Reality sets in when honeymoon is over

In 2006, Saket Chaudhary directed Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat in Pyaar Ke Side Effects, a movie that was a modest success at the box office.

SHAADI KE SIDE EFFECTS (7/10)

It was about a modern couple who feel the effects on romance when it comes to shopping for furniture or buying an engagement ring.

In the sequel, Shaadi Ke Side Effects, the original production team has been retained, but Bose and Sherawat have been replaced by powerhouse stars Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan in the lead roles.

They play a bickering married couple, Sid (Akhtar) and Trisha (Balan), who find their lives spiralling out of control when they start to experience the not so romantic side of marriage.

Their gripes are common - from the arrival of their baby girl to snoring and a yearning for freedom.

The movie tackles issues encountered in modern relationships by couples who have been together for a few years.

It is a charming, light-hearted family film and Chaudhary does well in presenting situations that are straight out of real life and probably take place in every marriage.

The scenes are well scripted with enough quirky moments and dramatic debates - but the length of the film could have been trimmed for better impact.

Akhtar and Balan dominate with their perfect acting and great chemistry.

He is one of the greatest talents of Indian cinema and his comic timing and handling of dramatic scenes are outstanding.

Balan is a bundle of joy and displays her magnificent versatility as a talented performer who once again gets it right.

Their casting works magic for this movie, which also includes a great supporting role from Ram Kapoor.

Overall, it keeps you riveted, especially the climax, and, like any marriage, it has a few bumps that are quickly forgotten and replaced by positively sweet memories.