Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk star in the entertaining but simple romantic comedy Bad Newz. The film, which was directed by Anand Tiwari, aims to strike a funny note, but the outcome is uneven. It’s not quite the memorable romantic comedy that its concept promises, despite a few fun moments.
The Plot: Predictable Yet Amusing
The movie presents a comedic twist on the familiar story of love, marriage, and misunderstandings. It starts by introducing Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri), a passionate chef aiming for the Meraki star, equivalent to an Oscar for cooking. Her mother pushes her to attend weddings to meet eligible suitors, eventually leading her to meet Akhil Chadha (Vicky Kaushal), a Punjabi boy from West Delhi who runs a chaap shop. The scene is set for their upcoming divorce as their whirlwind romance results in a speedy marriage and an even quicker breakup.
After a one-night fling with her boss, Gurbir Pannu (Ammy Virk), Saloni becomes pregnant with twins from two different fathers due to a rare condition known as heteropaternal superfecundation, which throws everything into a bizarre spiral. The movie then follows the comedic chaos that ensues as both men, Akhil and Gurbir, compete to prove their worth as fathers.
Characters and Performances: A Mixed Bag
Vicky Kaushal is the heart and soul of Bad Newz. As Akhil, he delivers a charismatic performance, bringing swagger and charm to his character. His portrayal of a typical Punjabi boy from West Delhi is both endearing and entertaining, making him the standout of the film. His abs and confident demeanor certainly add to the character’s appeal, making Akhil an effortless green flag.
On the other hand, Triptii Dimri as Saloni appears underwhelming. Her expressions throughout the film oscillate between looking unhappy and forcing a broad smile. Unfortunately, her chemistry with Kaushal feels flat, and her character lacks depth. This is especially evident in their romantic scenes, which come across as shallow and uninspired.
Ammy Virk, as Gurbir, brings some freshness to the plot, but his role suffers from repetitive scenes and lackluster dialogue. Neha Dhupia, playing the quirky Corona Maa, delivers a few laughs with her eccentric spiritual leader persona, but her character feels like an afterthought with little contribution to the main storyline.
Comedy and Screenplay: Hits and Misses
The movie has potential in the first half thanks to a compelling plot and engaging character interactions. But as the film goes on, the jokes get more and more formal. The second half feels repetitive, particularly the scenes involving Kaushal and Virk, making it difficult to stay fully engaged.
Even though there are a few funny one-liners and situational comedy moments that will make you smile, the humor is inconsistent overall. The movie’s attempt to switch between slapstick comedy and rom-com makes for clumsy transitions that leave the audience wanting more real laughs.
Direction: A Decent Attempt
Director Anand Tiwari has previously impressed with films like Love Per Square Foot and Bandish Bandits, and he brings some of that same charm to Bad Newz. However, the film feels rushed, particularly in its second half, where scenes appear forced and underdeveloped. Despite having a solid understanding of the rom-com genre, Tiwari struggles to keep the momentum going, especially after the initial setup.
Final Verdict: Hit or Flop?
In the end, Bad Newz lacks the depth and subtlety required to be classified as a romantic comedy, despite having its fair share of humorous and enjoyable moments. Vicky Kaushal’s charming performance and the film’s intriguing concept give to its partial success. However, the movie’s formulaic story, unsatisfactory screenplay, and lack of chemistry between the leads prevent it from reaching its maximum potential.
In conclusion, if you’re interested in Kaushal’s performance, watch Bad Newz; however, don’t expect a ground-breaking romantic comedy. Though mildly entertaining, it falls short of its potential.
