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Good Newwz (2019) Plot Summary & Timeline

Good Newwz (2019) movie poster

Good Newwz is a 2019 comedy and family film directed by Raj Mehta and Karan Johar, running 2 hours 12 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 622 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 12 key events in order, 7 characters, where and when it is set and 4 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Good Newwz.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
12
characters profiled
7
themes explained
4
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Good Newwz (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 12m
Directors
Raj Mehta and Karan Johar
Genres
Comedy, Family, Drama
Original language
Hindi
No spoilers

What Is Good Newwz About?

The premise of Good Newwz in 291 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In bustling Mumbai, where ambition and family dreams collide, two seemingly ordinary couples find their futures tangled by modern science. Both couples have chosen in‑vitro fertilisation as the hopeful route to parenthood, setting the stage for a story that blends everyday urban rhythm with the absurdities that can arise when lives intersect in unexpected ways.

Varun Batra, a polished CEO of a Volkswagen showroom, and his wife Deepti Batra, a high‑profile celebrity journalist, have built a comfortable life over seven years but still feel the ache of an empty nursery. Across the city, Honey runs a modest business and shares his home with Monika, a spirited woman whose own longing for a child has been marked by past heartbreaks. Their contrasting worlds—glamour and grit, certainty and yearning—are poised to converge within the sterile walls of a reputed fertility clinic.

At the clinic, Dr. Anand Joshi and his partner Dr. Sandhya Joshi oversee the delicate process of creating new beginnings. A clerical slip tied to the couples’ shared surname sets off a cascade of comedic confusion, suggesting that the sperm and egg samples may have been unintentionally switched. The revelation injects both humor and tension, forcing the couples to grapple with questions of identity, responsibility, and the fragile nature of hope.

As the mix‑up hangs over them, the narrative balances light‑hearted banter with genuine emotional stakes. The film thrives on the chemistry between the characters—Varun’s assertive drive, Deepti’s sharp wit, Honey’s earnest protectiveness, and Monika’s resilient optimism—while the clinic’s clinical backdrop serves as a reminder that life’s most intimate moments can be as unpredictable as they are profound. This premise promises a roller‑coaster of laughter, compassion, and the inevitable clash of differing expectations, all set against the vibrant tapestry of contemporary Mumbai.

Full plot

What Happens in Good Newwz?

The complete story of Good Newwz, from the first scene to the last, in 622 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Varun Batra is the CEO of a Volkswagen showroom in Mumbai, and his wife, Deepti Batra “Deepu,” is a high-profile celebrity journalist. They’ve been happily married for seven years, yet the dream of starting a family remains elusive. To explore options, Varun’s sister Richa Batra suggests they meet a reputed fertility specialist, Adil Hussain, who plays Dr. Anand Joshi. The doctor recommends in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to boost their chances, and Varun submits sperm samples while the embryology team works to create an embryo that is placed in Deepti Batra’s uterus.

Twelve days later, a shocking revelation arrives: Dr. Anand Joshi’s wife, Dr. Sandhya Joshi, Tisca Chopra, explains that a mix-up has occurred because the couples share a common surname. Varun’s sperm have fertilised Monika’s eggs, while Honey’s sperm have fertilised Deepti’s eggs. The two couples react with anger and fear, and the doctors propose a minor procedure to ensure there is no pregnancy at risk. The twist leaves both sides reeling, and the atmosphere in their lives shifts dramatically.

As the truth sinks in, Varun learns from Honey that Monika is carrying Varun’s child, and Deepti is carrying Honey’s child. Honey fears an abortion and fights to protect the pregnancy, while he and Monika decide to stay directly above Varun’s home in a flat that becomes a constant reminder of the tangled fate they share. The situation strains relationships at first, and Varun’s own rudeness and possessiveness only deepen the tension between him and Honey.

During the seventh month, Dr. Sandhya Joshi counsels Deepti to reach out to Monika, recognizing that both women are emotionally strained. Deepti, in a rare moment of empathy, invites Monika for a street-food outing, and the two begin to talk. They discover they share more pain than they expected—Monika reveals two miscarriages, and Deepti begins to see the other mother as someone who understands the fear and heartbreak of pregnancy. A fragile bond starts to form, and Deepti finds herself rethinking her own resentment.

Meanwhile, Varun tries to bridge the widening gap with Honey, and they meet at a bar to talk honestly. The conversation starts to loosen some of the tension, but Honey worries about Deepti’s work commitments affecting the unborn child. A heated moment ensues, and Varun, jealous and protective, snaps at Honey. The tension explodes when the bar’s manager intervenes, and Honey ends up detained after a call from the manager.

That same night, in a torrential downpour, Monika comes to Deepti in desperation: she has gone into premature labor, and Honey is missing. Varun rushes Monika to the hospital, and she gives birth to a baby who is Varun’s, but the infant arrives with a life-threatening respiratory defect due to Monika’s miscarriage history. The moment of truth arrives with a flood of emotion as Varun realizes the child is his. He rushes to Deepti and embraces Honey when he arrives, publicly acknowledging the pain he caused. Honey and Monika reconcile, and Varun returns home to apologize sincerely to Deepti for his past insensitivity.

In the weeks that follow, both couples pray for the baby’s recovery. Monika remains in the hospital, while Deepti tends to her and supports the fragile new family unit. After two months, the baby stabilizes and Deepti delivers a healthy child of her own. A transformed Varun, humbled by the experience, invites Honey and Monika to meet the new baby. The two couples finally find a way to coexist, sharing the joy of their respective children and gently letting go of the bitterness that once defined their days. In the end, the families come together, holding their babies with a newfound sense of connection and understanding, and the movie closes on a note of reconciliation and hopeful new beginnings.

Timeline

Good Newwz Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

12 key events in the order they happen, from “IVF procedure and embryo transfer” to “New family: acceptance and unity”. 12 events name a place, across 11 locations.

  1. 1

    IVF procedure and embryo transfer

    Varun submits his sperm for IVF and Dr. Anand Joshi places the embryo created in his laboratory into Deepti's uterus. The couple clings to hope as they begin this high-stakes attempt to conceive. The procedure marks the impulsive start of a wildly disruptive journey.

    When:Initial IVF procedure Where:Dr. Anand Joshi's fertility clinic, Mumbai

  2. 2

    Sperm mix-up revealed

    Twelve days after the transfer, Dr. Sandhya Joshi discloses a shocking mix-up: Varun's sperm fertilized Monika's eggs, and Honey's sperm fertilized Deepti's eggs. Both couples react with shock, anger, and fear about the unintended parentage. The doctors propose a minor procedure to prevent an unintended pregnancy from continuing.

    When:12 days after embryo transfer Where:Dr. Anand Joshi's clinic, Mumbai

  3. 3

    Double pregnancy across couples

    The couples learn that Monika is carrying Varun's child and Deepti is carrying Honey's. Fears of abortion and parental confusion fuel tense emotions, and Honey and Monika decide to move in close, renting a flat directly above Varun and Deepti. The cramped living situation makes for a charged, unstable household.

    When:Shortly after the mix-up Where:Varun & Deepti's home; Honey & Monika upstairs

  4. 4

    First six months of pregnancy

    Varun and Deepti wrestle with frustration as the pregnancies bind their lives to the other couple. They struggle to maintain boundaries while facing the reality that the babies aren’t ‘their’ own in a straightforward sense. Trust and control become central themes in their relationship.

    When:First six months of pregnancy Where:Varun and Deepti's home

  5. 5

    Bonding begins: street food to solidarity

    In the seventh month, Deepti heeds Sandhya's advice and reaches out to Monika. A street-food outing softens tensions as the women share stories and begin to understand one another's pain from miscarriage histories. A tentative bond starts to form between them.

    When:Seventh month of pregnancy Where:Mumbai street market

  6. 6

    Bar confrontation and protective rift

    Varun attempts to connect with Honey at a bar, and they briefly click before concerns about Deepti's work commitments surface. Varun's possessive stance leads to a heated argument, culminating in Honey's arrest after a call to management. The night deepens the rift between the two men.

    When:Around the seventh month Where:Bar in Mumbai

  7. 7

    Premature Labour and hospital birth

    That night, Monika arrives drenched in rain, desperate due to premature labour. Varun drives her to the hospital where she gives birth to his child, who is immediately placed in a critical unit because of a respiratory defect. The emotional shock underscores the fragility of life and the weight of paternity.

    When:Night of late stage pregnancy Where:Hospital, Mumbai

  8. 8

    Realization and aftermath

    The baby’s condition forces Varun to confront that the child is his. He bursts into tears and finds a moment of connection with Honey when he arrives after being released with a warning. The embrace signals a fragile thaw in the tangled relationships.

    When:Immediately after birth Where:Hospital, Mumbai

  9. 9

    Weeks of hope and care

    In the following weeks, both couples rally around the newborn, praying for its recovery. Monika remains hospitalized while Deepti supports her, and Varun slowly shifts toward a more empathetic and collaborative stance. The family begins to function as a unit despite the upheaval.

    When:Weeks after birth Where:Hospital; Deepti’s support at home

  10. 10

    Baby recovery and Deepti’s delivery

    The baby gradually improves and, two months later, Deepti delivers her own healthy baby. Varun’s perspective has shifted, and he moves to unify the families in celebration. The two couples start to see a future where their children are loved and connected.

    When:Two months after birth Where:Hospital; Varun & Deepti's home

  11. 11

    Meeting the babies

    Varun invites Honey and Monika to meet the new baby, marking a turning point toward reconciliation. The parents share a cautious joy as the infants become symbols of a rebuilt family bond. The moment signals the potential for lasting harmony between the two couples.

    When:After Deepti’s delivery Where:Varun & Deepti's home

  12. 12

    New family: acceptance and unity

    With the babies in their arms, the two couples accept each other and celebrate the unexpected family they have formed. The earlier tensions give way to a hopeful, cooperative dynamic as they co-parent and cherish the children. The story closes on a note of reconciliation and shared happiness.

    When:Post-meeting Where:Home, with all four parents together

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Good Newwz?

7 characters, among them Varun Batra — Akshay Kumar, Deepti Batra — Kareena Kapoor Khan and Monika 'Moni' Batra — Kiara Advani: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Akshay Kumar as Varun Batra — Akshay Kumar in Good Newwz

    Varun Batra — Akshay Kumar

    Played by Akshay Kumar

    CEO of a Mumbai Volkswagen showroom, Varun starts as a confident, sometimes brusque husband who wants control over his life. The embryo mix-up and the ensuing chaos test his priorities, pushing him toward humility and listening. His arc centers on learning empathy, responsibility, and the value of family over ego.

    • 💼 Ambitious
    • 👨‍💼 Impatient
    • 👪 Family-oriented
  • DB

    Deepti Batra — Kareena Kapoor Khan

    Played by Kareena Kapoor Khan

    A celebrity journalist and Varun’s wife, Deepti navigates her career and the pregnancy crisis with patience and grace. She grows from frustration and distance to bonding with Monika, showing resilience and a willingness to see others’ pain. Her journey highlights the courage to speak up and stand by loved ones.

    • 🗞️ Career-driven
    • 💬 Communicative
    • 👩‍👧‍👦 Family-centered
  • M'

    Monika 'Moni' Batra — Kiara Advani

    Played by Kiara Advani

    Monika carries Varun’s child after the mix-up and has endured multiple miscarriages, making her emotionally vulnerable yet strong. She forms an unexpected bond with Deepti and fights to protect her child while seeking support. Her resilience reveals how shared hardship can forge unlikely friendships.

    • 🤰 Expectant mother
    • 💔 Traumatic past
    • 🤝 Empathetic
  • HB

    Honey Batra — Diljit Dosanjh

    Played by Diljit Dosanjh

    Monika’s partner, who becomes a skeptic and then a protector as the truth about the embryo mix-up comes to light. He balances pride and care, aiming to safeguard his family and their unborn child. His actions complicate relationships but ultimately contribute to the path toward reconciliation.

    • 🤝 Protective partner
    • 🗯️ Impulsive
    • 🏠 Family-first
  • DA

    Dr. Anand Joshi — Adil Hussain

    Played by Adil Hussain

    A fertility specialist who acknowledges his error and grapples with guilt. He faces ethical and legal pressures while trying to rectify the situation. His role underscores accountability in medicine and the human cost of mistakes.

    • 👨‍⚕️ Compassionate doctor
    • ⚖️ Ethical dilemma
    • 💡 Responsible
  • DS

    Dr. Sandhya Joshi — Tisca Chopra

    Played by Tisca Chopra

    Anand’s wife and a medical professional who supports dialogue between the couples. She offers counsel and aims to ease tensions during the pregnancy crisis. Her perspective highlights the importance of communication and empathy in difficult times.

    • 👩‍⚕️ Compassionate doctor
    • 💬 Counselor
    • 🤝 Mediator
  • RB

    Richa Batra — Anjana Sukhani

    Played by Anjana Sukhani

    Varun’s sister, who represents family ties and practical support. She observes the chaos, offers guidance, and provides a grounding, loyal presence amid the upheaval. Her stance emphasizes sibling loyalty and the pull of family obligations.

    • 👩‍👧 Sisterly support
    • 🤝 Family ties
    • 💬 Grounding presence
Setting

Where and When Is Good Newwz Set?

Good Newwz is set in Mumbai and India (Late 2010s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Late 2010s

The events take place in contemporary times, where assisted reproductive technologies are common in urban India. The film reflects a tech-savvy, media-driven society that scrutinizes intimate decisions. Rain-soaked moments add a current-day tension to the drama.

Where

Mumbai, India

Mumbai serves as the fast-paced backdrop for a modern Indian couple's journey through IVF. The city’s bustling clinics and cosmopolitan life mirror a setting where professional success intersects with intimate longing. Much of the story unfolds within Varun’s showroom and high-rise homes, highlighting urban life’s pressures and possibilities.

  • 🎭 Drama
  • 🏙️ Urban
  • 👪 Family
Themes

What Are the Themes of Good Newwz?

4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Infertility & IVF, Empathy & Forgiveness and Growth & Change.

  1. 01

    Infertility & IVF

    The couple’s struggle to conceive leads them to IVF, introducing a medical process that drives the plot. A sperm-egg mix-up triggers a cascade of consequences for two couples and their families. The story uses medical ethics and personal responsibility to explore how science intersects with love and fault.

  2. 02

    Empathy & Forgiveness

    Deepti learns to see Monika’s distress instead of blaming her, and the two women form a fragile bond. Varun must let go of possessiveness and learn to listen to others’ fears. The film suggests that forgiveness and understanding can heal relationships strained by extraordinary circumstances.

  3. 03

    Growth & Change

    Varun’s arrogance softens as he confronts his own blind spots. Honey’s protective nature and Monika’s resilience push both couples toward compromise. The pregnancy crisis becomes a catalyst for personal growth and redefined family dynamics.

  4. 04

    Family Unity

    In the end, the two couples emerge with a renewed sense of family—not by biology alone, but by shared experience and mutual support. The newborn becomes a bridge that reconciles differences and unites two households. The film emphasizes that family can be chosen and built, even after a complicated start.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Good Newwz?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A comedy-driven film that balances hilarious situational chaos from a sperm mix-up with genuine moments of emotional growth and heartfelt connection between two couples facing an unexpected path to parenthood.

  • humorous
  • chaotic
  • heartfelt
  • hopeful
  • reconciliatory
  • dramatic
  • ivf mix-up
  • impending parenthood
  • marriage
  • accidental family

Content notes: medical error, premature birth, infant health crisis.

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FAQ

Good Newwz Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Good Newwz, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Good Newwz about?

In bustling Mumbai, where ambition and family dreams collide, two seemingly ordinary couples find their futures tangled by modern science. Both couples have chosen in‑vitro fertilisation as the hopeful route to parenthood, setting the stage for a story that blends everyday urban rhythm with the…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Good Newwz take place?

Good Newwz is set in Mumbai and India (Late 2010s). The events take place in contemporary times, where assisted reproductive technologies are common in urban India. The film reflects a tech-savvy, media-driven society that scrutinizes intimate decisions.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Good Newwz?

The story follows Varun Batra — Akshay Kumar (played by Akshay Kumar), Deepti Batra — Kareena Kapoor Khan (played by Kareena Kapoor Khan), Monika 'Moni' Batra — Kiara Advani (played by Kiara Advani) and Honey Batra — Diljit Dosanjh (played by Diljit Dosanjh); the character guide covers 7 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Good Newwz?

The summary picks out 4 themes: Infertility & IVF, Empathy & Forgiveness, Growth & Change and Family Unity.

The themes explained

Who directed Good Newwz?

Good Newwz (2019) was directed by Raj Mehta and Karan Johar and runs 2 hours 12 minutes.

Raj Mehta’s films

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