Bad Newz, the latest rom-com backed by Karan Johar, stars Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk. The film mixes fun and frivolity but doesn’t quite achieve the perfect rom-com it aims to be. As a so-called spiritual sequel to the entertaining Good Newwz, Bad Newz presents a bizarre, predictable, and somewhat chaotic narrative.
The trailer essentially spoils the entire plot, leaving little to the imagination. Even the film’s Wikipedia page divulges too much, reducing the element of surprise. Directed by Anand Tiwari, Bad Newz strives to be humorous but often falls short, delivering a standard comedy that only works in parts.
From the start, Bad Newz is Vicky Kaushal’s show. Playing the quintessential Punjabi boy, Kaushal brings his signature charm and persona to the character of Akhil Chadha, who runs a chaap shop in Karol Bagh. His performance, filled with charisma and swagger, is the highlight of the film. Kaushal’s portrayal of a loving son and devoted husband, combined with his ability to carry off over-the-top moments, makes him a standout. His character’s confidence and endearing nature, coupled with several scenes designed to show off his physique, draw clear comparisons to Ranveer Singh’s Rocky Randhawa.
Triptii Dimri, a current favorite in Bollywood, unfortunately, doesn’t leave a lasting impression. Her character, Saloni Bagga, is ambitious and aspires to win the Meraki star (an Oscar for chefs), but Dimri’s performance feels limited to looking either perpetually irritated or excessively smiling. Despite her previous intense roles in Laila Majnu, Bulbbul, and Animal, her portrayal here remains average, with her stylish wardrobe being more memorable than her acting.
Ammy Virk, in the role of Gurbir Pannu, brings a sense of calm and sweetness to the chaotic narrative. His character, while not the central focus, adds a layer of innocence and charm, balancing the film’s dynamics with his effective comic timing.
Anand Tiwari, known for Love Per Square Foot, Bang Baaja Baaraat, and Bandit Bandish, attempts to inject commercial appeal into Bad Newz. Despite his strong grasp on the genre, the screenplay often feels rushed and disjointed, with many jokes missing the mark. However, the film does incorporate some clever meta jokes that stand out, such as references to Dimri as ‘Bhabhi 2’ and ‘National Crush,’ and playful nods to Kaushal’s previous roles and real-life relationships.
The music of Bad Newz adds a lively atmosphere to the film, though none of the tracks are particularly memorable. The soundtrack includes a mix of upbeat numbers and romantic melodies that fit the film’s tone. Visually, the cinematography captures the essence of Delhi and Mussoorie beautifully, with European honeymoon scenes adding a touch of glamour. The film’s visual storytelling enhances the overall experience despite the narrative flaws. Costumes and styling are trendy, particularly Dimri’s wardrobe, reflecting her character’s modern aspirations. Kaushal’s casual yet stylish attire suits his Punjabi boy persona, and Virk’s simple look complements his character’s innocence.
Bad Newz explores themes such as the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations, the complexity of relationships, and unexpected parenthood. While the film doesn’t deeply explore these themes, they add some depth to the otherwise predictable plot. Compared to Good Newwz, Bad Newz falls short. Good Newwz had an innovative plot and consistent humor, while Bad Newz struggles with predictability and uneven comedic elements.
The film’s strengths lie in Vicky Kaushal’s performance, trendy styling, and clever meta jokes. However, it’s marred by stereotypes and a rushed screenplay. Early audience reactions are mixed, with praise for Kaushal’s performance but criticism for the predictable plot and underwhelming humor. Box office performance is likely to reflect this divided reception.
Bad Newz is a mixed bag. While it offers some fun moments and a standout performance from Vicky Kaushal, it falls short of delivering a memorable rom-com experience. Fans of Kaushal or light-hearted films might enjoy it, but expectations should be tempered.
FAQs
- Is Bad Newz worth watching?
- If you’re a fan of Vicky Kaushal or enjoy light-hearted rom-coms, you might find it entertaining. However, it’s not a must-watch.
- How does Vicky Kaushal perform in the movie?
- Vicky Kaushal shines in his role, bringing charisma and energy to the film. His performance is one of the highlights.
