Whether you’re about to say your vows, have been married for years, or enjoy some good old-fashioned marital drama, these six Bollywood films on marriage remind you that post-wedding life isn’t just about roses.
Have you ever found yourself imagining what happened post-Babu ji’s “Ja Simran Ja! Jee le apny zindagi” and she climbed aboard the slow-moving train and into Raj’s bloody and beaten up arms? Or what kind of house did Aditiya and Geet move into after the latter dumped her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Anshuman? Did Ved have a relapse while revisiting Corsica with Tara? Or how about, did Arjun finally give up his money-focused outlook on life and embrace the inherent uncertainty and excitement after tying the knot with fashion student cum world traveler Leila?
If the answer to all or any of the above is yes, then congratulations! No, you haven’t won a prize. But you certainly fall within the bracket of those who’ve grown up believing the better-to-have-loved-and-lost-than-to-never-have-loved-at-all ideology. And just for that, you finally get to find out what happens after you get your happily ever after.
Dilwale might have taken the dulhaniya. But what happens once the honeymoon ends? When the Dilwales and the Dulhanias take off their rose-tinted glasses to see the person standing across them in a different light? What do they do when they find their identities being buried under piles of grocery lists, attention-seeking kids, incessant in-laws, and more?
Luckily, some films would like a word (or several) about what really goes on after the pheras and confetti. Presenting six gems — some bittersweet, others straight-up spicy — that highlight the “To be or not to be” side of wedded bliss.
Mrs.
- Starring: Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya, Kanwaljit Singh
In Mrs., Sanya Malhotra plays Richa, a woman who quietly morphs into a shadow of herself — no big screams or dramatic outbursts required. It’s all in the everyday compromises that slowly chip away at her zest for life. Audiences flocked to Google to check out this silent, powerful saga, and it’s become a global conversation starter. Because, hey, who knew a quiet meltdown could be louder than a Bollywood item song?
English Vinglish
- Starring: Sridevi, Adil Hussain, Priya Anand, Navika Kotia
Wives are often labeled as “just the homemaker” and English Vinglish begs to differ. Sridevi’s Shashi is basically the MVP of her household, yet is dismissed for not speaking English. This film proves that while love’s nice and all, respect is the real diamond ring. If you’ve ever felt sidelined by your partner’s witty jabs, English Vinglish might just make you sign up for a language class … or a sassy comeback tutorial.
Thappad
- Starring: Taapsee Pannu, Pavail Gulati, Dia Mirza
“One slap? Chill out!” they say. If only. Thappad asks why a single moment of violence should be swallowed like a bitter pill, as though it’s simply par for the marital course. Taapsee Pannu’s Amrita, armed with quiet resolve, politely sets everyone straight: Sorry folks, not doing the ‘silent sufferer’ routine today (or ever). No dramatic revenge spree — just a resolute “enough.” Here’s your cue to cheer.
Also Read: Deja Vu: 10 Times Bollywood Made Us Watch the Same Movie Again
Tribhanga
- Starring: Kajol, Tanvi Azmi, Mithila Palkar, Kunaal Roy Kapur
Who says the marriage story ends when the woman packs up and leaves? In Tribhanga, three generations of women share their “screw your societal rules” experiences in glorious detail. It’s messy, it’s painful, and it’s liberating — like being handed a tub of ice cream and told you can finish it without guilt.
Pyaar Ke Side Effects
- Starring: Mallika Sherawat, Rahul Bose
So, you think romance is all flowers and candlelit dinners? Let Pyaar Ke Side Effects correct that assumption with comedic gusto. Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat navigate commitment phobias and trust issues, reminding us that love is a battlefield — beware the epic Trojan horse, plus a whole lot of awkward confessions. It’s a breezy watch that’ll leave you saying, “I’ll never see breakups the same way again.”
Shaadi Ke Side Effects
- Starring: Farhan Akhtar, Vidya Balan
A comedic sequel of sorts to the “side effects” universe, Shaadi Ke Side Effects deals with the day-after happily-ever-after. Farhan and Vidya bicker, banter, and try to keep the spark alive while navigating new parenthood. Full of witty one-liners and very real “my partner snores” type arguments, it’s practically a manual on dealing with the everyday quirks that follow “I do.”
So, there you have it, folks! Even if you’re inner-Simran is dying to catch that train, it might not be a bad idea to take a deep breath and count to ten. Make sure that you’re going in for the long haul. That you’re ok with the fact that one day, Raj’s dimpled cheeks and thick hair will be replaced with a pot belly and a receding hairline. If the possibility doesn’t scare you, then congrats, you’ve just booked a ticket to a lifetime of happiness, memories, and fulfillment.
