When you hear of a man getting pregnant, you know you’re in for a comedic rollercoaster, and Mister Mummy is exactly that kind of film. Starring Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza, this 2022 comedy-drama is set in contemporary India and explores an absurdly hilarious scenario with a heartwarming twist. The genre straddles comedy and family drama, promising laughs but also aiming to evoke emotional connections with the characters. The chemistry between the two real-life partners sets the tone for this quirky narrative.
The story follows Amol (Riteish), a school principal with strict ideas about discipline and children, and his wife Gugloo (Genelia), who desperately wants to start a family. Amol, however, is completely against the idea of having kids, leading to a rift between them. In a bizarre twist of fate, Amol finds himself in an unimaginable situation—he’s the one who ends up pregnant. The film tracks the couple’s chaotic journey as they navigate through this unusual situation, with moments of humor, emotional conflict, and the occasional absurdity. Without revealing too much, it’s safe to say that the film’s resolution is as heartwarming as it is funny.
One of the strengths of Mister Mummy is Riteish’s performance. He completely embraces the absurdity of his character’s predicament, delivering laughs with impeccable comic timing while still making Amol’s emotional arc relatable. The physical comedy of seeing a man deal with pregnancy symptoms—morning sickness, mood swings, and the eventual belly bump—is played to perfection. Genelia, too, adds her trademark charm, balancing the film with her role as a woman yearning for motherhood. Her portrayal of Gugloo’s frustrations and hopes make her relatable and inject emotional depth into the film. The chemistry between Riteish and Genelia is evident throughout, and their real-life relationship adds a layer of authenticity to their on-screen dynamic.
The direction by Shaad Ali keeps the story lighthearted and entertaining, but it also tries to touch on deeper themes of parenthood and the changing dynamics in modern relationships. However, the film often leans more towards comedy than exploring the emotional nuances of its themes. This works well for most of the runtime, especially in scenes where Amol’s struggle to accept his pregnancy is juxtaposed with moments of genuine tenderness. However, the film’s reliance on slapstick humor sometimes detracts from its more heartfelt moments, leaving certain emotional threads underdeveloped.
Cinematography in Mister Mummy isn’t overly ambitious but serves its purpose in framing the comedic moments effectively. The bright and colorful set designs contribute to the film’s light tone, while close-up shots of Riteish’s expressions amplify the comedic beats. The use of visual effects to simulate Amol’s pregnancy journey, especially during the later stages, is done with enough humor to keep it from feeling too ridiculous. The film doesn’t have any major special effects, but the few that are used blend well into the comedic narrative without feeling out of place.
The soundtrack, composed by Tanishk Bagchi, complements the film’s playful mood, though it doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking. The background score effectively elevates key moments of tension or comedy but stays in the background enough to let the narrative shine. The film also has a few light-hearted songs that fit the theme of family and comedy, without becoming too intrusive or overshadowing the story.
One of the more interesting aspects of Mister Mummy is its attempt to challenge gender roles and expectations in a subtle but impactful way. Amol’s pregnancy flips the script on traditional ideas of parenthood, offering a comedic but thoughtful perspective on what it means to become a parent. The film pokes fun at societal expectations around men, masculinity, and their role in child-rearing. While it’s primarily played for laughs, there are a few moments where the film pauses to reflect on the emotional challenges of parenthood, both from a male and female perspective.
Overall, Mister Mummy is an enjoyable and light watch, driven by strong performances and a fun premise. It’s not a film that delves too deeply into the emotional complexities of parenthood, but it does manage to deliver a fair amount of laughs while offering a fresh twist on a familiar theme. Riteish’s comic timing and Genelia’s warmth keep the audience invested, even when the script occasionally falters in balancing humor with depth. For those looking for a feel-good family film with a humorous take on the absurd, Mister Mummy is worth checking out. While it may not be the most memorable comedy out there, it’s charming in its own quirky way and makes for a pleasant, lighthearted watch.
