Aanand L. Rai‘s romantic-comedy Tanu Weds Manu was released on February 25, 2011. Produced by Shailesh R. Singh, the film stars R. Madhavan, Kangana Ranaut, Jimmy Sheirgill, Eijaz Khan, Swara Bhaskar, and Deepak Dobriyal. The story was written by Himanshu Sharma. Krsna Solo composed the music, while Rajshekhar penned the lyrics for Tanu Weds Manu.
Why did Manu come to India?
Manoj Kumar Sharma, or Manu, is an NRI doctor in London. He returns to India to find a bride and tie the knot. Accompanied by his parents and his friend Pappi, he heads to Kanpur to meet Tanuja Trivedi, also known as Tanu, a prospective match selected by his family.
Upon arrival in Kanpur, Manu encounters trouble as some thugs at the railway station accost him. Although shaken, Pappi encourages him to let the incident pass. Both families immediately hit it off at Tanu’s residence, and there’s a consensus that if Manu approves of Tanu, they will proceed with the engagement. However, a minor obstacle arises when Tanu’s mother claims that she is unwell and confined to her room.
Manu is directed to Tanu’s bedroom, where he finds her “asleep.” Initially assuming her shyness, Manu is captivated by Tanu’s beauty and decides that he wants to marry her. However, during a private conversation on a pilgrimage trip, Tanu reveals to Manu that she deliberately feigned sleep and confesses that she is in love with someone else. She even discloses that she bears her lover’s name tattooed on her chest and admits to orchestrating the earlier encounter with the thugs. Tanu insists that Manu reject her.
Heartbroken yet noble, Manu decides to shoulder the blame himself. Without divulging Tanu’s secret, he informs his father of his decision not to proceed with the marriage. Though Tanu’s parents are disappointed, the engagement being a private affair spares them public embarrassment.
Why was Manu heartbroken?
As weeks pass, Manu remains haunted by memories of Tanu despite his parents’ efforts to introduce him to other prospective matches. Among them is Ayushi, whose hand bears a deformity. Despite her family’s warmth and Ayushi’s admirable qualities, Manu cannot shake his lingering feelings for Tanu. When Ayushi’s brother Raja returns home injured from another brawl, Manu’s honesty about his inability to commit earns Raja’s respect.
Back home, Manu expresses his reluctance to marry and voices his desire to return to London. However, news of his school friend Jassi’s wedding prompts a trip to Punjab. There, Manu discovers that Tanu is also attending the wedding as a friend of Jassi’s bride-to-be, Payal. Encouraged by Jassi and Pappi, Manu attempts to rekindle his connection with Tanu.
Despite Tanu’s continued involvement with her boyfriend, Manu finds solace in their growing friendship. However, another wedding guest harbors feelings for Tanu and attempts to sabotage their budding relationship. Misunderstandings ensue, causing tension among the guests and prompting Manu to consider leaving.
As Manu prepares to depart, Tanu reveals her plans to elope with her lover. Torn by conflicting emotions, she asks Manu to stay until the wedding. Despite his heartbreak, Manu agrees to support her.
Back in Kanpur, Manu learns of Raja’s true identity as Tanu’s boyfriend. Despite his own feelings, Manu assists Raja and Tanu in their marriage plans, even going as far as convincing Tanu’s father to accept Raja.
Tanu Weds Manu ending: What happened to Raja?
As preparations for Tanu and Raja’s wedding proceed, Manu grapples with his emotions. He accompanies Tanu to shop for her bridal attire, silently enduring his pain. However, their candid conversation reveals Manu’s true feelings, leading to a confrontation with Raja.
Despite Raja’s anger and threats, Tanu ultimately chooses Manu. With the support of their families, Manu and Tanu’s wedding is arranged. However, Raja’s unexpected arrival at the wedding venue creates chaos. Through Manu’s reasoned approach, Raja ultimately relents and allows the wedding to proceed, acknowledging his promise to Manu.
With Raja’s blessing, Manu and Tanu are married amidst mixed emotions. Though the journey was tumultuous, love ultimately triumphs, bringing closure to their tumultuous saga.
