The film then is easy and breezy, although too long at nearly two-and-a-half hours. Predictable and occasionally misguided, but also hopelessly fun.

While Chaudhary has aptly showcased the problems faced by couples once they become parents, he has gone overboard with his portrayal of two individuals trying to find ‘me-space’ as they grapple with parental responsibilities.

Single or married, this film will have more of a ‘special effect’ than ‘side effect’ on you.

Vidya is brilliant and hits a high note in the emotional scenes. The film belongs to Farhan who stuns you with his straight-faced witticisms and plethora of expressions that amuse and move dramatically.

The film is titled ‘Shaadi Ke Side Effects’ but it is more about parenthood ke side effects.The second half gets a bit heavy and stretched. But the climax saves the film.

Frankly, I love the first half of the film. It was gripping and taut, though unoriginal, I thought it was magnificently done. The vivid and sparkling chemistry of Vidya and Farhan manage to hold you through tight and still. However, in the second half, the film begins a journey downhill, slipping vigorously slide by slide, getting schmaltzy quite unjustifiably. But in the end it still manages to deliver a product that is overall a surprising winner of sorts.

The movie was a well thought-out project. The dialogues and plot are fresh. But by the second half, the movie drags a lot. Goes without saying that the good actors that they are, Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan seemed to do a good job. The movie is a good attempt. Watch it if you’re married. Or otherwise, to learn.

…a delicious take on contemporary relationships. This one’s relatable, heart-warming, amusing and thoroughly enjoyable!

The complete lack of conviction translates on screen as a story that is half-baked and tepid at best.

The film is fun but shallow, nevertheless. A pity, because with a subject of this kind, the possibilities were immense.

Pardon Saket Chaudhary for a few minutes in the second half which are a bit extended, rest the film entertains and tickles your funny bone.

A warm, funny, thought-provoking take on the man-woman equation, director Saket Chaudhary gets it bang on. The chemistry between Farhan and Vidya crackles and hisses with tantalising tension. Brittle and yet supple, the lead pair’s chemistry irons out the film’s uneven edges. I wish the peripheral characters were written and played better.

But it’s the chemistry between Balan and Akhtar that keeps this romantic comedy tingling. They have an effortless chemistry and we buy into their marriage madness primarily because of their acting muscles. While it’s engaging and non-preachy for most parts, it’s best if you don’t question how Sid, who plays a struggling musician, affords that slick lifestyle and a nanny in a single income household. If you can forego such practicalities, you are good to watch Shaadi Ke Side Effects.