Call Me Bae REVIEW: Ananya Panday pulls off Poo 2.0 version effortlessly in this feel-good series

Film:
Call Me Bae Series

Director: Collin D’Cunha

Writers: Ishita Moitra, SAmina Motlekar and Rohit Nair

Star cast: Ananya Panday, Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, Mini Mathur, Riya Sen, Sahil Shroff, Shiv Masand, 

Platform: On Amazon Prime

Episodes: 08

Runtime: 35-40 mins per episode

Call Me Bae Review

Sometimes when you see a movie or a series trailer, you either get excited for it or feel it is not going to work. However, when it surprises you, you definitely feel good about it and that’s what has happened to us after seeing Ananya Panday starrer Call Me Bae and here’s an honest review on it. Ananya marks her web series debut with Call Me Bae which is bankrolled by Karan Johar’s Dharma Production.   

Story

Ananya Panday as Bella aka Bae is a privileged woman thrust into the harsh realities of life after a single mistake upends her world. Banished from her home, disowned by her family and husband, and stripped of all her wealth, Bella is forced to leave her pampered existence behind. Her platinum and silver cards were blocked and her luxurious lifestyle was snatched away. She finds herself in the fast-paced chaos of Mumbai, far removed from her comfort zone in Delhi.

What unfolds is a classic “riches to rags” narrative with a modern twist. Bella grapples with the challenges of her newfound middle-class life. The film follows her journey of self-discovery as she learns to navigate the unforgiving streets of Mumbai without a single rupee in her pocket. Along the way, she encounters new friends, new foes, and odd jobs that put her resilience to the test. The series captures the unrelenting hustle and bustle of Mumbai life. It serves as a backdrop for Bella’s transformation from a sheltered socialite to a woman who learns to stand on her own feet.

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What’s good

Fashion Forward: If you have an eye for fashion, Call Me Bae is a visual feast. Ananya Panday, as Bae, serves up a series of stunning looks that make the series a sartorial showcase. Every outfit, from chic dresses and skirts to casual T-shirts and even bathrobes, is meticulously chosen and remarkably exquisite. The fashion in the show will leave you taking notes and feeling inspired.

However, there is an undeniable irony in watching Bella strut around Mumbai in trench coats and denim jackets despite the city’s notorious heat. The practicality of these wardrobe choices might be questionable. You can’t help but wonder how she pulls off such styles without breaking a sweat in the sweltering weather. Realistically, the outfits Bella wears for her daily escapades would likely be reserved for special occasions by most of us. Considering the heat and the chaos of the local train commute, they might turn even the trendiest of ensembles into an unintentional fashion disaster.

Despite these quirks, costume designer Anaita Shroff Adajania makes it all work. She crafts a visual narrative that is both compelling and fitting for each character. Ananya Panday’s fashion, in particular, is top-notch.

Storyline: Call Me Bae brings us a feel-good series that is both light-hearted and refreshingly easy to watch. The show strikes a balance between humour and heartfelt moments, offering a breezy viewing experience. While the series may not be entirely relatable — let’s face it, most of us aren’t grappling with the loss of a luxury lifestyle — it still manages to connect with its audience on multiple levels.

The relatability comes from its witty observations and genuine emotional beats. From the amusing acknowledgement that “behencode” is a very real phenomenon to the empowering message of standing up for oneself against intimidating figures, the show nails certain aspects that resonate with viewers. It captures those little moments of defiance, self-discovery, and resilience that are universally appealing.

Call Me Bae serves as the perfect guilty pleasure and keeps you engaged across its eight episodes. It’s the kind of show that doesn’t take itself too seriously. But still offers enough depth and charm to make it a thoroughly enjoyable watch.

What’s not

Anaya’s character: While Call Me Bae delivers a feel-good experience, there are moments when the character of “Bae,” feels a bit too perfect to be believable. Though she has her flaws, there’s an air of unreality to her. Particularly when it comes to her seemingly endless list of accomplishments. A minor spoiler here: Bae is revealed to have completed a variety of crash courses, from childhood to adulthood. This attempt to paint her as a “jack-of-all-trades” borders on overkill and, at times, stretches credibility.

The show’s effort to create a smart and capable protagonist occasionally leans into exaggeration. Yet, Bae stands out because she is not portrayed as a damsel in distress or an airheaded heiress. The show breaks free from the stereotype of the clueless rich girl and instead offers a character who is determined, proactive, and unapologetically self-sufficient. Call Me Bae may not always hit the mark, but it scores high for redefining the image of a modern heroine.

Screenplay: Call Me Bae begins as a light-hearted series, but somewhere along the way, it veers into more intense territory. What starts as a breezy narrative unexpectedly takes a turn into the dramatic. The protagonist embarks on feats that feel somewhat out of place. The tone shifts to embrace a blend of feminist themes, heightened emotions, and dramatic confrontations that might feel heavy and off-putting to others.

The climax, in particular, suffers from these tonal shifts, becoming flawed in its execution. The story starts to lose its footing as it reaches for a breakthrough moment that feels forced rather than earned. The predictability of the narrative is another drawback. The plot becomes easy to anticipate, with the twists and turns visible from miles away.

Vir Das’ character: It’s high time we retire the overused Arnab Goswami impression in films and series. The trope has become stale, outdated, and far from entertaining. Every time a journalist character appears, they seem to be modelled after this same.

While Vir Das brings sincerity and commitment to his performance, even his talent can’t save this character. It’s disappointing to see yet another series resorting to this easy caricature rather than exploring more nuanced, creative representations of journalists. It’s time for storytellers to move beyond this cliché and offer fresh takes on the role of the media in contemporary narratives.

Script Analysis

Call Me Bae writers have made a commendable effort to keep the series as real and unfiltered as possible. The show is peppered with numerous references to other popular shows and movies, such as Friends, Bridgerton, Queen, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’s iconic character, Poo. There’s even a playful recreation of Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani’s wedding moment, set to the song “Ranjhana.” Whether these nods are intentional homages or merely borrowed inspiration is unclear, but they add a fun layer that can keep audiences on their toes.

The series takes the concept of “bro code” and flips it into a refreshing celebration of “sister code.” They emphasise the solidarity and importance of female friendship in a way that feels both cool and relatable. It explores themes of friendship, relationships, and the loneliness one can feel even when surrounded by people, doing so with a surprising amount of emotional depth.

One particularly thoughtful scene features Bae candidly discussing the reasons she might want to skip work, like period cramps and mental health issues. The show makes a point of stressing that these are legitimate concerns, not excuses. It’s a small moment, but it feels significant and sincere, acknowledging the real struggles people face without trivializing them.

Since Bae is a city girl deeply embedded in the Gen Z milieu, expect a heavy dose of current slang and lingo. So much so that the series can be your crash course for modern vernacular. This immersion in Gen Z culture may feel a bit overwhelming for some, but it adds to the show’s authenticity. However, this distinct vibe and language may resonate more with a female audience, as the series seems particularly geared towards young women. They will likely find its themes and characters more relatable.

Performance

Ananya Panday seems born to play Bae in Call Me Bae. From embodying the Queen Bee persona to delivering sass with effortless charm, she makes the character both likeable and engaging, proving that this role fits her like a glove. Panday shines in every scene, bringing a freshness and relatability to Bae that makes it hard to imagine anyone else in the role.

Vir Das is fantastic as Satyajit Sen, the heartless journalist. His comic timing and exploration of morally grey areas make his character memorable. He brings depth and nuance, leaving a strong impression throughout the series. Gurfateh Pirzada’s portrayal of Neel N, a mature and grounded character, might not be the most impactful, but he still manages to capture attention with his calm presence.

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Varun Sood plays Prince, the celebrity trainer with a knack for technology. While he is a visual treat, thanks to his boyish charm, Sood’s dialogue delivery and expressions could use some refinement. Vihaan Samat, who appears briefly as Agastya Choudhary, Bae’s husband, makes the most of his limited screen time with a commendable performance.

Muskkaan Jaferi as Saira, Bae’s best friend, is an absolute standout. Her sharp expressions and savage comebacks make her a delight to watch. She brings a dynamic energy to every scene. Niharika Lyra Dutt, who plays Bae’s second best friend Tammarrah, holds her own against Jaferi. Dutt delivers a strong and competitive performance.

Lisa Mishra, in her debut role as Harleen, does a decent job, showing promise for future projects. Mini Mathur is excellent as Bae’s mother, bringing both warmth and wit to the role. Meanwhile, Riya Sen, Sahil Shroff, and Shiv Masand make their mark in brief cameos, each fitting well into their respective roles.

Conclusion

Concluding the review, Call Me Bae, starring Ananya Panday, is a series that is both watchable and enjoyable. And it is a perfect guilty pleasure. Dharma Productions’ latest offering is a light-hearted romp that serves as an ideal escape on stressful days. The show blends humour, heart, and a touch of glamour, providing a breezy viewing experience that’s both engaging and entertaining. It may not offer groundbreaking storytelling, but its charm lies in its easygoing nature and relatable moments. If you’re looking for a feel-good series to unwind with, Call Me Bae delivers with style and fun.

Watch the trailer of Call Me Bae after the review

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