Jugjugg Jeeyo is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language family comedy-drama film directed by Raj Mehta and produced by Dharma Productions and Viacom18 Studios. The film stars Neetu Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Manish Paul and debutante Prajakta Koli. It was released on 24 June 2022 and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics.
The plot revolves around the strained marital life of Kuldeep "Kukoo" Saini and Nainaa Sharma, who had loved each other since they went to school together. The couple relocated to Toronto, Canada for Nainaa's job in a corporate company while Kukoo worked as a bouncer in a nightclub. After five years of being married, their relationship became strained due to prolonged silences, unfinished conversations, and resentful hearts. Nainaa was offered a new position as the vice-president of HR in New York City, and Kukoo was frustrated with his job. On their wedding anniversary, Nainaa and Kukoo confess to each other about their stressed marital life and plan to divorce each other once Kukoo's sister Ginny is married.
Nainaa and Kukoo fly to India to attend Ginny's wedding with Balwinder in their hometown Patiala, Punjab, and are received by Kukoo's happy parents Bheem and Geeta and Ginny. Nainaa and Kukoo pretend to be happy, unwilling to disturb the vibes of Ginny's marriage while Ginny has conflicted feelings for her former boyfriend, Gaurav instead of Balwinder. As Nainaa's boss urges her to decide soon about her promotion, she insists Kukoo reveal their divorce plan to his parents. Kukoo parties with his father Bheem and tries to tell him about his plans to get separated from Nainaa but rather perceives that Bheem intends to divorce Geeta after Ginny's wedding.
Puzzled, Kukoo attempts to confront Bheem and is informed of the latter's extra-marital affair with Kukoo's mathematics teacher in 12th grade: Meera. Meanwhile, Nainaa becomes frustrated when the women of the house arrange for a small prayer for her to bear children and angrily discloses her plans to get separated from Kukoo to her mother and Geeta. The next morning, a shocked Geeta confronts Kukoo and Nainaa and tries to convince them to sort their problems out. Frustrated when Bheem tries to do the same as Geeta, Kukoo reveals about Bheem's affair with Meera to Geeta and Nainaa, shattering the former while Bheem fakes a heart stroke to earn sympathy and requests the doctor, their family friend, to play along with his act.
Meanwhile, Geeta plans to unite Bheem and Meera after Ginny's wedding and informs them, Nainaa and Kukoo of the same at a temple much to everyone's despair. Due to Geeta's act, Kukoo picks up an argument with her and Nainaa at home, leaves the house and drinks with Gurpreet, his best friend, confidant and Nainaa's elder brother. At night, Bheem leaves the house to live with Meera, but the latter doesn't wish to be with him as she feels that she could never be like Geeta. When Kukoo meets Bheem on the road, the latter fakes an act telling Kukoo that he left Meera for good and realized that Geeta is his better half.
Cast and Production
Jugjugg Jeeyo features a star-studded cast including veteran actors Anil Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, as well as popular young actors Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, and Manish Paul. The film also marks the debut of popular YouTuber Prajakta Koli in a leading role.
The film is directed by Raj Mehta, who made his directorial debut with the 2019 hit film Good Newwz. It is produced by Dharma Productions and Viacom18 Studios, two major production houses in the Indian film industry. The music for the film is composed by popular Bollywood composer duo Sachin-Jigar.
Release and Reception
Jugjugg Jeeyo was released in theaters on June 24, 2022, and received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. While some praised the film's performances and heartwarming moments, others criticized its predictable plot and lack of originality.
Despite the mixed reviews, Jugjugg Jeeyo was a commercial success at the box office, grossing over 150 crore (approximately 20 million USD) worldwide.
Analysis
Jugjugg Jeeyo deals with themes of family, marriage, and forgiveness. The film portrays the struggles of a married couple who are unable to communicate effectively and are on the verge of divorce. It also explores the impact of their marital problems on their families, especially their parents.
The film highlights the importance of communication and forgiveness in relationships. It shows how lack of communication and unresolved issues can lead to misunderstandings and resentment, and how forgiveness and reconciliation can bring healing and renewal.
The film also touches on the themes of infidelity and extramarital affairs. It portrays the devastating impact of such actions on the affected individuals and their families.
Furthermore, Jugjugg Jeeyo addresses the issue of societal pressure and expectations related to marriage and children. It shows how women, in particular, are often subjected to such pressure and how it can affect their mental health and relationships.
Overall, Jugjugg Jeeyo is a feel-good family drama that deals with serious themes in a lighthearted and entertaining manner. While it may not be the most original or groundbreaking film, it offers an enjoyable and heartwarming viewing experience for audiences.