Bawaal movie review: Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor-starrer makes you ask – when will our films come of age?

Directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, Bawaal was expected to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling and deliver a refreshing cinematic experience. Set against the backdrop of a gritty urban landscape, the movie follows the lives of two young individuals, Aditya (Varun Dhawan), an aspiring street artist with dreams of making it big, and Pooja (Janhvi Kapoor), a free-spirited social media influencer, as they navigate the challenges of love, ambition, and societal expectations.
On the surface, Bawaal attempted to address pertinent contemporary issues and the complexities of modern relationships. While the film had all the ingredients of a blockbuster, it struggled to rise above the stereotypes and clichu00e9s that have plagued Bollywood for years. Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s performances were commendable, but the writing lacked depth, resulting in characters that felt one-dimensional and predictable.One of the most significant shortcomings of Bawaal was its screenplay. The narrative struggled to strike the right balance between humor, drama, and social commentary. The storyline meandered at times, leaving the audience unsure of the film’s central message. Though Kashyap’s direction attempted to infuse style and substance into the movie, the disjointed screenplay diluted the impact.Furthermore, the film seemed to fall into the trap of overindulgence. While the first half of Bawaal showcased some gripping moments, the second half lost its way in a maze of unnecessary subplots and superfluous song sequences that did little to enhance the overall storytelling.
Despite these drawbacks, Bawaal did have its moments of brilliance. Supporting actors’ performances, including veteran actor Rajat Kapoor and the dynamic Pankaj Tripathi, injected life into the film whenever they graced the screen. Additionally, the film’s music, composed by Amit Trivedi, struck a chord with the audience and added a layer of emotion to the otherwise lackluster narrative.Source TOIHowever, these bright spots were not enough to overshadow the film’s inherent flaws. As the credits rolled and the lights came on in the cinema halls, many viewers were left pondering over the bigger question u2013 when will our films finally break free from the shackles of conventional storytelling and evolve into mature, thought-provoking cinema that reflects the realities of our society?
Indian cinema has witnessed a gradual shift towards more content-driven narratives, but the journey is far from complete. As the audience craves meaningful storytelling and representation, it becomes imperative for filmmakers and producers to take risks, explore unconventional themes, and invest in fresh talent that can bring these visions to life.In conclusion, Bawaal attempted to deliver a compelling story and commendable performances, but its shortcomings in screenplay and execution hindered its true potential. While Bollywood continues to churn out entertaining films, it is high time for the industry to take a leap towards more mature and socially relevant storytelling. The hope remains that in the not-so-distant future, Indian cinema will truly come of age and reflect the diversity, complexities, and depth that our society possesses.Share your views in the comments.