Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui breezily showcases such an unspoken, untouched and sensitive subject. The writing, especially the dialogues are organic & smart while the direction by Abhishek Kapoor is brilliant. Ayushmann & Vaani perform to an unexplainable level of supremacy. Not only does this film delivers a message but at the same time it educates and along with all this, it is able to also entertain. Hope it is able to bring the change it initiated. It is a must-watch at all costs!

This film is next to perfect and is a must-watch for more than just one reason.

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui enters the ‘Taboo Zone’ of the Indian society and initiates a discussion revolving around transgender people. Bold, untouched, and such a sensitive topic. Yet, this film is breezily able to navigate in this area with great writing, able direction by Abhishek Kapoor, and excellent performances by Ayushmann and Vaani. Rather than making a dark and preachy film, the makers have kept it very light and funny by using a comedy-drama plot. And this, I feel is the most difficult thing to do.

Manu played by Ayushmann falls for Maanvi played by Vaani who is a trans girl which is revealed eventually as the story progresses. Will they still be together? How will the families accept this fact? How will people react? This movie juggles and answers all these questions. Moreover, India’s knowledge regarding transgender people lacks a lot and is heavily stereotyped as well as limited to the people we see in trains and streets very brutally labeled as ‘Chakkas’, ‘Hijras’ or ‘Kinnars’. However, this film apprises the audience as to who is actually a transgender and what it is live like one in India.

The director Abhishek Kapoor of Kedarnath and Kai Po Che fame has been able to direct the film so well with a steady grip on the plot and the motives. The editing is crisp and to the point. The beauty of Chandigarh has been decently captured. The socio-cultural milieu has been very well built to create a tangible atmosphere for the audience.

The performances are beyond excellence. Ayushmann, who for a change is playing normal this time, has worked extremely hard on his body as his character is a Fitness Trainer. Like every time, he nails it with his Punjabi accent and fits too well in the role. Vaani takes you by surprise. This is by far her best performance. She seeps in the skin of the character and creates such an impact.

On the whole, this film is next to perfect and is a must-watch for more than just one reason. It is high time that stories like these should be made and stigmas get highlighted and discussed. Kudos to the filmmakers for taking this bold step. Hope this film facilitates more acceptance and open-mindedness towards transgenders and makes the world better for all who want to live by their choice!

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui had a theatrical release in December 2021 and is now streaming on Netflix.

Watch the trailer here: