Just when you felt that 2019 was a rather jinxed year for the good folks at Dharma Productions (Read Kalank, Student of the Year 2 and Drive), 'Good Newwz' finally brings in some much needed respite.

Dealing with a rather sensitive issue of modern day infertility that dissuades today's young couple from enjoying the bliss of parenthood, 'Good Newwz' couples the subject of In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with plenty of laughs without coming across as crass or downright silly.

Varun (Akshay Kumar) and Deepti (Kareena Kapoor Khan) are the Batras based in Malabar Hill, Mumbai. Your ideal affluent couple where the man is a suave salesman at a swanky car showroom and the lady is an entertainment journalist. Honey (Diljit Dosanjh) and Monika (Kiara Advani) are your zumba instructors from Chandigarh for whom everything else pales in front of all the bling they sport. The only factor in common between the two couples is that they are infertile. While the Mumbai-based Batras are too busy dabbling their careers and practically inconsistent sex life, the Chandigarh-based Batras have endured two miscarriages within six years. In times of despair, they seek the help of IVF specialists played by Adil Hussain and Tisca Chopra. What happens when the sperm samples get exchanged, forms the rest of the film.

Directed by newcomer Raj Mehta, the story and screenplay by Jyoti Kapoor and Rishabh Sharma effectively communicates the emotions and struggles of bringing a life into a very competitive and practical world, infusing the right amount of humour and wisdom with crackling dialogues written by Mehta, himself. DOP Vishnu Rao captures the rich frames of Mumbai and Chandigarh giving us a vivid look into the lives of the film's protagonists. Even though the film is at a thankful two hours and thirteen minutes, I still felt that the film needed a little more trimming as the long, dramatic scenes at the hospital tend to make you restless.

What engages you however, are the performances by the actors. Akshay plays a rather dislikeable part who is insensitive and cold initially but eventually witnesses a change of heart. It's a rather tricky part to tread and the actor does not disappoint. Kiara is practically reduced to a stereotype of the loud Punjabi dame who believes that Mataji is the highest power possible. But its Kareena and Diljit who bring in the most respectability and heft to their parts. The role of Deepti is practically tailor made for Kareena and it's a sheer joy to watch the actress sink her teeth into the role. Kudos to the styling team for putting her drop-dead gorgeous looks together. Diljit brings the small-town earnestness, sincerity and innocence that he is well-known for, despite all his goofiness.
Eventually, 'Good Newwz' is a clean, mindless comedy that will end your year at the cinemas on a joyful note.