Pati Patni Aur Woh Do: It's 2026 & We Are Still Selling Extramarital Affairs As 'Funny'?
The teaser of Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, has triggered a wave of backlash across social media, with many users calling out its seemingly outdated and patriarchal undertones.
At a time when audiences are becoming more conscious about representation and storytelling, the film’s attempt to package infidelity as light-hearted comedy has not gone down well with a section of viewers.
The central premise, which revolves around a man juggling multiple romantic relationships, has raised an important question: It’s 2026, are we still selling extramarital affairs as humour? What may have once worked as a trope in older Bollywood films is now being scrutinised more critically, especially in an era where conversations around gender dynamics and emotional accountability are more evolved.
“Bollywood needs to stop turning seriously problematic issues into ‘comedy.’ Whether it’s cheating, alpha-beta male dynamics, or toxic relationships, everything is packaged as humorous or glamorous. We can do better storytelling than relying on this cringe worthy content,” wrote one user, echoing a sentiment that is increasingly gaining traction online.
Another point that many have raised is the double standard in such narratives. “Flip the script to patni ki fitrat
and try normalize wives cheating and this type of comedy will get instant trolling,” a comment read, highlighting how similar storylines would likely be received very differently if the gender roles were reversed.The criticism also points towards a larger issue within mainstream Hindi cinema: the reliance on age-old formulas. While nostalgia can be powerful, repeatedly leaning on the same themes without updating them for contemporary sensibilities risks alienating audiences. Writers and filmmakers are now being urged to move beyond these dated tropes and explore fresher, more nuanced narratives that reflect changing times.
As the debate continues, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do