Dec. 06, 1986|Japan|73 Min.|n/A
Genre: Adult;Crime;Drama;Thriller
Description: Flower and Snake 4: White Uniform Rope Slave (1986) is a Japanese film that has garnered attention for its unique narrative and themes. As filmmakers increasingly explore LGBTQIA stories, Harshavardhan Kulkarni’s *Badhaai Do* takes a bold step by addressing such themes. The film stars Rajkummar Rao as Shardul Thakur, a gay police officer, and Bhumi Pednekar as Sumi, a lesbian physical education teacher. It chronicles their journey of coming out and navigating societal expectations.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Dehradun, *Badhaai Do* opens with family discussions about marriage, a topic that weighs heavily on both Shardul and Sumi. Unaware of their sexual orientations, their parents actively seek suitable partners for them. Sumi’s clever dating experiment eventually leads her to Shardul, a kind yet assertive cop. Writers Suman Adhikary, Akshat Ghildial, and Harshavardhan Kulkarni quickly establish the characters and their backgrounds, setting the stage for their unconventional yet convenient marriage.
The first half of the film delves into their honeymoon adventures and individual love stories, which at times feel repetitive, particularly with the frequent use of songs to depict romance—a common trope in Hindi cinema. In a society where LGBTQIA communities are often misunderstood or excluded, *Badhaai Do* attempts to challenge norms and create awareness. However, it occasionally relies on humor that touches on sensitive issues like moral policing and body shaming, which may not resonate with all viewers.
As Sumi and Shardul navigate their lavender marriage, they must balance their personal lives with the façade they’ve created. Director Harshvardhan Kulkarni introduces minor conflicts in the storyline, but these are resolved with ease, leaving the audience questioning the film’s overall direction. Despite its flaws, *Badhaai Do* serves as a stepping stone in addressing LGBTQIA themes in mainstream Indian cinema.
Cast director: Shōgorō Nishimura
Cast actor: Ran Masaki, Minako Ogawa, Kazuyo Ezaki, Masayoshi Nogami
Original name: 花と蛇 白衣縄奴隷