A New Recipe for Success: ‘Bad Newz’ Hits Theaters

In a fresh cinematic offering from the Dharma Productions banner, the film ‘Bad Newz‘ hits theaters, receiving mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. Directed by Anand Tiwari, the film serves as a spiritual sequel to the popular 2019 release, featuring a mix of humor, melodrama, and a hint of social commentary. The production, helmed by Karan Johar, returns to a familiar territory that has seen a myriad of films revolving around romantic entanglements and the complexities of relationships.

Inspired by the unusual medical phenomenon known as heteropaternal superfecundation, where two eggs are fertilized by two different fathers in a single cycle, the narrative aims to tackle the intricate dynamics of love triangles and their emotional repercussions. Tiwari’s approach attempts to weave lightheartedness with deeper reflections on modern relationships, particularly for ambitious women.

The film follows Saloni Bagga, portrayed by Triptii Dimri, an aspiring chef with dreams of winning a prestigious Meraki Star for her restaurant. Saloni’s romantic journey takes her into the orbit of Akhil Chaddha, played by Vicky Kaushal, a carefree businessman running a popular soya chaap outlet in West Delhi. Saloni’s relationship with Akhil is fraught with challenges, primarily due to his overprotective nature, which ultimately hinders her professional aspirations.

Following a tumultuous breakup, Saloni relocates to a modest hotel in Mussoorie, where she encounters Gurbir, portrayed by Ammy Virk, a calm Punjabi colleague nursing his own heartbreak. Gurbir is intent on launching a restaurant that highlights Gujarati cuisine, showcasing the various cultural backgrounds represented in the film. In a twist typical of romantic comedies, Saloni finds herself drawn towards Gurbir, only to discover that moving on from her past may not be as simple as she hoped.

This complex love story brings to the forefront the struggles faced by women navigating their ambitions while entangled in romantic pursuits. The fraternal twins developing within Saloni serve as a metaphor for her conflicting priorities: can a career and personal life flourish simultaneously? Such themes resonate with modern viewers, yet the execution has drawn criticism for its lack of subtlety.

The screenplay, penned by writers Ishita Moitra and Tarun Dudeja, seeks to appeal to a broad audience with colorful comic interludes that aim to engage viewers from start to finish. While some of the comedic elements resonate well, others appear forced and disconnected, leading to a narrative that lacks coherent pacing and emotional depth.

In one standout moment, the film humorously portrays the interests of older generations in reality television, effectively tapping into a relatable cultural observation. However, the humor fluctuates throughout the film, at times feeling patchy and lacking context. The overall impression is that of a disjointed collection of comedic moments rather than a smoothly flowing storyline.

Interestingly, the film attempts to create a modern-day culinary reflection, delivering an atmosphere that attempts to resonate with the dynamic food industry. Yet, critiques have emerged questioning the authenticity of the film’s settings. The depiction of locales such as Karol Bagh does not align with the overarching narrative of the characters’ backgrounds and aspirations.

As Triptii Dimri navigates her role, she faces the league of challenges familiar to many emerging actresses in Bollywood. While her performance showcases potential, particularly during emotional scenes, it is suggested that she could improve her comic timing to elevate her presence further. In contrast, both Vicky Kaushal and Ammy Virk provide commendable performances, contributing to the film’s appeal, especially under fluctuating comedic circumstances.

Vicky Kaushal stands as the backbone of the film, maintaining a sense of consistency amid fluctuating tones. His portrayal of Akhil has drawn parallels to previous characters in Karan Johar’s cinematic universe, notably bearing resemblance to Ranveer Singh’s Rocky character. If the film had tapped into Kaushal’s signature energy more effectively, it might have achieved greater success in resonating with its audience.

‘Bad Newz’ offers a colorful blend of romance, comedy, and culinary aspirations while tackling the intricacies of human relationships. However, despite its ambitious foundations, the film struggles to achieve the depth and emotional engagement it attempts to portray, falling short of elevating its themes beyond the superficial. It is a curious entry in the realm of contemporary Bollywood cinema, sparking discussions on gender dynamics, ambition, and comedy.