The Hindi comedy-drama 'Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shadi' arrived in cinemas on 19 December 2025, promising a heartwarming tale set against the vibrant backdrop of Varanasi. Directed by Siddhant Raj Singh and starring Sanjay Mishra in the lead, the film presents a quirky premise but, according to critics, struggles with a meandering plot. It currently holds a critic's and user's rating of 2.5 out of 5.
A Son's Mission to Marry His Father
The story revolves around Murli, a young man from Varanasi played by Vyom Yadav, who wishes to marry his girlfriend Mehak, portrayed by Pallak Lalwani. However, Mehak's wealthy family presents an unusual condition: their household must have at least one female member. Since Murli's mother is no more, the responsibility falls on him to find a bride for his widowed father, Durlabh Prasad, essayed by Sanjay Mishra.
What follows is Murli's desperate and often humorous quest to find a suitable match for his father. His search takes him through various avenues, including consulting astrologers, using a desi version of a dating app, and even visiting a traditional 'var-vadhu mela' (matchmaking fair). While these sequences provide sporadic chuckles, the narrative momentum often falters.
Reunited Lovers and Familial Conflict
The plot thickens with the re-entry of Babita, Durlabh's former lover, played by Mahima Chaudhary. As a bold, independent social worker who smokes, Babita represents a life Durlabh once knew. Their rekindled friendship forms the emotional core of the film's second act.
However, conflict arises when Mehak's father objects to this union. He argues that Babita's modern, unconventional persona is not 'wall-suited' to be his daughter's mother-in-law. This creates a pivotal dilemma: will the senior couple sacrifice their relationship once again for the sake of their children's happiness? The film attempts to explore potent themes like reunited love in old age and societal expectations from independent women, but these arcs feel rushed and underdeveloped.
Performances and Technical Aspects
The film is buoyed by strong performances that partially compensate for its narrative weaknesses. Sanjay Mishra shines as Durlabh Prasad, effortlessly portraying the character's loving yet indecisive nature and excelling in the comedic portions. Mahima Chaudhary delivers a confident performance as Babita, sharing a natural and likeable chemistry with Mishra.
Among the younger cast, Vyom Yadav emerges as a surprise package, portraying Murli with confidence. Pallak Lalwani also gives a decent performance as Mehak. A notable technical highlight is the cinematography by Anil Singh, which beautifully captures the essence of Varanasi and its iconic ghats, using light and framing to elevate several scenes.
Ultimately, 'Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shadi' presents an intriguing concept peppered with local Banarasi flavour and quirky characters. Written by Aadesh K Arjun and Prashant Singh, it starts with promise but gets undone by a loose and meandering narrative. The resolutions feel convenient, and despite a few warm moments and a standout act by Babita asserting her independence, the film fails to fully realise the potential of its unique premise. It remains a watch primarily for Sanjay Mishra's performance and the visual treat of Varanasi.
