In 2018, a Hindi blockbuster emerged, captivating audiences and critics alike, ultimately overshadowing Alia Bhatt's spy thriller "Raazi" at the box office and garnering significant acclaim. The film, "Badhaai Ho," directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, not only won hearts but also secured an impressive 27 awards, including two National Film Awards.
"Badhaai Ho" tells the story of a middle-aged couple who unexpectedly become pregnant, and the societal challenges their family faces. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Neena Gupta, Gajraj Rao, and Sanya Malhotra in leading roles. The movie deftly combines humor and social commentary, addressing themes of family, societal expectations, and unconventional love. Surekha Sikri won the National Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.
While "Raazi," directed by Meghna Gulzar and starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, was also a critical and commercial success, "Badhaai Ho" managed to surpass it in terms of domestic box office collections. "Raazi," a spy thriller based on the book "Calling Sehmat," earned approximately ₹155.17 crore in India, whereas "Badhaai Ho" grossed ₹170.54 crore. "Raazi" was made on a budget of ₹35–40 crore and grossed ₹207 crore worldwide. "Raazi" received 15 nominations at the 64th Filmfare Awards and won 5, including Best Film, Best Director (Meghna Gulzar), and Best Actress (Alia Bhatt).
The success of "Badhaai Ho" can be attributed to its relatable storyline, stellar performances, and its ability to strike a chord with audiences of all ages. The film's witty dialogues and heartwarming moments resonated deeply, making it a must-watch for families. The movie was made on a budget of ₹29 crore. The film's box office success was also boosted by positive word of mouth.
"Raazi" is the story of Sehmat Khan, a young Kashmiri woman who marries a Pakistani military officer to gather intelligence for India before the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The movie is adapted from Harinder Sikka's novel "Calling Sehmat". The film earned ₹33 crore in its opening weekend.
Both "Badhaai Ho" and "Raazi" were significant films of 2018, offering compelling narratives and strong performances. However, "Badhaai Ho"'s widespread appeal and its impressive award haul solidified its position as a true blockbuster, outshining even the critically acclaimed "Raazi" in terms of box office numbers and accolades.
