In the world of Bollywood sequels, “Bad Newz” arrives with a whimper rather than a bang. This spiritual successor to 2019’s “Good Newwz” trades its star-studded cast for a fresh trio, but fails to capture the magic of its predecessor. Let’s dive into this cinematic misadventure and see if it’s worth your hard-earned rupees.
A Bad Newz for Disaster?
Imagine a rom-com soufflé that refuses to rise. That’s “Bad Newz” in a nutshell. Director Anand Tiwari serves up a dish that’s neither spicy nor bland – just lukewarm. The plot? As predictable as finding paneer in a vegetarian thali.
We meet Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri), a chef with stars in her eyes – Meraki stars, to be precise. Her mother’s quest to marry her off leads to a whirlwind romance with Akhil Chadha (Vicky Kaushal), a chaap shop owner from Karol Bagh. Cue the rushed wedding, steamy honeymoon, and inevitable divorce drama.
But wait, there’s more! Enter Gurbir Pannu (Ammy Virk), Saloni’s boss and the third wheel in this bizarre love triangle. One drunken night later, Saloni finds herself in a one-in-a-billion predicament: pregnant with twins, each with a different father. Cue the chaos!
Vicky Kaushal: The Knight in Shining Punjabi Armor
If there’s one reason to watch “Bad Newz,” it’s Vicky Kaushal. He swoops in like a Punjabi superhero, cape replaced by a well-fitted kurta. Kaushal’s Akhil Chadha is a green flag waving proudly in a sea of red. He loves his mom, adores his wife, and isn’t afraid to flaunt those abs. West Delhi’s pride, indeed!
Kaushal’s performance is a masterclass in salvaging a sinking ship. He owns every scene, bringing swagger and charm to a role that could’ve easily fallen flat. Even when the dialogue veers into over-the-top territory, Kaushal sells it with conviction. Move over, Rocky Randhawa – there’s a new heartthrob in town!
The Supporting Cast: Hit and Miss
Triptii Dimri, fresh off her intense turn in “Animal,” seems lost in the world of comedy. Her Saloni oscillates between three emotions: irritated, overly smiley, and weepy. It’s like watching a Bollywood emoji come to life. Her wardrobe, however, deserves its own spin-off.
Ammy Virk brings a much-needed dose of calm to the chaos. His Gurbir Pannu is sweet and endearing, with subtle comic timing that hits the mark. In a film full of loud characters, Virk’s understated performance is a breath of fresh air.
A Comedy of Errors… Minus the Comedy
“Bad Newz” wants to make you laugh. It really does. But like a stand-up comedian bombing on open mic night, most of the jokes fall flat. The first half shows promise, building characters and relationships with some genuine fun. But the second half? It’s like watching paint dry – if the paint was having an identity crisis.
The screenplay, penned by Ishita Moitra and Tarun Dudeja, feels rushed and uneven. Saloni and Akhil’s love story lacks depth, relying on steamy scenes (RIP, dinner table and chocolate cake) rather than genuine connection. Ironically, the bromance between Akhil and Gurbir in the latter half shows more chemistry than the main couple.
Style Over Substance
Visually, “Bad Newz” is a treat. The European honeymoon sequences are postcard-perfect, and the film’s overall aesthetic is polished. But all the pretty pictures in the world can’t make up for a lackluster script.
The dialogue occasionally sparkles with witty one-liners, but these moments are few and far between. It’s like finding a diamond in a pile of cubic zirconia – exciting, but ultimately disappointing when you realize how rare the gems are.
Bad Newz: Not Quite Good, Not Entirely Bad
So, is “Bad Newz” worth your time and money? If you’re a die-hard Vicky Kaushal fan, absolutely. His performance alone justifies the ticket price. For everyone else, it’s a toss-up.
The film isn’t a total disaster, but it’s far from the rom-com masterpiece it aspires to be. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a lukewarm cup of chai – it’ll do in a pinch, but you know it could’ve been so much better.
“Bad Newz” gets a hesitant 2.5 out of 5 stars. It’s not bad enough to pan completely, but not good enough to wholeheartedly recommend. Like its premise of twins with different fathers, the film itself is a bizarre mix of potential and missed opportunities.
In the end, “Bad Newz” is saved by Vicky Kaushal’s star power and Ammy Virk’s understated charm. It’s a reminder that sometimes, great actors can elevate mediocre material. As for Triptii Dimri, here’s hoping her next role gives her a chance to flex those “Animal” acting muscles again.
If you do decide to watch “Bad Newz,” go in with lowered expectations and a willingness to embrace the absurd. And who knows? You might just find yourself entertained despite the film’s flaws. After all, in the world of Bollywood, stranger things have happened – just ask Saloni’s twins!
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