Doctor G is a 2022 Bollywood medical comedy-drama directed by Anubhuti Kashyap and produced by Junglee Pictures. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rakul Preet Singh, Shefali Shah, and Sheeba Chaddha in pivotal roles.
The movie takes a humorous yet thought-provoking look at gender stereotypes in the medical field. It follows the journey of a male gynecology student struggling to fit into a female-dominated department. With a mix of comedy, drama, and social commentary, Doctor G delivers a strong message while keeping the audience entertained.
Plot Summary
Aspirations vs. Reality
Uday Gupta (Ayushmann Khurrana) is an ambitious medical student who dreams of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. However, due to his low ranking, he is forced to take up gynecology—a field he has no interest in.
At the medical college, Uday finds himself surrounded by female colleagues who see him as an outsider. He struggles to fit in and even faces gender bias in reverse, where he is judged for being a male gynecologist. His professor, Dr. Nandini Srivastav (Shefali Shah), warns him to change his attitude if he wants to succeed.
The Struggle to Adapt
Uday’s discomfort in the gynecology department is clear from the beginning. He hesitates to treat female patients, leading to several awkward and humorous moments. His classmates, including Dr. Fatima Siddiqui (Rakul Preet Singh), try to help him adjust, but his stubbornness and reluctance cause conflicts.
Outside college, Uday’s personal life is equally chaotic. He lives with his progressive yet overbearing mother (Sheeba Chaddha), who constantly pressures him about marriage. His struggles at work and home lead to several emotional and comedic moments.
A Change in Perspective
As Uday interacts with his patients and experiences various medical cases, he begins to respect the field of gynecology. Under the mentorship of Dr. Nandini, he learns the importance of empathy, professionalism, and breaking societal stereotypes.
A major turning point occurs when Uday becomes emotionally involved in a critical case involving a young patient. This experience forces him to rethink his biases and take his profession seriously. His transformation from a reluctant gynecologist to a dedicated doctor forms the emotional core of the movie.
Climax and Resolution
In the final act, Uday proves himself in the gynecology department by handling a complicated medical case. His journey comes full circle as he earns the respect of his peers and patients. He also mends relationships with his colleagues and finds a new sense of purpose in his profession.
The film ends on a positive and inspiring note, highlighting the importance of passion over gender roles in the medical field.
Acting Performances
Ayushmann Khurrana as Dr. Uday Gupta
Ayushmann Khurrana delivers a brilliant and relatable performance. His comic timing, emotional depth, and natural acting make Uday’s journey convincing. He effortlessly portrays a man struggling with societal norms and personal insecurities, making the audience root for him.
Shefali Shah as Dr. Nandini Srivastav
Shefali Shah is powerful and commanding in her role. As Uday’s mentor, she delivers some of the film’s most impactful dialogues. Her no-nonsense attitude and wisdom add depth and seriousness to the movie’s message.
Rakul Preet Singh as Dr. Fatima Siddiqui
Rakul Preet Singh does well in her role as Uday’s friend and colleague. While her role is not very complex, she adds charm and authenticity to the story. Her chemistry with Ayushmann feels natural and contributes to the film’s lighter moments.
Sheeba Chaddha as Uday’s Mother
Sheeba Chaddha brings comic relief and emotional depth to the film. Her character represents societal expectations and family pressures, making her an essential part of the story.
Direction and Storytelling
Anubhuti Kashyap’s Direction
Anubhuti Kashyap makes a remarkable directorial debut with Doctor G. She balances humor and drama while addressing serious social issues. The film never feels preachy but still manages to challenge gender stereotypes in an engaging way.
A Unique Concept
The movie explores a rare and unique subject—a male doctor in gynecology. It highlights the prejudices and stereotypes associated with gender roles in medicine, making it an important and refreshing story.
Visual and Cinematic Elements
Cinematography
The cinematography by Eeshit Narain is simple yet effective. The film is mostly set in a medical college and hospital, giving it a realistic feel. The use of natural lighting and close-up shots enhances the emotional impact of key scenes.
Editing and Pacing
The film maintains a steady pace, with a mix of humorous, emotional, and dramatic moments. Some scenes in the second half feel slightly stretched, but overall, the film keeps the audience engaged.
Music and Background Score
Songs
- “Har Jagah Tu” – A soulful song that captures Uday’s journey and struggles.
- “Newton” – A fun and upbeat number that lightens the mood.
- “Dil Dhak Dhak Karta Hai” – A peppy track that adds a romantic touch.
Background Score
The background music complements the film’s tone, enhancing both comedic and dramatic moments. The use of light-hearted tunes in comic sequences and soft instrumental music in emotional scenes creates the right impact.
Pacing and Screenplay
The screenplay is well-written and engaging, with a good balance of comedy and drama. The first half is light and humorous, while the second half becomes more emotional and serious. Some parts of the film could have been trimmed, but the overall flow remains strong.
Box Office Performance
- Opening Day Collection: ₹3.87 crore
- First Weekend Collection: ₹15.03 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹42.5 crore (India)
The movie performed moderately well at the box office, receiving positive word-of-mouth appreciation.
Impact and Legacy
Doctor G stands out as a thoughtful and entertaining film that challenges traditional gender roles in medicine. It successfully blends social commentary with humor, making it a meaningful and enjoyable watch. The film also strengthens Ayushmann Khurrana’s reputation for choosing unique and relevant scripts.
Verdict
Doctor G is a refreshing and humorous film that delivers a strong social message without being preachy. With great performances, witty dialogues, and an engaging story, it is a movie worth watching.
Pros:
- Ayushmann Khurrana’s excellent performance
- Thought-provoking and unique story
- Strong direction by Anubhuti Kashyap
- A good mix of comedy and drama
- Meaningful social message
Cons:
- Some stretched sequences in the second half
- Rakul Preet Singh’s character could have been explored more
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)