What if you eavesdropped on your fiancé’s ex, plotting to get back into his life? You’d confront her and set things straight, right? But in Mudassar Aziz’s Mere Husband Ki Biwi, this very situation fuels the drama in the second half. The two women, without a care for the man’s feelings, engage in a tug-of-war to win his love. While the premise has the potential for a rib-tickling comedy, the Arjun Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Rakul Preet Singh-starrer ultimately results in a chaotic, stretched-out climax.
The real disappointment, however, stems from the high expectations set in the first half. From establishing the premise of a man haunted by his ex-wife to rekindling his romance with his college crush, the film delivers entertaining moments. Adding to the fun is Harsh Gujral (a fabulous casting choice), who gets the best punchlines. His comic timing, witty one-liners, and chemistry with Arjun keep the laughs coming. Speaking of smiles, the lover boy with the signature grin—Arjun Kapoor—is back in his comfort zone and completely owns the part. Shedding his villainous Singham Returns persona, he showcases a softer, more emotive side in the film’s sensitive moments.
Despite having meaty roles, the leading ladies, Rakul and Bhumi, fail to leave a lasting impact. Bhumi’s fiery Punjabi character, though fun initially, becomes overbearing after a point. Meanwhile, Rakul’s good-girl persona feels too generic to stand out. Their banter seems overly scripted, and their chemistry lacks spark. Both actors have played similar roles in the past, and Mere Husband Ki Biwi does little to add value to their filmography.
That said, the film does well in exploring relationships, particularly how even the best lovers can fail as married couples. A dialogue by Harsh’s character—about how we keep friends in our hearts but place partners on a pedestal—resonates deeply. The subject of divorce is handled with sensitivity, but despite the makers’ attempts at gender fairness, there’s an underlying bias. While the wife takes an extreme step that leads to the separation, her dedication to her career and her husband’s irrational behaviour at her workplace are conveniently glossed over. The way she is introduced as a vampish character, almost haunting the life out of her former husband, makes you question the director’s vision—and even sparks disappointment.
Mudassar Aziz, known for exploring similar themes in Pati Patni Aur Woh and Khel Khel Mein, tries hard to balance humour and drama. While the comedy works, the screenplay loses grip as the film progresses. By the time it reaches the climax—predictable as it is—you may find yourself tempted to fast-forward. A tighter edit, trimming at least 15–20 minutes, would have made a world of difference.
The film does tap into nostalgia with elements like Shakti Kapoor’s signature “Ow,” 80s-style jokes about a doctor mispronouncing names, and the classic trope of temporary memory loss. The soundtrack, featuring popular yesteryear songs, also adds to the retro charm. Some meta-humour, like references to Arjun’s Danger Lanka and Harsh being called a “Sasta Vicky Kaushal,” is genuinely clever.
While Mere Husband Ki Biwi doesn’t offer anything particularly new, it still works as a light-hearted watch, best enjoyed with friends and family.
3.5 out for 5 stars.
