here, probably her best performance since the ever impressive debut in 'Shuddh Desi Romance', you just feel like she gave her all in this act whether its the scene where she is in dilemmna while filling social app gender status, or her habit of checking herself in mirror trying to remind herself that she is a girl now or when she is bold enough to stand for herself and not run-away knowing how the society won't accept her. 

Also loved all scenes involving Maanvi and her father (Kanwaljeet Singh), the way he supports her all the time unlike her mother. Maybe in some years we would get a darker take of how more tough it would be when parents oppose you too. 

Nice to see Chak de fame Tanya Abrol playing sister of Manu, the dialect and character personality though felt very similar. 

In the end, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui is a step in the right direction for a film based on transgender, its got flaws and doesn't take the dark route but I would rather appreciate it for trying and giving some nice moments to enjoy. 


My Rating : 7/10