Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari's new film Parivarik ManuRanjan misses the mark

Lucknow serves as the setting for the new romantic comedy 'Parivarik ManuRanjan', which attempts to deliver a strictly wholesome family viewing experience. Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari star as the two romantic leads stationed inside a large kothi located in the Chowk area of the city. The script comes from a writer-trio that includes director Brijendra Kala, who also plays a supporting role, alongside Abbas Ali Jafar. The filmmakers aim for a completely clean rom-com tone that avoids any spicy or gritty elements. Characters consume bhindi ki sabzi and cheese-burst pizza instead of the city's famous local kebabs. Pankaj Tripathi plays Ranjan Dubey, a government worker in the electricity department who has spent his time marrying off his several sisters while ignoring his own bachelor life. Aditi Rao Hydari enters the story as Helen, a lovely new housekeeper who arrives to cook and clean. Her presence quickly draws attention from neighbors and colleagues, prompting local gossip and suspicion from Dubey's sisters and their spouses about her true background and whether Helen is even her real name. Among the family, Vijayant Kohli stands out as a protesting relative. The electricity office scenes and Sunita Rajwar's appearance as Bittu-Ki-Mummy draw strong similarities to shows like 'Gullak', while other elements echo 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'. Ultimately, the overly cautious writing leaves the talented cast constrained in a dull production that fails to push boundaries.

Context

Lucknow's historic Chowk area and the vibrant local culture frequently serve as backdrops for contemporary Indian films aiming to capture regional charm. Romantic comedies often struggle to balance family-friendly storytelling with engaging character chemistry when the script remains overly cautious. Critics and audiences alike look to established actors like Pankaj Tripathi to break away from typecast roles when new projects are announced.