Double XL review: Huma Qureshi, Sonakshi Sinha challenge stereotypical standards

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Double XL, featuring Huma Qureshi and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead, offers just a glimpse of the immense potential that Bollywood has when it comes to storytelling. A film that revolves around the lives of two plus-sized women could very well have been a serious affair targeting a particular set of audiences, but the writers and the director of Double XL have ensured that it remains relatable to viewers of all sizes, genders, and ages.
What makes this story resonate is the way the two lead characters own who they are without even a hint of self-pity, which is why one cannot help but feel for the protagonists when the flawed world breaks their spirits with its unreasonable definitions and standards of beauty. The screenplay of Double XL does take certain liberties at places in order to maintain a light mood but has its heart in the right place.
Double XL review: Storyline
Double XL begins in Meerut with Huma Qureshi’s Rajshree Trivedi chasing her dream of becoming a sports presenter. While her father and grandmother are refreshingly progressive, her mother wants her plus-sized and unemployed 30-year-old daughter to get married.
On the other hand, Sonakshi Sinha’s Saira Khanna, who resides in New Delhi, aspires to start a fashion label of her own. While she manages to secure funding to shoot a presentation video in London, she suffers a jolt in her love life.
Circumstances bring Rajshree and Saira together in a not-so-convincing manner, after which they head to London to fulfil their respective ambitions with each other’s help. The two women are joined by Srikanth Sreevardhan (Mahat Raghavendra) and Zorawar Rehmani (Zaheer Iqbal) in their endeavour and the four embark on a heartwarming journey of friendship, love, and body positivity.
While Rajshree’s storyline is fleshed out effectively from the word go and makes one root for her, Saira’s character arch seems half-baked, which ultimately takes a toll on the overall impact of the film.
Double XL review: Performances
Huma Qureshi makes the character of Rajshree Trivedi completely her own. Her nuanced portrayal of a plus-sized woman trying to build a successful life for herself is a delight to watch. Sonakshi Sinha lights up the screen in every scene, that too quite effortlessly. Be it the comedy scenes or emotional ones, she is a natural throughout. The chemistry between Huma and Sonakshi makes for a major highlight of Double XL.
Mahat Raghavendra emerges as the surprise package of the comedy-drama. He fits the bill perfectly as a South Indian speaking broken Hindi and still being able to express himself. Zaheer Iqbal brings comic relief each time there is tension in the air. He plays a huge part in keeping the overall mood of Double XL jolly.
The special appearances by Shikhar Dhawan, Kapil Dev, and Jimmy Shergill are top-notch.
Double XL review: Direction
Satram Ramani has done a commendable job with Mudassar Aziz and Sasha Singh’s light-hearted story. From not letting his actors be caricaturish to making sure that the intended message is put across, Satram Ramani has not let Double XL become cliched at any point. However, he is not able to cover up a few shortcomings in the screenplay as both the romantic tracks and the scenes of self-discovery lack the desired impact.
Double XL review: Conclusion
All in all, Double XL is an enjoyable affair that manages to evoke both laughter and emotions. It may be predictable at times, but the four principal characters do not let that be a hindrance for long.