Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

We all love Ayushmann's choice of scripts that strike a balance between catering to mainstream Bollywood sensibilities and conveying subtle, progressive messages. CKA is yet another film that starts in typical rom-com fashion - Manu (Ayushmann), a gym owner and bodybuilder, loves Maanvi (Vaani), a Zumba instructor. But there's a little secret that changes its entire course. It's that Maanvi is a trans woman. When the revelation is made, Manu acts the way most taunting (cis-gender) Indian men would do, but he also uses very harsh language at Maanvi in the process. In real life, for such a couple to reconcile, it would take a lot longer than a single hospital episode. But this is commercial Bollywood, mind you! If it wants quick(er) closure, it'll give you exactly that.

Also, what if Maanvi was not a self-reliant, strong-willed, reasonably wealthy person? Doesn't that lessen some of the most significant hurdles that trans persons face in the form of complex surgeries? These convenient shortcuts are forsaken simply because the intent is appreciable. I also wish the climax was centered around giving closure to Maanvi instead of something that's comparatively less significant. We could also have used some more insight into gender reassignment surgery, especially since the film had the golden opportunity to go there.

One of the few things it wholly gets right is the occasional humor. I thought it would be offensive to a great extent, but thankfully it isn't. Even better that some of it arises from unique situations. While we can easily question why Vaani was chosen to play a trans woman, she gives it her all. For once, it isn't Ayushmann doing all the heavy lifting in an Ayushmann movie. And it was a neat move on the writers' part to show Manu doing all the homework on LGBTQ himself, instead of some doctor spoon-feeding him.

I think what makes this movie different from normal stereotypes, or even Ayushmann's other movies was that it was more for the actress but subjectively, Ayushmann gave all the proper support as and when required. And I would say, Vaani Kapoor did her level best, coming out of those cliche roles and side actress stuff.

But above all, it's the concept and its showcase that was the main feature of this film. If I leave aside the manly drama, the sub urban jokes and the sex, the remaining movie happened to be brilliant. Not that the other stuff wasn't good but no where close to this: the agony and assault that Maanvi/Manu faced in her day today life and how boldly she/he was able to handle those blows. And that was what both emotional and comprehensive. Again, it was just a movie and in real life, things are totally different. And they will remain immature, maybe even 20 years down the line whenever any such matter arise.

Overall, a good movie.

Finally saw this on Netflix.

The movie has a very strong social message and at the same time it is engrossing in an entertaining way.

It has romance, comedy n sports.

It is more difficult to change human behavior than to influence opinions or attitudes and this movie will definitely influence attitudes towards the transgender/transsexual fellas.

Ayushman Khurana gave a believable performance of that a gym instructor (myself being an instructor) but his statement about pimples on chest due to protein shakes or proteins via meat n eggs is totally unscientific.

People do get pimples due to testosterone shots aka steroids but not cos of proteins.

Such a bold attempt for a bollywood movie. It can be called it's ahead of its time. Audience might not digest the concept yet.

May be educational on parts.

I have seen a lot of bakwaas movie lately, this is definitely not one of them.

Hatts of to the director ABHISHEK KAPOOR who directs this film and making the people aware of this subject which is must important to know. I didn't like vaani kapoor much but after seeing this movie I just wanna say one thing FANTASTIC performance by her and after this film she'll be on fire. Not everyone does and not everyone has the guts to this kind of roles but she did it and it was superb. Ayushman Khurana always rocks with his performance and powerful subjects. Story, screenplay music all are perfectly matched to the concept of the film. If you wanna see something different with powerful social topic go for it....