Bala (2019)

We are living in a world which is dominated by the beauty apps which might make you look like a celebrity and turn you into a person which world accepts but not you. We are so obsessed with I-want-to-always-look-good attitude that we forget about the inner quality. There are movies which you are eagerly awaiting after watching the trailer and then you will fall in love after actually seeing the movie. Bala definitely falls into the later category.

Bala tells the story of a balding prematurely guy and a dusky girl and their frustration with the fair-skinned dominated society..

After the brilliantly made Stree, Amar Kaushik chooses a subject which is fresh and interesting. Written and scripted by Niren Bhatt (writer of Marathi National Award winning movie, Ventilator, and hit sitcom Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma) and Ravi Shankar Muppa (co-writer of recent web series The Family Man) Bala is the perfect combination of comedy and philosophy. There are multiple hilarious scenes which will bring down the house and it is difficult to single out I would highly recommend to watch Bala in theater to hear the roar of the audience laughing at each scene (last I heard was from Tanu Weds Manu Returns). Though Bala is full of humor and entertainment, it successfully deals with social message of how an individual should be treated equally irrespective of complexion or other social stigma. The first half is full of hilarious moments and will make you curious while the second half is enduring.

I have always stressed on developing character details which is pivotal for the film's success and Bala succeeds in that. Every character is adequately defined- Right from Saurabh Shukla's role, actor who plays Ayushhmann Khurrana's brother's role, Seema Bharagava, Javed Jaffrey till Abhishek Banerjee - all of them have been wonderful in their part. Yami Gautam looks gorgeous and shines through out her role. Bhumi Pednekar is marvelous. This is her second film in a month (after Saand Ki Aankh) and she already has earned my respect. At the end of the day, Ayushmann Khurrana is the show-stopper of the film. The actor breathes and lives the character of Bala as if it was tailor made for him. The supremely talented actor will convince you to believe in his portrayal of Bala.

I have never laughed so much in recent times for a film. Go for it as Bala is the right dose of medicine for your laughter.

Must watch 4.5/5

-Ketan Gupta