"Bad Newz," directed by Anand Tiwari, is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language comedy that serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 hit "Good Newwz." The film, inspired by real-life events, delves into the humorous complexities of heteropaternal superfecundation, where twins are born to the same mother but different fathers. Produced by Amazon Prime, Dharma Productions, and Leo Media Collective, the film has been well-received at the box office, grossing over ₹115 crore worldwide against its ₹80 crore budget.
Plot
The story revolves around Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri), a chef with aspirations of winning a Meraki Star for her restaurant. Her life takes a tumultuous turn after marrying Akhil Chadha (Vicky Kaushal), facing personal and professional setbacks that lead to their separation. After moving to Mussoorie to work for Gurbir Singh Pannu (Ammy Virk), Saloni's life spirals into chaos when she has a one-night stand with both Akhil and Gurbir on the same night.
Saloni’s pregnancy reveals that she is expecting twins from two different fathers, leading to comedic conflicts as Akhil and Gurbir compete to prove themselves as the better partner and father. The plot thickens with Saloni's health complications, forcing Akhil to make a selfless decision to advance the delivery of the twins to save both their lives. The film concludes with Saloni's restaurant finally winning a Meraki Star and the two couples deciding to co-parent the babies.
Cast Performances
Vicky Kaushal delivers a strong performance as Akhil Chadha, embodying a blend of comedic timing and emotional depth. Triptii Dimri as Saloni Bagga showcases her versatility, balancing drama and comedy with ease. Ammy Virk adds charm and humor as Gurbir Singh Pannu. The supporting cast, including Neha Dhupia and Sheeba Chaddha, contribute effectively to the film’s comedic and dramatic elements.
Production and Filming
Principal photography for "Bad Newz" began in March 2022 and wrapped up in July 2023. The film was shot across various locations, including picturesque settings in Croatia for the song 'Rabb Warga.' The film’s production quality is commendable, with well-executed cinematography and vibrant locales that enhance the visual appeal.
Music
The soundtrack, composed by Rochak Kohli, Vishal Mishra, Lijo George - DJ Chetas, Prem-Hardeep, Karan Aujla, and Abhijeet Srivastava, adds a lively touch to the film. The music album includes tracks like "Tauba Tauba" and "Jaanam," which have been well-received. The remix of the 1998 classic "Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam" also adds a nostalgic flavor.
Reception
"Bad Newz" has received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 27% approval rating from critics, indicating a divisive reception. Bollywood Hungama praised the film as a "fun-filled entertainer," while The Times of India appreciated the witty dialogues and comedic timing despite some familiar plot elements. In contrast, Pinkvilla and Rediff.com found the film enjoyable but felt it missed opportunities for deeper storytelling. NDTV's review was more critical, citing a lack of genuine humor and depth.
Box Office
The film performed well commercially, with a strong opening day collection of ₹8.3 crore and a first-weekend total of ₹44.1 crore. It has successfully managed to attract audiences with its engaging storyline and comedic elements.
Conclusion
"Bad Newz" is a fun, entertaining film that combines comedy with a unique and unusual premise. While it may not delve deeply into its intriguing concept, it succeeds in delivering laughs and light-hearted moments. The performances, especially by Kaushal and Dimri, and the vibrant music contribute significantly to its appeal. Despite mixed critical responses, the film’s commercial success and entertainment value make it a noteworthy watch for those seeking a dose of humor and drama.