Bad Newz

Ishita Moitra's story is a winner. Ishita Moitra and Tarun Dudeja's screenplay is a bit messy but overall, it is peppered with entertaining moments. Tarun Dudeja's dialogues are funny and witty. Anand Tiwari's direction is decent. He keeps the tone light and it reminds one of the 90s comic capers of David Dhawan and Govinda. The use of Bollywood films and songs in certain scenes is smart. The romantic track of Akhil and Saloni will put a smile on the faces of the viewers. while their confrontation and divorce sequence is arresting. The real fun, however, begins at the intermission point once the trio learns the harsh truth. The second half is a mix of comedy and some poignant moments. The film takes a turn in the last 30 minutes and will be appreciated.

The writing of Bad Newz isn't particularly good, as a result of which it never really soars as high as it had the potential to soar, given its strong subject matter. The comedy at times feels forced. Bad Newz also becomes really melodramatic in a few portions, thus pulling the movie down quite a bit. The post-climax scene is hard to relate after all that happened in the climax. The makers' attempt to end the film on a comedic-high, comes at the cost of the storytelling.

Whatever little amusement the premise promised fizzles out as soon as the twain engage in a dreary battle of wits based on their food and phobias. Ammy Virk's vanilla appeal feels pale next to Vicky Kaushal's vibrant persona. His full throttle energy and Triptii's superiority in a slight role elevate the rom-com's favour, which loses all steam when it becomes a one-way contest between its two heroes and forgets about the heroine and her wants. It's not an equal contest by any measure. Vicky has all the advantages -- the songs, the swagger, the script and the enthusiasm designed to play to the gallery. And he works every inch of it. What doesn't help is Ammy and Triptii have the chemistry of a door-to-door salesman and disinterested customer. On the other hand, she and Vicky burn down the house with their scorching sensuality.

If Bad Newz had stuck to its comedic guns, without resorting to the weepy saccharine bits which take over in the second half, it would have been gold. Kaushal and Dimri have real spark– he’s done some funny stuff before, but she has been stuck in serious roles in her past few films, ranging from living in psycho-bubbles to being asked to lick the hero’s shoes. Here, she is vital and alive and lovely, and holds her own. Virk is a clear third wheel despite his screen time, and comes off much more subdued.