Badla

Badla is indeed a faithful adaptation of the Spanish thriller The Invisible Guest. While the plot remains largely the same, the execution, performances, and cultural context give Badla a distinct identity. If you've enjoyed one, there's a good chance you'll appreciate the other, but each film offers a unique viewing experience.

*Badla* is a Hindi thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's a remake of the Spanish film "The Invisible Guest" but manages to carve its own identity with strong performances and a clever screenplay.

The story revolves around Naina Sethi (played by Taapsee Pannu), a successful businesswoman who finds herself accused of murder after the mysterious death of her lover, Arjun. Desperate to clear her name, she seeks the help of a seasoned lawyer, Badal Gupta (Amitabh Bachchan), who has a reputation for winning seemingly unwinnable cases. The film unfolds primarily in a locked hotel room where Naina recounts her version of the events to Badal. As the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks and confrontations, the lines between truth and lies become increasingly blurred.

Amitabh Bachchan delivers a stellar performance, infusing his character with charisma and gravitas. The legendary actor shines as the enigmatic Badal Gupta. His commanding screen presence and nuanced performance are the heart of the film. His ability to convey complex emotions and thoughts through subtle expressions amplifies the tension in pivotal scenes.

Taapsee Pannu delivers a commendable performance as the accused Naina. Her portrayal of a woman caught in a complex situation is convincing. She is equally impressive, portraying a range of emotions from vulnerability to desperation as her character navigates the murky waters of the legal system and her past.

Sujoy Ghosh's direction is commendable. He maintains a taut atmosphere throughout the film, keeping the audience engaged. The screenplay, adapted from the Spanish original, is intelligent and filled with unexpected twists. The dialogues are sharp and witty, adding depth to the characters.

The cinematography by Avik Mukhopadhyay captures the stark and moody aesthetic of the film, complementing its suspenseful tone. The claustrophobic setting of the hotel room effectively enhances the feeling of confinement and dread that underpins Naina's story.

"Badla" delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of truth. It raises pertinent questions about the nature of justice and whether the end justifies the means. The film's climax is a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving audiences stunned and reflecting long after the film ends.

Strengths :

*Gripping narrative: The film's plot is engaging and keeps you guessing until the end.

*Strong performances: Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu deliver exceptional performances.

*Intelligent screenplay: The dialogues and twists are well-crafted.

Weaknesses :

*Predictability: For those familiar with the original film, some plot points might be predictable.

*Reliance on flashbacks: The excessive use of flashbacks can slow down the pace at times.

Overall, *Badla*is a well-made psychological thriller that offers a satisfying cinematic experience. While it might not be groundbreaking, it's definitely worth a watch for its compelling story and stellar performances.

First thing first, be aware that this movie is a 99% remake of the excellent 2-year-old movie The Invisible Guest (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 The Invisible Guest (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 The Invisible Guest (2016) and you have the choice between a Hispanic atmosphere or a hindi one.

Excellent film brilliant performance from the cast enjoyed it from start to finish best film of 2019

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!

Fantastic movie and performance from Amitabh and Tapsee. Keeps you guessing till the end and the plot twists are just brilliant. Do watch it if you have not watched the original!!