Good Newwz (2019): A Hilarious and Heartfelt Bollywood Comedy on IVF

Introduction

Good Newwz (2019) is a Bollywood comedy-drama that tackles the unconventional subject of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with a blend of humor, heart, and social commentary. Directed by debutant Raj Mehta and produced by Dharma Productions and Cape of Good Films, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Kiara Advani in lead roles. Released on December 27, 2019, Good Newwz became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year, earning ₹3.18 billion (US$45.16 million) worldwide. With its witty one-liners, vibrant performances, and a fresh take on a sensitive topic, the film struck a chord with audiences, offering both laugh-out-loud moments and emotional depth. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to Good Newwz, exploring its plot, cast, production, themes, reception, and cultural impact.

Plot Synopsis

Good Newwz revolves around two couples with the same surname, Batra, whose lives become hilariously intertwined due to a mix-up at a fertility clinic. Varun Batra (Akshay Kumar), a high-flying automobile showroom CEO, and his wife Deepti “Deepu” Batra (Kareena Kapoor Khan), a celebrity journalist, are a sophisticated, urban couple living in Mumbai. After seven years of marriage and pressure from family, they decide to pursue IVF to conceive a child. Meanwhile, Honey Batra (Diljit Dosanjh) and Monika Batra (Kiara Advani), a boisterous and colorful couple from Chandigarh, are also undergoing IVF at the same clinic after years of struggling with infertility, including two miscarriages.

The plot takes a comedic turn when the couples discover that their doctor, Dr. Anand Joshi (Adil Hussain), has accidentally swapped their sperm samples, leading to Deepti carrying Honey’s child and Monika carrying Varun’s. This revelation sets off a chain of chaotic and humorous events as the two vastly different couples—one polished and city-bred, the other loud and small-town—clash over their cultural differences and grapple with the emotional and ethical dilemmas of the situation. As both Deepti and Monika progress through their pregnancies, the film explores how the couples navigate this bizarre predicament, moving from mutual disdain to understanding and acceptance.

The narrative balances slapstick comedy with poignant moments, addressing themes of parenthood, societal expectations, and the complexities of modern reproductive technology. While the first half is a laugh riot filled with adult humor and quirky misunderstandings, the second half shifts to a more emotional tone, delving into the characters’ personal struggles and the bonds they form. The climax, a mix of comedy, sentiment, and drama, ties the story together with a heartwarming resolution.

Cast and Characters

The film’s star-studded cast delivers performances that elevate the script’s comedic and emotional beats:

• Akshay Kumar as Varun Batra: Kumar shines as the suave yet flawed Varun, bringing his signature comic timing to the role. While some critics noted his character’s occasionally insensitive behavior, Kumar’s ability to balance humor with relatability makes Varun a standout.
• Kareena Kapoor Khan as Deepti Batra: Kapoor Khan steals the show as the sophisticated and emotionally complex Deepti, delivering a performance that captures both her character’s wit and vulnerability. Her emotional arc, particularly in scenes addressing the possibility of abortion, is a highlight.
• Diljit Dosanjh as Honey Batra: Dosanjh brings infectious energy to the role of Honey, a loud and lovable Punjabi man whose mispronunciations (calling “sperm” “spam”) and earnestness add much of the film’s humor. His performance is widely praised for its authenticity and charm.
• Kiara Advani as Monika Batra: Advani holds her own as Monika, a warm and resilient woman navigating the pain of past miscarriages. While her role is less prominent, her sincerity adds depth to the character.
• Supporting Cast: Adil Hussain and Tisca Chopra shine as the fertility clinic doctors, with Hussain’s deadpan delivery adding to the comedy. Anjana Sukhani, Sukhbir, and other supporting actors contribute to the film’s vibrant ensemble.

Production and Development

Good Newwz marks the directorial debut of Raj Mehta, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jyoti Kapoor and Rishabh Sharma. Produced by Karan Johar, Hiroo Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Shashank Khaitan, and Aruna Bhatia under Dharma Productions and Cape of Good Films, the film was shot between November 2018 and April 2019, primarily in Mumbai and Chandigarh. Cinematographer Vishnu Rao captured the contrasting aesthetics of the urban and small-town settings, while the film’s music, composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Rochak Kohli, Lauv, and others, includes popular tracks like “Chandigarh Mein” that became chartbusters.

The film’s release was initially planned for September 6, 2019, but was postponed to December 25, 2019, to coincide with Christmas and New Year festivities. This strategic timing contributed to its box office success, as it capitalized on the holiday season’s audience turnout. Good Newwz was marketed with vibrant posters and a trailer that highlighted its comedic premise, generating significant buzz before its release.

Themes and Style

Good Newwz tackles the sensitive topic of IVF with a light-hearted yet respectful approach, making it accessible to mainstream audiences. The film explores themes of parenthood, societal pressure to have children, and the cultural divide between urban and rural India. The clash between the two Batra couples serves as a comedic lens to examine class differences, stereotypes, and the universal desire for family.

Stylistically, Good Newwz is a quintessential Bollywood “dramedy,” blending over-the-top humor with emotional moments. The first half leans heavily into adult comedy, with witty one-liners and situational gags, while the second half introduces more serious themes, such as the emotional toll of infertility and the ethical questions surrounding IVF mix-ups. However, the film has faced criticism for its handling of sensitive topics like abortion and adoption, with some reviewers noting its preachy tone and oversimplification of complex issues. For instance, scenes that dismiss adoption as a lesser form of parenting or portray abortion negatively have been called out for reinforcing conservative values.

The film’s visual style is vibrant and polished, with a colorful palette that reflects the energy of its characters. The contrast between the sleek Mumbai apartment of Varun and Deepti and the flamboyant Chandigarh home of Honey and Monika underscores their differing worlds. The soundtrack, featuring catchy songs and a lively background score, enhances the film’s upbeat tone.

Reception and Box Office

Good Newwz received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its humor, performances, and bold subject matter, though some noted flaws in its screenplay and handling of serious themes. The Times of India gave it 4/5 stars, lauding its “light-hearted and funny moments” and top-notch performances, while India Today rated it 3/5, calling it “preachy but bearable”. NDTV was more critical, describing it as a “sterile, still-born comedy” that fails to fully explore the complexity of its premise. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 7.0/10 IMDb rating based on audience reviews, reflecting its popularity among viewers.

Social media reactions on X were overwhelmingly positive, with users calling it “the most entertaining film of the year” and praising the cast’s performances. However, some X posts and Reddit discussions criticized Akshay Kumar’s character for being unlikeable and the film for missing an opportunity to delve deeper into its subject matter.

At the box office, Good Newwz was a massive success, grossing ₹65.99 crore over its opening weekend and ₹318.57 crore worldwide by February 2020, making it the sixth highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2019. It was Akshay Kumar’s highest-grossing film in India at the time, cementing his reputation for delivering commercially successful films with social messages.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Good Newwz broke new ground in Bollywood by bringing IVF into the mainstream, sparking conversations about infertility and reproductive technology in a country where such topics are often taboo. The film’s comedic approach made the subject accessible, though some critics argued it trivialized serious issues like abortion and adoption. Its success paved the way for other Bollywood films to tackle unconventional topics with humor, following in the footsteps of films like Vicky Donor (2012) and Badhaai Ho (2018).

The film’s ensemble cast and catchy soundtrack contributed to its lasting popularity, with songs like “Chandigarh Mein” remaining favorites at parties and events. Its availability on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video has ensured its accessibility to global audiences. Good Newwz also earned four wins and 11 nominations at various award ceremonies, recognizing its performances and technical achievements.

Release and Availability

Good Newwz was released theatrically on December 27, 2019, in India and worldwide, with showtimes available through platforms like BookMyShow and Fandango. It is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes and is not rated, though its adult humor and themes make it more suitable for mature audiences.

Why It Matters

Good Newwz stands out as a bold and entertaining take on a rarely discussed topic in Indian cinema. Its ability to blend humor with emotional depth, coupled with stellar performances from its cast, makes it a memorable addition to Bollywood’s comedy-drama genre. While it has its flaws—particularly its handling of sensitive issues—the film’s commercial success and cultural impact highlight its significance as a conversation-starter. For fans of Bollywood or those interested in stories about family and acceptance, Good Newwz offers a rollercoaster of laughs and heartfelt moments.