Bad Newz Review: A Chaotic Comedy with Mixed Results

Bad Newz

In the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood romantic comedies, “Bad Newz” attempts to carve out its own niche with a premise that’s as outlandish as it is intriguing. Directed by Anand Tiwari, this latest offering from the Dharma Productions stable brings together the charismatic Vicky Kaushal, the talented Triptii Dimri, and the affable Ammy Virk in a tale of love, ambition, and unexpected parenthood.

While the film boasts a unique concept and moments of genuine humor, it ultimately struggles to fully capitalize on its potential, resulting in a viewing experience that’s as uneven as its characters’ lives.

A Recipe for Chaos: The Plot Unfolds

At the heart of “Bad Newz” is Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri), an ambitious chef with dreams of culinary stardom. Her world takes a whirlwind turn when she falls for and quickly marries the charming but immature Akhil Chaddha (Vicky Kaushal).

However, their honeymoon phase is short-lived as Saloni’s career aspirations clash with Akhil’s desire for a traditional family life. This conflict leads to a separation, during which Saloni finds comfort in the arms of her calm and supportive colleague, Gurbir Pannu (Ammy Virk).

The real “bad news” hits when Saloni discovers she’s pregnant with twins – each fathered by a different man. This rare medical phenomenon, known as heteropaternal superfecundation, sets the stage for a comedic battle between Akhil and Gurbir as they compete for Saloni’s affections and the chance to be fathers.

A Tale of Two Fathers: Character Dynamics

Vicky Kaushal shines as the boisterous and self-centered Akhil, bringing his trademark energy and comic timing to the role. His portrayal of a typical Delhi boy, complete with over-the-top antics and a heart of gold, provides many of the film’s laugh-out-loud moments. Kaushal’s ability to switch between comedy and emotional scenes showcases his versatility as an actor.

Ammy Virk provides a perfect foil to Kaushal’s exuberance as the more reserved and sensitive Gurbir. His understated performance adds depth to the love triangle, offering a different kind of appeal that makes Saloni’s dilemma believable.

Triptii Dimri, fresh off her success in “Animal,” takes on the challenging role of Saloni with grace. While she excels in the emotional scenes, portraying Saloni’s inner turmoil and career ambitions convincingly, her comedic timing occasionally falls short, particularly in scenes that require broader humor.

The supporting cast, including Neha Dhupia as Saloni’s therapist aunt and cameos by Ananya Panday and Neha Sharma, add flavor to the narrative, though their roles feel somewhat underutilized.

Laughter and Longueurs: Screenplay and Direction

Anand Tiwari, known for his work on “Love Per Square Foot” and the series “Bandish Bandits,” brings his understanding of modern relationships to “Bad Newz.” The film’s strength lies in its ability to find humor in the absurd situation while attempting to touch on deeper themes of love, career, and personal growth.

However, the screenplay by Ishita Moitra and Tarun Dudeja often resorts to broad strokes and convenient plot devices. The first act feels rushed, with Akhil and Saloni’s relationship developing and deteriorating at breakneck speed. Similarly, Saloni’s connection with Gurbir lacks the depth needed to make their romance convincing.

The film’s pacing suffers in the second half as it struggles to balance its comedic elements with more serious explorations of the characters’ emotional journeys. Some jokes land brilliantly, particularly those poking fun at Bollywood tropes and Karan Johar’s filmmaking style, but others feel forced or repetitive.

Visual Feast and Melodic Treats

Cinematographically, “Bad Newz” is a treat for the eyes. The film captures the vibrant energy of Delhi and the serene beauty of Mussoorie, providing a colorful backdrop to the unfolding drama. The production design effectively contrasts Akhil’s flamboyant world with Gurbir’s more subdued environment, visually reinforcing their different personalities.

The film’s soundtrack, featuring nostalgic Bollywood remixes and original compositions, adds to its appeal. Songs like “Tauba Tauba” and “Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam” are catchy and well-choreographed, though their placement sometimes disrupts the narrative flow.

Hitting and Missing the Mark

“Bad Newz” deserves credit for tackling an unusual premise and attempting to blend humor with social commentary. The film touches on issues like career ambition vs. family life and the changing dynamics of modern relationships, but it often skims the surface rather than diving deep.

One of the film’s strengths is its portrayal of male friendships and rivalries. The scenes between Vicky Kaushal and Ammy Virk crackle with energy, their contrasting personalities playing off each other to great comedic effect. Their journey from bitter rivals to reluctant allies provides some of the film’s most entertaining moments.

However, the film falters in its treatment of Saloni’s character. While initially presented as a driven professional, her agency often takes a backseat to the men’s antics as the story progresses. This imbalance is particularly noticeable in the film’s resolution, which feels somewhat rushed and convenient.

Cultural Commentary and Comedic Clichés

“Bad Newz” attempts to satirize certain aspects of North Indian culture, particularly the stereotypes associated with Delhi and Punjab. While some of these jokes land well, others border on caricature. The film walks a fine line between affectionate ribbing and reinforcing stereotypes, not always successfully.

The movie also tries to incorporate elements of social commentary, touching on topics like gender roles and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. However, these themes often feel underdeveloped, overshadowed by the more outrageous comedic setpieces.

Technical Merits and Missteps

From a technical standpoint, “Bad Newz” is competently crafted. The editing keeps the pace brisk, though some transitions between comedic and emotional scenes feel abrupt. The background score, while generally effective in enhancing the mood, occasionally veers into overly dramatic territory, particularly during the more slapstick moments.

Special mention must be made of the film’s costume design, which does an excellent job of defining the characters through their wardrobes. Akhil’s flashy outfits contrast nicely with Gurbir’s more subdued style, while Saloni’s wardrobe evolution reflects her character’s journey.

The Verdict: A Mixed Bag of Laughs and Lessons

“Bad Newz” is a film that aims high but doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights it sets for itself. Its unique premise and talented cast provide plenty of entertainment value, but inconsistent writing and tonal shifts prevent it from becoming a truly memorable entry in the romantic comedy genre.

Fans of Vicky Kaushal will find much to enjoy in his energetic performance, and those looking for a light-hearted escape with a twist will likely be satisfied. However, viewers seeking a more nuanced exploration of relationships or consistent character development may find themselves wanting more.

Ultimately, “Bad Newz” is best enjoyed for what it is – a quirky comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it may not break new ground in storytelling or social commentary, it offers enough laughs and heart to make for an entertaining, if not groundbreaking, cinematic experience.

For those interested in exploring more of Vicky Kaushal’s work, his performance in Uri: The Surgical Strike showcases a different side of his acting range. Similarly, Triptii Dimri’s powerful turn in Bulbbul is worth checking out for a more dramatic performance.

“Bad Newz” may not be the best news for cinema, but it’s far from the worst. It’s a film that reminds us that sometimes, it’s okay to laugh at life’s unexpected twists and turns – even when they come in pairs.

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