Director: Sukhminder Dhanjal
Rating: ***
Released today, "Bebe Main Badmash Banuga" sees the talented Jagjeet Sandhu stepping into the shoes of a protagonist who undergoes a radical transformation. Directed by Sukhminder Dhanjal, the film is a coming-of-age drama that blends the typical Punjabi comedy tropes with a grittier narrative about the allure of power and the cost of losing one's innocence.
While the film treads familiar territory regarding youth getting entangled in violence, it stands out due to its emotional core—the relationship between a mother (Bebe) and her son—and Jagjeet Sandhu’s compelling performance.
The Plot: From Nursing to Notoriety
The story revolves around Himmat (Jagjeet Sandhu), a soft-spoken, kind-hearted nursing student. Because of his gentle nature and innocence, he is constantly mocked by his peers and bullied by local toughs. Tired of being the butt of jokes and feeling powerless, Himmat decides to flip the script.
He embarks on a journey to reinvent himself as a "Badmash" (gangster/tough guy) to command respect. What starts as a desperate bid for validation quickly spirals out of control. As Himmat adopts this new, rugged persona, he gets pulled into a whirlwind of college politics, rivalries, and crime. However, his transformation fractures his bond with his mother (Satwant Kaur), who watches helplessly as her innocent son hardens into a stranger. The film explores whether Himmat can find redemption or if his new reputation will cost him everything he holds dear.
Performances
Jagjeet Sandhu as Himmat: Jagjeet Sandhu continues to prove his versatility. He brilliantly portrays the duality of Himmat—capturing the vulnerability of the nursing student in the first half and the aggression of the "Badmash" in the second. His physical transformation and body language sell the character's arc convincingly.
Aveera Singh Masson: Making her mark as the female lead, Aveera shares good chemistry with Jagjeet. While her role is primarily to support the romantic subplot, she brings a refreshing presence to the screen.
Supporting Cast:
Satwant Kaur as the "Bebe" (Mother) is the emotional anchor. Her scenes with Jagjeet provide the film's most touching moments.
Ashish Duggal and Rahul Jungral are effective in their roles, adding the necessary menace and conflict to Himmat's journey.
Direction and Writing
Sukhminder Dhanjal delivers a competent film that balances mass entertainment with a message.
The Good: The transition of the protagonist is handled well, not feeling too rushed. The dialogues are punchy, especially during the confrontation scenes. The director succeeds in making the audience root for Himmat, even when he makes wrong choices.
The Bad: The screenplay dips in the second half. The romantic track sometimes feels like a distraction from the main conflict. Additionally, some action sequences feel derivative of other recent Punjabi gangster films.
Technical Aspects
Music: The soundtrack is energetic, with a mix of soulful tracks and upbeat numbers that fit the "tashan" (style) of the movie.
Cinematography: The film captures the rural and urban landscapes of Punjab effectively, using lighting to distinguish between Himmat's two lives.
Box Office & Reception
Opening: As of its release day (Feb 6, 2026), the film has seen a decent opening in Punjab, driven by Jagjeet Sandhu’s loyal fanbase.
Audience Pulse: Early reports suggest the youth are connecting with the theme of "standing up for oneself," though family audiences are finding the violence a bit heavy-handed compared to the film's title, which suggests a lighter tone.
Final Word
Watch it if: You appreciate character-driven dramas and are a fan of Jagjeet Sandhu’s intense acting style. It offers a good mix of emotion and action.
Skip it if: You are looking for a pure, light-hearted comedy. Despite the title, this is a drama with serious undertones.
Highlights:
Jagjeet Sandhu's performance.
The emotional mother-son dynamic.
Punchy dialogues.
Lowlights:
Predictable storyline in parts.
Pacing issues in the second half.
