Mr. & Mrs. Mahi

Mr. & Mrs. Mahi is a 2024 Hindi-language romantic sports drama film directed by Sharan Sharma and produced by Zee Studios and Dharma Productions. The film stars Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor. It was announced in November 2021, while filming took place from May 2022 to May 2023. The film was released on 31 May 2024 to mixed reviews from critics.

Synopsis
The virtue of an arranged marriage brings together Mahendra, a failed cricketer, and Mahima, a doctor. Having the same nickname, Mahi, they together become Mr. and Mrs. Mahi, akin to the nickname of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. They soon discover their common love and passion for cricket. Eventually, Mr. Mahi, a failed cricketer who couldn't make it; spots cricketing talent in his wife when he sees her smashing tennis ball sixes, and encourages her to chase her dream of becoming a cricketer. Buoyed by the encouragement she receives from her husband, Mrs. Mahi, a practicing doctor eventually gives up her career as a doctor; and takes a strike on her cricketing journey.

Development
The film was announced on 22 November 2021 by Karan Johar, starring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor.

Filming
Principal photography was commenced on 9 May 2022. Filming wrapped on 1 May 2023. During filming, Kapoor dislocated her shoulder twice. The film was mostly shot in Jharkhand, India; the home state of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, since the film is centered around cricket and him.

Soundtrack
The music for the film is composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Vishal Mishra, Jaani, Hunny-Bunny, Achint-Yuva and Dhruv Dhalla. Lyrics are written by Jaani, Kausar Munir, Vishal Mishra, Azeem Dayani, Sagar, Arushi Kaushal and Devendra Kafir.

The song "Dekhha Tenu" is a remake of some part the song Say Shava Shava from the 2001 film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... sung by Alka Yagnik, Sunidhi Chauhan, Udit Narayan, Sudesh Bhonsle, Aadesh Shrivastava, Amitabh Bachchan, composed by Aadesh Shrivastava and written by Sameer Anjaan.

Release
The film was initially announced to release on 7 October 2022 but the production was deferred. Later it was planned to release on 15 March 2024 and then 19 April 2024, but was again postponed. The film was eventually released theatrically on 31 May 2024. The film is set for OTT release on Netflix.

Critical response
Mr. & Mrs. Mahi received mixed reviews from critics who praised the performances and chemistry of the leads and the film's novel concept but criticised the screenplay and plot.

A critic for Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote "Mr & Mrs Mahi is a decent flick with the performances, plot and a clap-worthy interval point as its USP". Shilajit Mitra of The Hindu opined "It is difficult to concentrate on Mr. and Mrs Mahi without being constantly reminded of other films. There’s nary an idea, visual or soundtrack choice that feels particularly fresh". Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com rated 3/5 stars and notes "I liked how the film finds excitement in Mahendra and Mahima's dull lives and transforms their humdrum existence into an ode to second chances".

Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated 2.5/5 and wrote "The film is giving us a rom com nestled in India’s favourite sports, which in turn is nestled in the tropes of the family-entertainer movie".

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated 2/5 stars to the movie and stated "The conflicting and convoluted messaging is a mishit that lands nowhere". Reviewing for Hindustan Times Monika Rawal Kukreja wrote "It's an ambitious sports film that tries to make a point, but sadly misses the shot". Manjusha Radhakrishnan for Gulf News rated 2.5/5 and wrote, "For a one-time watch, this movie is serviceable. It may not be as exciting as an IPL final match, but it has its good moments that make it worth our time."

Box office
Mr. & Mrs. Mahi surpassed Fighter to achieve the highest record for advance ticket sales for a Hindi film in 2024 at 2.5L as the film benefitted from the subsidised prices on Cinema Lovers Day. The film grossed ₹6.85 crore on its opening day, the seventh-highest for a Hindi film in 2024. As of June 20, 2024 the film has grossed ₹42.63 crore in India and ₹8.77 crore internationally, for a total worldwide gross of ₹51.40 crore.