Atrangi Re

Atrangi Re film poster

Atrangi Re is a 2021 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film directed by Aanand L. Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma. The film stars Dhanush, Sara Ali Khan, and Akshay Kumar in lead roles, with music composed by the legendary A. R. Rahman. The narrative of Atrangi Re explores themes of love, mental health, and cultural differences, weaving a complex story that challenges traditional notions of romance and relationships.

Plot

The story of Atrangi Re revolves around Rinku Sooryavanshi, played by Sara Ali Khan, who is madly in love with Sajjad, a magician from Afghanistan, but is forced by her family to marry Vishu, a medical student from Tamil Nadu, portrayed by Dhanush. The plot thickens as Vishu, while initially reluctant, finds himself drawn to Rinku's vibrant personality and her unyielding love for Sajjad. The film navigates through their journey of understanding love and the complexities of their emotions, set against the backdrop of cultural diversity and societal expectations.

Cast

• Dhanush as Vishu
• Sara Ali Khan as Rinku Sooryavanshi
• Akshay Kumar as Sajjad
• Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub
• Dimple Hayathi

Production

The production of Atrangi Re was announced in January 2020, with principal photography beginning in March 2020. However, the filming was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in July 2020, following safety protocols. The film was shot across various locations in India, including Madurai, Delhi, and Agra, capturing the essence of Indian cultural diversity.

Music

The music of Atrangi Re was composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil. The soundtrack features a blend of Indian classical and contemporary music, reflecting the film's diverse emotional landscape. The songs received widespread acclaim for their originality and depth, contributing significantly to the film's narrative and overall appeal.

Release

Atrangi Re was initially slated for a worldwide theatrical release. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the film was released directly on the streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar on 24 December 2021. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the lead actors and the music but were divided on the execution of the film's unconventional storyline.

Reception

Critics and audiences had varied responses to Atrangi Re. The film was lauded for its innovative storytelling, stellar performances, especially by Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan, and its musical score. However, some criticized it for its portrayal of mental health issues and the convoluted plot. Despite the mixed reviews, Atrangi Re was appreciated for its attempt to push the boundaries of traditional Indian cinema.