TANU WEDS MANU (2011)

Summary:

Tanu Weds Manu is a delightful Hindi romantic comedy-drama that centers around the unlikely pairing of two contrasting personalities. Dr. Manoj "Manu" Sharma, a mild-mannered and traditional doctor from London, travels to his ancestral home in India for an arranged marriage setup. He is instantly smitten by Tanuja "Tanu" Trivedi, a vivacious, rebellious, and free-spirited girl from Kanpur, who openly rejects him due to her existing relationship and unconventional lifestyle.

Despite Tanu's initial disdain and her complicated past, Manu finds himself deeply in love with her. The story follows Manu's persistent, quiet pursuit of Tanu, even as she tries to push him away and navigates her own tumultuous romantic life, including an engagement to a local gangster, Raja Awasthi. The narrative explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the journey of two individuals from vastly different worlds finding their way to each other amidst a series of comical misunderstandings and heartfelt moments, culminating in a dramatic and unexpected wedding.

Keywords: Tanu Weds Manu, 2011, R. Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut, Romantic Comedy, Drama.

Plot:

The story begins with Dr. Manoj "Manu" Sharma, a soft-spoken, well-established doctor based in London, returning to his hometown in India for an arranged marriage. His parents have found a potential bride, Tanuja "Tanu" Trivedi, from Kanpur. Manu, accompanied by his boisterous best friend Pappi, visits Tanu's family. During their first meeting, Tanu is found sleeping, having consumed bhang (an edible preparation of cannabis). Manu is immediately captivated by her beauty. However, Tanu, upon waking, is unimpressed by Manu's quiet demeanor and traditional background. She bluntly tells him that she has a boyfriend, smokes, drinks, and leads a life far removed from what a prospective groom's family might expect, effectively rejecting the proposal. Despite her candid confession and rebellious attitude, Manu finds himself inexplicably drawn to her, falling in love at first sight.

Undeterred by Tanu's rejection, Manu decides to stay in Kanpur for a few more days, hoping to understand her better and perhaps win her over. He learns about Tanu's ongoing relationship with Raja Awasthi, a local gangster who is deeply possessive of her. Tanu, feeling suffocated by her family's insistence on marriage and Raja's overbearing nature, continues to push Manu away, even attempting to set him up with her friend. Manu, however, remains steadfast, observing her from a distance, slowly becoming a silent confidant and a source of stability in her chaotic life. Their interactions, though often strained, begin to chip away at Tanu's defenses, though she remains largely unaware of her own changing feelings or Manu's profound affection. Pappi, Manu's friend, provides much-needed comic relief and often acts as Manu's sounding board and reluctant accomplice.

Tanu's family, frustrated by her antics, eventually arranges her engagement to Raja. On the day of her engagement, Tanu, feeling trapped, calls Manu for help. She fakes a stomach ache, and Manu, understanding her unspoken plea, helps her escape to Delhi. During their train journey to Delhi, Tanu confides in Manu about her past, her dreams, and her complicated relationship with Raja. Manu listens patiently, offering comfort and support without judgment. This journey marks a turning point in their relationship, as a genuine friendship begins to blossom. In Delhi, they attend the wedding of Manu's cousin, Payal, where Tanu meets Jassi, Payal's friend, and the group spends time together, sharing laughter and camaraderie. Tanu, away from the pressures of Kanpur, starts to see Manu in a new light – not just as a prospective groom, but as a kind, reliable, and understanding friend.

At Payal's wedding, a series of misunderstandings and emotional revelations unfold. Tanu encounters Raja, who has followed her to Delhi, leading to a tense confrontation. Meanwhile, Manu, believing Tanu is still committed to Raja and resigned to his fate, is introduced to Payal's cousin, Komal, as a potential match. Tanu, witnessing Manu's interactions with Komal and seeing him move on, experiences a pang of jealousy and a sudden, painful realization of her true feelings for Manu. She confesses her love to Manu, but he, hurt by her previous rejections and believing she is merely confused, dismisses her confession, stating he has already moved on and is now considering Komal. This rejection devastates Tanu, who now understands the depth of her own feelings and the mistake she made in pushing Manu away.

The climax of the film takes place at Payal's wedding ceremony. Tanu, desperate to win Manu back, tries various ways to confess her love and stop him from marrying Komal. Raja also arrives at the wedding, asserting his claim over Tanu, leading to further chaos and confusion. In a dramatic turn of events, Tanu reveals the truth about her feelings for Manu in front of everyone. Manu is torn between his commitment to Komal, his lingering love for Tanu, and the societal expectations. After much emotional turmoil, and with the support of his friends and family who witness Tanu's genuine remorse and love, Manu ultimately chooses Tanu. The film culminates in a heartwarming scene where Tanu and Manu finally get married, having overcome their individual struggles and the numerous obstacles in their path, proving that true love can indeed conquer all, even when it takes a circuitous and often humorous route.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• R. Madhavan as Dr. Manoj "Manu" Sharma
• Kangana Ranaut as Tanuja "Tanu" Trivedi
• Jimmy Sheirgill as Raja Awasthi
• Deepak Dobriyal as Pappi
• Swara Bhaskar as Payal Sinha

Crew:

• Director: Anand L. Rai
• Producer: Krishika Lulla, Sandeep Singh
• Writer: Himanshu Sharma
• Music Director: Krsna Solo (Songs), Tanishk-Vayu (Lyrics)
• Cinematography: Chirantan Das
• Editor: Hemal Kothari

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: February 25, 2011
• Language: Hindi
• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
• Running Time: 119 minutes
• Accolades: Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) - Kangana Ranaut; Stardust Award for Best Actress - Kangana Ranaut; Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) - Deepak Dobriyal