Good Newwz


Good Newwz is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language comedy film directed by Raj Mehta in his directorial debut and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Hiroo Yash Johar, Shashank Khaitan and Aruna Bhatia under their respective banners Dharma Productions and Cape of Good Films. Starring Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani in the lead roles, the film revolves around two couples tryst with in vitro fertilisation. The shooting commenced in November 2018 and was completed in April 2019. It was theatrically released in India on 27 December 2019.

Plot

Varun Batra is the CEO of a Volkswagen showroom in Mumbai and his wife a famous jounalist. He and his wife Deepti "Deepu" Batra are a happily married couple going on seven years. However, they struggle to conceive a baby. Varun's sister Richa suggests the couple meet reputed fertility specialist Anand Joshi, who suggests they do in vitro fertilisation, a fertility technique that will enhance their chances. They agree, Varun submits sperm samples, and doctor Anand seemingly places Varun's sperm in Deepu's embryo.
12 days later, Varun and Deepu are hastily summoned by Anand's wife, Dr. Sandhya Joshi. Here, Varun and Deepu encounter the other Batra couple, Honey Batra and Monika "Moni" Batra, a couple from Chandigarh, who have taken up IVF as well. Anand guiltily reveals that a sperm mix-up has occurred: Varun's sperm have been mixed with Moni's eggs, and Honey's sperm with Deepu's eggs. Shocked beyond belief, both couples attack the two doctors. The doctors suggest that the couples go for a minor procedure so there is no chance of pregnancy. Varun later finds out from Honey that Moni is pregnant with Varun's child, but his rudeness causes Honey to fear the loss of his own child as Deepu has also gotten pregnant. He vows to prevent an abortion on Deepu's part, and he and Moni rent out an apartment just above Varun's and Deepu's, much to the couple's shock.
Varun and Deepu initially project frustration against Honey and Moni the first six months of pregnancy for interfering in their lives. However, during a routine check-up in the seventh month of pregnancy, Sandhya advises Deepu to try talking to Moni, who is probably going through as much as she is emotionally. Realizing that she needs to try understanding the situation, Deepu asks Moni out for food, during which they start getting to know each other. Deepu learns that Moni had suffered two miscarriages, making her sympathize, and the women bond. However, Varun still nurses a negative attitude, especially since Deepu is not carrying his child. Deepu takes a stand, telling Varun that he has never even tried to understand or care for what she has been going through ever since all of this happened.
Honey and Varun begin bonding at a bar until Honey expresses concern over Deepu's work commitments, which he thinks will have a negative impact on the child. Varun, incensed, tells Honey to buzz off, and the mood quickly puts an end to the bonding. An argument between the two escalates until Varun storms out and Honey is arrested.
That night, Moni knocks on Deepu's door in desperation: she has gone into premature labor and Honey is nowhere to be found. Varun hurriedly drives Moni to the hospital and she gives birth. However, the newborn is shifted to a critical unit in grave condition, having been born with a respiratory defect, accelerated by Moni's history of miscarriages, with little chance of survival. As it hits him that the baby is in fact his, Varun begins crying and hugs Honey when Honey arrives. Varun goes home and breaks down in Deepu's arms, apologizing for his previous behavior.
For a few weeks, both couples pray for the baby's recovery and Moni remains in the hospital. The baby finally recovers and Deepu too has a successful delivery. Varun, now a changed man, invites Honey and Moni to meet the baby. Both couples finally bond and accept each other, holding each other's babies in their arms.

Cast

Pre-production

This film's name was announced on Twitter as - Good News. It is Dosanjh's first film under the banner of Dharma Productions.

Filming

Filming commenced in December 2018, with Dosanjh and Advani filming their scenes. Kumar and Kapoor joined filming in January and announced it by posting on Instagram. During a recent interview and in a Twitter post, Kumar said about Kapoor, "We are extremely fond of each other. Bebo and Lolo tease me about the amount of money I’m making and I tease them about having a flat in every building in Bandra. That’s our fun banter.”' Anjana Sukhani of Golmaal fame joined the cast to essay an important role, which was revealed to be that of Kumar's sister. The filming was finished in the first week of April 2019.

Marketing and release

The film was slated to release on 6 September but was pushed forward to 29 November, later it was again pushed forward to
release on 27 December 2019. The official posters were released on 14 November 2019.
On 18 November official trailer of the film was launched by Dharma Productions. On 19 December second official trailer of the film was launched by Dharma Productions.
The film was theatrically released in India on 27 December 2019.

Soundtrack

The film's music is composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Rochak Kohli, Lauv, Lijo George–DJ Chetas, Manj Musik–Herbie Sahara, Sukhbir and Kshmr. The songs are written by Kumaar, Rashmi Virag, Tanishk Bagchi, Sukhbir, Gurpreet Saini, Ari Leff, Michael Pollock, Herbie Sahara and Vayu. The background score has been composed by John Stewart Eduri.
The song "Sauda Khara Khara" is a remake of Sukhbir's original hit, recreated by Lijo George-DJ Chetas, while the song "Laal Ghagraa" is a remake of Sahara's and Musik's original hit, and has been recreated by Bagchi, who added an interlude from Daler Mehndi's hit song "Ho Jayegi Balle Balle" to the recreated version.

Reception

gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and said, 'Excellent. This one’s a sure-fire hit. Smart writing. Fantastic humour. Heartfelt emotions... Superb performances Akshay, Kareena, Diljit, Kiara. 2019 will conclude with a big winner, with Good Newwz.'

Box office

Good Newwz earned 17.56 crore at the domestic box office on its opening day. On the second day, the film collected 21.78 crore, On the third day, the film collected 25.65 crore, taking total opening weekend collection to 65.99 crore.
, with a gross of 244.21 crore in India and 74.36 crore overseas, the film has a worldwide gross collection of 318.57 crore and is the fifth highest grossing Bollywood film of 2019.

Home media

The film was made available to stream on OTT platform Amazon Prime on 22 February 2020.