Does it take just one conversation with a transgender and a single session with a psychiatrist to change a stubborn mindset and years of conditioning? Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, now playing in theatres, would have us believe that. But if you are willing to ignore that and the fact that it often reinforces the very stereotypes it is trying to challenge, then this Abhishek Kapoor-directed film is a laudable attempt to tackle a tricky subject through the trickier lens of humour.

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui — curiously named, and frankly not the best title for a film like this — stars Ayushmann Khurrana, who has by now, of course, become the poster-boy of the mirth-meets-message sub-genre. Except that this time it’s not his character challenging the norms of society. Ayushmann buffs up big time and slips into the boxers of hyper-masculine Punjabi munda Manu Munjal whose sole aim in life is to ace the strongman competition — not surprisingly named ‘Gabru of all Time’ — in Chandigarh. Manu’s focus shifts a little when Maanvi (Vaani Kapoor) joins the gym he trains at (again, not surprisingly but innovatively named ‘Jatts Like That’) as a Zumba instructor.

Instant attraction gives way to romps in bed and backseat, but the romance hits a roadblock when Maanvi confesses that she’s had a gender-reassignment surgery, and was earlier, ironically, called Manu. Ayushmann’s Manu acts out, his misplaced sense of machismo overriding his love for Maanvi, and all hell breaks loose. The rest of the film is, of course, about him ‘accepting’ Maanvi for who she is.

The one big problem with most Bollywood trailers these days is the fact that pivotal plot points of a two-hour film are all but spelt out in just two minutes. The initial scenes of Maanvi hinting at a secret, taking a long, hard look at herself in the mirror and popping pills build no intrigue because the trailer of the film has already told us about her transition. Even Manu’s meltdown holds no surprises because we get to see it in the trailer. The purpose of a trailer is to tease, not to spell things out so succinctly. Maybe that’s something Bollywood needs to correct... and correct fast.

Despite its predictable tropes and the fact that the film focuses on Manu coming around to Maanvi being who she is, but only superficially trains its lens on Maanvi’s story and struggle, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui is a significant step forward for mainstream Bollywood cinema spotlighting a demographic it either brushes aside or mostly parodies. The film also does well in not downplaying Manu’s misogyny and toxicity, with Ayushmann pulling no punches in depicting a man who is so prejudiced that he hits out against the one he once loved, even going to the extent of hurling slurs and obscenities.

Ayushmann, as expected, aces the part, but the film’s intense moments belong to Vaani, who bravely takes on a role many would have second thoughts about, and simply runs with it. If Manu is the epitome of toxic masculinity, hiding insecurity and immaturity under the veil of macho-ness, Maanvi is a picture of quiet restraint and elegance. It must not have been an easy part for Vaani, but the actress does a fine job, often stealing the spotlight from her more seasoned co-star.

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui may be far from perfect — as mentioned at the beginning of this review, decades and generations of conditioning don’t vanish in a few days — but does well in sending across a message without getting too preachy about it. In fact, its light-handed approach will make you laugh through much of the film, which is welcome in times like these. The only time I actually felt a lump in the throat was when the opening credits popped up to dedicate the film to Sushant Singh Rajput, a longtime friend of director Abhishek Kapoor, who had directed the former in Kai Po Che! and Kedarnath. Yes, ‘Stay Interstellar’ SSR....

I liked/ didn’t like Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui because... Tell t2@abp.in

CHANDIGARH KARE AASHIQUI (U/A)

Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Vaani Kapoor, Kanwaljit Singh, Tanya Abrol, Anjan Srivastava

Running time: 117 minutes