Review of Bad Newz: A Rom-Com with Hits and Misses

The Plot

The film's trailer reveals nearly the entire plot, leaving little to the imagination. Even the Wikipedia page spoils much of the storyline, diminishing curiosity. Directed by Anand Tiwari, Bad Newz aims to entertain but often fails to hit the mark. The jokes frequently miss their target, resulting in a comedy that is inconsistent and occasionally mundane.

The story introduces Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri), a determined chef with dreams of winning a prestigious culinary award. Encouraged by her mother to find a tall, handsome partner, she meets Akhil Chadha (Vicky Kaushal), a typical Punjabi from West Delhi who owns a local shop. Their whirlwind romance, a humorous first night, and an adventurous European honeymoon quickly lead to an impending divorce.

Things take a bizarre turn when Saloni, now in Mussoorie, ends up in a drunken encounter with her boss Gurbir Pannu (Ammy Virk). This results in Saloni experiencing heteropaternal superfecundation, where she ends up pregnant with twins from two different fathers. What follows is a chaotic comedy of errors as Akhil and Gurbir compete to prove their suitability as fathers.

Hit or Miss?

Written by Ishita Moitra and Tarun Dudeja, Bad Newz starts with an intriguing premise but stumbles in its execution. The first half is engaging, but the second half drags, particularly with repetitive scenes between Kaushal and Virk. Although the film features some witty one-liners, it struggles to maintain momentum.

The love story between Saloni and Akhil feels rushed and lacks depth. The numerous romantic and comedic sequences, including a chaotic dinner scene involving a smashed cake and cutlery, do little to enhance their chemistry. On the other hand, the interactions between Gurbir and Akhil are more enjoyable, showcasing a better rapport.

Performances

Vicky Kaushal stands out in Bad Newz, bringing a lively and charismatic portrayal to his role as Akhil Chadha. His performance is a highlight, with Kaushal effortlessly capturing the essence of a lovable Punjabi man. His energetic presence and well-timed humor add considerable value to the film, making him the film's strong suit.

Triptii Dimri's performance as Saloni is underwhelming. Her portrayal of a character meant to be vibrant and fun ends up feeling flat. Despite her previous acclaimed roles in Laila Majnu, Bulbbul, and Animal, Dimri's performance here falls short of expectations. Her wardrobe in the first half, however, does manage to catch the eye.

Ammy Virk offers a refreshing presence as Gurbir, displaying a sweet and endearing quality. His comedic timing is spot-on, and he effectively balances the film's chaotic energy. Neha Dhupia, playing Saloni’s spiritual advisor, brings some humor but her character could have been better developed.

Direction and Verdict

Anand Tiwari, known for his work on Love Per Square Foot, Bang Baaja Baarat, and Bandit Bandish, puts in a strong effort with Bad Newz. Although the film is commercially viable, it suffers from stereotypes and clichés that detract from its potential impact. The film includes some clever meta-jokes and references to Bollywood classics like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which are amusing but don't fully compensate for the film's shortcomings.

The movie’s soundtrack features a rendition of Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam from Duplicate, which adds a nostalgic touch. Stay through the credits to see Kaushal's entertaining dance to Tauba Tauba, which might turn out to be the film’s highlight.

Overall, Bad Newz offers moments of humor and charm but struggles with its execution, making it a mixed bag in the realm of romantic comedies.

Also read: Wild Wild Punjab Review: A Hilarious Story About Four Friends On A Chaotic Road Trip