Badla

#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.

When you watch a remake of an outstanding movie with some mind-blowing twist in the end and some amazing cinematography and acting, you already have your expectations at the next level. To be really fair, I was awestruck after watching "An invisible guest" and the effect it left after, but I still watched Badla with a neutral mind and gave it a genuine try. But at the end, I felt I just saw a translated version of it's original. It's a screen by screen copy paste along with 90 percent of the dialogues. The only change was the gender. Come on Ghosh ji, use some of your creativity. Why would you just remake the movie exactly the same. Remake doesn't mean copy paste. For instance, look at Don. That's a fab remake, it not only gave justice to it's predecessor but also took it to a different level. For those of you who liked Badla, just watch it's original and you will understand my super disappointment.

For people who do not enjoy international cinema, they should. An exact replica of the Spanish movie The Invisible Guest with just the roles switched. I knew from the very first few moments. Disappointed abit.

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 Contrattempo (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 Contrattempo (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 Contrattempo (2016) and you have the choice between a Hispanic atmosphere or a hindi one.