Badla

First thing first, be aware that this movie is a 99% remake of the excellent 2-year-old movie Contratiempo (2016). Just switch the genders and the Hispanic actors with hindi ones. In August 2019, both movies are available on Netflix but, for some unexplained reason, Netflix does not connect them in the 'more like this' section. That's weird!

Then, is Badla (2019) a bad remake? Objectively and definitely no! I think bad reviews come from anger at seeing a remake without knowing it. And that's fully understandable. You are now officially warned!

Finally, I catch a glimpse of two possibilities: 1) either you have already seen Contratiempo (2016) and I kindly invite you to strongly postpone the screening of this remake, unless you unfortunately suffer from Alzheimer or 2) you haven't already seen Contratiempo (2016) and you have the choice between a Hispanic atmosphere or a hindi one.

An official adaptation of the Spanish Film "The Invisible Guest", Director Sujoy Ghosh's 'BADLA' is an interesting murder-mystery, that keeps you guessing. While not entirely unpredictable neither perfect, this atmospheric film is a ride you wouldn't mind taking.

'BADLA' Synopsis: When top businesswoman Naina (Taapsee) is accused of murdering her lover, she seeks help from a prolific lawyer Badal Gupta (Amitabh Bachchan) to defend her. Naina says she is innocent, but is she telling the truth?

'BADLA' is a cat and mouse film, where an accused and her lawyer discover each other, while taking us to the back story that involves the murder here in question. And Ghosh, also Writer here, adapts the story well. The mystery unfolds well, and its twisted-ness manages to hold your grip. A particular sub-plot involving a grieving mother (Amrita Singh) is well-done and gives the film a nice emotional spin. Singh, superb in the role, proves how underrated the veteran has remained almost all through her career.

The only glitch in Ghosh's Writing lies in its culmination. And for any suspense murder-mystery, the finale is the most crucial. But, sadly, 'BADLA' lacks the bite here. The main twist in the tale is rather implausible and will make you question it. In short, the film works until the end. A more cleverer end was the need here! The Dialogue are enjoyable. Ghosh's Direction is skilled and well-done. The director is in form this time. Avik Mukhopadhyay's Cinematography captures the grim beauty of Glasgow, brilliantly. Editing is razor-crisp, as the film wraps up under a neat 120-minutes. Art and Costume Design are top-notch. Background Score is first-rate.

Performance-Wise: Taapsee and Amitabh challenge each other with arresting turns. Taapsee captures the flawed woman with a fierceness that comes across as natural rather than overdone. And Amitabh, as always, commands the screen. It's been 50 years since this man started working in movies and even 5 decades later, there are a very few who can hold your attention like Bachchan does. In supporting roles, Manav Kaul is underused, while Tony Luke is fantastic and adds to the film's mystery, purely on the strength of his personality.

On the whole, 'BADLA' will keep you guessing. Just don't expect to be blown away when the final suspense reveals. A decent watch!

#BadlaReview Sujoy Ghosh continuously failed to meet the expectations that he had created with Kahaani! But the expectations of his comeback were always high. Trailer made Badla look like that comeback movie. And yes, indeed it is that movie.

The whole cast's performances were very realistic and top class.

In this revenge Drama, not even a single character is set till the end. Every now and then you keep wondering who is protagonist and who is antagonist.

Oh, forgot to mention. There are some references to Mahabharata as well. Also, if you pay attention, below lines become very powerful.

• Me 6 dekhu jo tum mjhe dikha rhi ho ya isme chhipa hua 9 dekhu.
• Answers lies in the details.

So we all know that it's a revenge story (Title gives that away). But who is taking revenge? Is this revenge of only one person?

What I liked: Direction, acting of the entire cast especially Amitabh, Tapsee and Amrita, production value, screenplay, suspense.

What I didn't like: All the characters are shown very intelligent. I can accept that. But sometimes they do silly mistakes, which is not acceptable on seeing their intelligence.

Overall: There is not even a single frame that will bore you. Its one of the rare Bollywood movie which keep you engaged from the word GO. Badla is not one of its kind movie but its one of the best of its kind. Have you watched Kahaani, Drishyam or Andhdhun? Then you must watch #Badla.

After having already seen The Invisible Guest in 2017 n having posted a review of it, two things really pulled me into seeing this official remake : the top notch cinematography n Mr. Bachan. The trailer looked as if they did more expenditure compared to the original n the movie proved it.

The plot is the same but with a small change, in the original, a businessman stands accused of murdering his lover as he was found with the lover's dead body in a locked hotel room. But in this case they made a businesswoman an accused.

The London locations r awesome, the marshland and woodlands of the rural area is picturesque. The spooky hotel a la The Shining in the middle of nowhere really stands out.

Another good aspect is that there r no songs n dance, no hero bashing goons matrix style, no jingoism, no six packs, etc.

Simply outstanding. Without wasting time who are reading my review please do watch this mouth watering suspense mystery..2hours of pure class acting by whole cast.. Please go for it.