Atrangi Re (2021)

Atrangi Re is the kind of romantic dramedy that dares to be strange in the best way—turning a messy, mismatched setup into something unexpectedly heartfelt, funny, and quietly affecting. It rides a lively tonal tightrope, where absurdity and sincerity share the same breath, and the film’s emotional punches land because the performances (especially Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan) commit fully to the chaos and the longing underneath it. A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack doesn’t just decorate the scenes; it gives the story its pulse, making the whole experience feel buoyant even when it turns tender. It won’t be for viewers who prefer neat, conventional love stories, but if you’re open to a romance that’s offbeat, engaging, and surprisingly resonant, this one rewards the leap.

Atrangi Re is clearly aiming for a big, messy Bollywood cocktail—romance, comedy, melodrama, and a “love can heal anything” emotional payoff. The problem is it leans on a romanticized, uncomfortable take on mental health that can feel tone-deaf, and the story often stretches credibility with plot holes and conveniently unrealistic turns. The pacing is also uneven, with long stretches that drag before the film tries to sprint to its emotional beats, and Sara Ali Khan’s performance may not work for you if you need subtlety to buy into the character. If you’re okay with heightened, chaotic storytelling and want strong music and a committed Dhanush to carry you through, you might still have a decent time—but if you’re sensitive to how mental health is portrayed or need tight writing, this likely isn’t for you.