Cast: Vicky Kaushal. Triptii Dimri, Ammy Virk, Neha Dhupia

Director: Anand Tiwari

Rating: **1/2

Bad Newz tries to bring a mix of fun and frivolity to the screen but falls short of being a fantastic rom-com. Starring Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk, this spiritual sequel to Good Newwz is predictable and chaotic, struggling to meet the expectations set by its premise.

Predictable Plot Revealed

The film's trailer and even its Wikipedia page reveal too much of the plot, leaving little room for curiosity. Directed by Anand Tiwari, Bad Newz aims to entertain but often misses the mark with jokes that don't quite land, resulting in a run-of-the-mill comedy that only occasionally hits the right notes.

Star-Studded Cast and Pre-Release Hype

Despite its flaws, Bad Newz had significant pre-release buzz. The music topped charts, and Vicky Kaushal's dance moves went viral. Triptii Dimri, fresh off the success of Animal, joins Kaushal and Virk in a love triangle. However, a weak script and lackluster direction hamper their performances, making the film feel like a missed opportunity.

Plot Summary

The film opens with Saloni Bagga (Triptii), an ambitious chef aiming for a prestigious culinary award. Encouraged by her mother, she attends weddings in search of a tall, dark, and handsome partner. She meets Akhil Chadha (Vicky), a Punjabi boy from West Delhi who owns a chaap shop. Their whirlwind romance leads to a steamy honeymoon in Europe, but they soon face divorce.

Saloni then connects with her boss, Gurbir Pannu (Ammy), leading to a drunken night that results in her becoming pregnant with twins from two different fathers. This sets off a series of comedic and bizarre events as Akhil and Gurbir vie for the title of the better father.

Surface-Level Glamour

Bad Newz looks glossy but lacks substance. The writing is shallow, and the comedic punches rarely hit their mark. Attempts at satire and parody fall flat, with jokes feeling like leftovers from TV comedy auditions. Written by Ishita Moitra and Tarun Dudeja, the film's intriguing plot and initial character development give way to a draggy second half filled with repetitive sequences.

Performances

Vicky Kaushal shines as Akhil, bringing charisma and swag to his role. His performance stands out, even when the script doesn't support him. Triptii Dimri, despite her promising start, delivers an uneven performance, often looking irritated or overly smiley. Ammy Virk provides a refreshing presence with his innocent and sweet portrayal, adding some genuine comic moments.

Supporting Cast and Direction

Neha Dhupia plays Corona Maa, Saloni's eccentric aunt who brings some humour but is underutilized. Director Anand Tiwari, known for Love Per Square Foot and Bandit Bandish, demonstrates his understanding of the genre but fails to fully capitalize on the film's potential.

Cliches and Meta Jokes

Bad Newz is plagued by stereotypes and cliches, such as Punjabis loving Rajma Chawal and women choosing careers over marriage. Some cleverly woven meta jokes and Bollywood references offer a bit of respite, but they aren't enough to save the film from mediocrity.

Conclusion

Bad Newz, with its promising cast and pre-release hype, ultimately delivers a mixed bag. While Vicky Kaushal's performance and some witty one-liners provide moments of entertainment, the film's predictable plot, lackluster writing, and reliance on cliches prevent it from being a standout rom-com. The film tries to pay homage to Bollywood through numerous references and musical tributes, but these elements are not enough to lift it above its shortcomings.