When was the last time a Bollywood comedy tackled themes like infidelity or infertility, or portrayed a queer character without carricaturing them? No sweat if nothing comes to mind, and that’s why Akshay Kumar-led Khel Khel Mein is such a refreshing watch. The Mudassar Aziz-directed film stays away from the usual tropes of homophobia, sexist jokes and body shaming to deliver a no-holds barred comedy that also makes you want to reflect on your own relationships.

Set over the course of a single night, Khel Khel Mein revolves around seven friends who have gathered for a wedding. This desi adaptation of the 2016 Italian film Perfetti Sconosciuti (Perfect Strangers) follows their interactions as they play a game of truth or dare with a twist.

The premise is simple: what if everyone at the table had to share their phone’s content — emails, calls, and messages — with the group? What secrets would tumble out? This setup becomes the vehicle to explore the characters’ lives, particularly their lies, insecurities and deception.

The use of the cell phone as a narrative device is pretty effective, as it allows the audience to peer into the characters’ private lives and see the disconnect between their public personas and personal realities.

Akshay Kumar is in his elements as Rishabh, a plastic surgeon whose incessant use of the phone — on the pretext of professional obligations — masks his glad eye. Akshay slips into the role of a charming cad with ease, reminding us of the delightful actor he is when he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Vaani Kapoor plays Rishabh’s wife Vartika. Their childless marriage is a source of tension, and Vaani conveys the emotional burden of a woman grappling with her husband’s deceit. The chemistry between Akshay and Vaani anchors the film, making their interactions poignant and believable.

Ammy Virk and Taapsee Pannu, playing Harpreet and Happy, are the other standout pair. Ammy’s Harpreet is a car dealer who hides his insecurities behind a façade of joviality, while Taapsee turns in a strong performance as his wife who is desperate to get pregnant.

Pragya Jaiswal’s Naina and Aditya Seal’s Samar are a contrast to the other couples. Naina, a spoiled rich girl, and Samar, a man trying to climb the professional ladder by sleeping with his boss, embody the superficiality of a marriage built on appearances.

Fardeen Khan’s Kabir is the only single person in the group. His secrets, when revealed, challenge the group’s moral compass, prompting them to reconsider their own choices. Fardeen’s portrayal is nuanced, and he captures the desperation of a man clinging to a lie.

But the pacing of the film is inconsistent, especially in the second half. Some of the revelations, intended to be shocking, fall flat. The film’s attempt to maintain a light, frothy tone occasionally undermines the more serious themes it attempts to explore.