The cast of the film Pati Patni Aur Woh Do said they carefully evaluate scripts to avoid regressive storytelling in a recent interview.

The production faces a public debate over whether the film promotes outdated patriarchal narratives or provides a modern take on a "comedy of errors." This tension highlights a growing divide between traditional Bollywood tropes and contemporary audience expectations regarding infidelity and gender roles.

Ayushmann Khurrana, along with co-stars Sara Ali Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, and Wamiqa Gabbi, discussed their selection process during an interview with India Today [1]. The group said they aim to choose scripts that promote meaningful cinema and steer clear of regressive content [1]. Khurrana said, "I will never be a part of regressive films" [2].

Despite these assertions, the film's teaser, released on Sept. 9, 2024 [3], sparked significant backlash on social media. Critics said that the preview glorifies infidelity and sells extramarital affairs as a source of humor [4]. Some viewers described the content as outdated, suggesting that the narrative relies on tropes that are no longer acceptable in a modern context [4].

Khurrana has defended the project's integrity. He said he found the intentions of the project to be honest and clean [5]. The actor said that the film fits within the genre of a comedy of errors rather than a promotion of harmful social behaviors [2].

The controversy centers on the contradiction between the cast's stated commitment to progressive storytelling and the perceived tone of the promotional material [4]. While the actors emphasize their screening process, the public reaction suggests a disconnect between the internal evaluation of the script and the external reception of the teaser [1], [4].

“"I will never be a part of regressive films."”

This conflict reflects a broader shift in the Indian film industry where stars who have built brands on 'socially conscious' cinema are facing increased scrutiny. When actors like Khurrana, known for challenging taboos, engage with traditional tropes like the 'cheating husband' comedy, it creates a friction point with audiences who expect a total departure from regressive patriarchal humor.