Review: 'Bad Newz' survives on Vicky Kaushal and Ammy Virk's comic timing

As the spiritual successor to 'Good Newwz' and under the direction of Anand Tiwari, the buzz surrounding 'Bad Newz' is unmistakable. The fervour has only heightened in the past few days with Vicky Kaushal's wiggly-jelly steps in 'Tauba Tauba' and other songs and the popularity of 'Once a National Crush' Triptii Dimri along with the Punjabi sensation Ammy Virk. Well, if you have watched the trailer, it pretty much sums up the film, and things seem too familiar. On the surface, everything looks flawless. But is it truly as perfect as it appears?

Plot and Progression

Bad Newzz can definitely be termed a spiritual sequel to 'Good Newzz' and even follows the same template, but it's far from being on par with it. As pretty much revealed in the trailer, the film's crux is Saloni( Triptii Dimri) expecting twins, but her situation is an unusual case of heteropaternal superfecundation, which occurs when two separate eggs are fertilized by sperm from two different men. This rare phenomenon sparks a humorous rivalry between Akhil Chadha(Vicky Kaushal) and Gurbir Pannu(Ammy Virk) as they both compete to win her affection.

Comic timing for the win

This film thrives entirely on its impeccable comic timing, clever easter eggs, and meta-humour that keeps popping up throughout the story. With references to various other films and their characters, parody music, and humorous nods to classics like 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,' 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,' and 'Mohabbatein,' the film consistently elicits chuckles from the audience.

However, beyond these elements, Bad Newz falls short in terms of screenplay coherence and the drama essential for a masala entertainer. Events unfold rapidly, from Triptii and Vicky's love story to her hookup with Ammy and the ensuing pregnancy situation, with a few complications thrown in. This hurried pacing makes the buildup feel dragged and stretched without delivering a satisfying payoff.

Lack of drama

Reflecting on 'Good Newwz,' while it excelled in comedy, it also seamlessly integrated emotional aspects that made the characters relatable and the story engaging. In Bad Newz, despite the presence of conflict, resolutions come too quickly, lacking sufficient emotion and drama. The narrative feels flat, gaining momentum only during Vicky and Ammy's comedic scenes. One doesn't truly connect with the characters or feel excited about what will happen next.

The Performances

For all the Vicky Kaushal fans out there, he strikes gold once again, leaving no room for complaints. As Akhil Chadha, he perfectly channels his inner Punjabi munda vibes, making it feel as if he’s playing himself and thoroughly enjoying the role. His comic timing is spot on, and his banter with Ammy Virk is far more entertaining than his romantic chemistry with Triptii Dimri. From cheesy jokes to the occasional emotional scenes, Vicky dominates the script and once again showcases his acting prowess.

Ammy Virk exudes the charm of the boy next door. With his subtle, smooth, and innocent persona, he brings unique flavors to Pannu ji, which land effectively. Triptii Dimri, now a household name, sportingly embraces her tags 'national crush' and 'bhabhi 2' as playful jabs in the film. As Saloni, she holds her own as a lead in this commercial film and certainly has a commanding screen presence, though she falters in a few scenes.

Neha Dhupia's character feels more like a prop with little substance, while Sheeba Chadha has a decent role, though it lacks the depth of Akhil's relationship with his mother and his 'mummy ka phone'.

The Verdict

Anand Tiwari aims to deliver a full package of humor, twists, romance, and complexity with Bad Newz. However, the screenplay and packaging lacks tightness, with certain elements that could have been omitted or approached differently. Without Vicky and Ammy's entertaining banter and a few humorous moments, this film wouldn't offer much, reducing it to a predictable rom-com that relies on familiar Bollywood tropes from the '90s, all cobbled together.

Rating

***(3/5) stars

ALSO READ: Ananya Panday’s Starry 26th Birthday: Suhana, Shanaya, Varun, and Bollywood Friends Join the Fun