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Review of the Series “Call Me Bae”
Call Me Bae offers viewers a peek into the extravagant lifestyle of Bella, affectionately known as Bae, a South Delhi heiress surrounded by luxury brands that evoke both envy and intrigue. From Chanel to Louis Vuitton, Bae’s interactions with her designer accessories raise questions about her mental wellness and whether she needs a therapist or a stylist. The narrative kicks off when Bae’s glamorous life takes a nosedive due to a scandal that threatens her privileged existence.
What ensues is a tale of decline that promises to be engaging but often falters. Bae’s marriage crumbles, leading to her estrangement from both her family and her husband’s, cutting her off from her lavish lifestyle and financial resources. Forced into a reality stripped of luxury, Bae’s biggest hurdles shift from deciding between brands to navigating life without her familiar safety net. Amid her struggles, she finds solace in a new living situation with friends, introducing a sense of hope and camaraderie. Notably, Muskaan Jaaferi as Saira and Niharika Lyra Dutt as Tammarrah deliver standout performances that bring levity, particularly Jaaferi, who brings an effortless charm that steals some scenes from Ananya Panday.
In contrast, Varun Sood’s role comes off as lackluster, existing merely as eye candy without much character development. Similarly, Gurfateh Singh Pirzada, portraying a journalist and a love interest, spends much of his screen time in a broody state, which detracts from the storyline rather than enhancing it. This lack of depth in character arcs becomes a recurring theme throughout the series.
Other characters fall into the trap of being overly simplistic, preventing any meaningful engagement with their stories. Even Vir Das, usually a reliable source of humor, struggles to break free from his shifted portrayal that veers toward caricature, failing to provide the upswing the narrative desperately needs.
The series seems to aspire to be a sharp critique of the absurdities of wealth, yet it largely misses the mark as it meanders without a clear focus. While it attempts to explore themes of self-discovery and class disparity, it ends up lacking a solid direction, leaving audiences pondering whether it aims to be a sincere reflection on personal growth or simply a humorous take on the wealthy elite.
Ananya Panday competently embodies the role of the out-of-touch Bae, showcasing a blend of innocence and entitlement that resonates with viewers. Certain moments showcase her potential, particularly in a poignant scene where Bae experiences a significant emotional low. In these moments, Panday reveals the depth and complexity that the narrative could have embraced if it were more thoughtfully crafted.
Although some of the writing features clever humor, many dialogues lack substance. Overall, Call Me Bae struggles to balance its ambitions, ultimately dropping the ball on character development and narrative coherence. With a more capable cast, it could have soared.
One redeeming quality of the series is its brisk pacing, which keeps viewers engaged despite its flaws. Rapid transitions from scenes of Bae selling her luxury items to savoring street food create a sense of constant movement that detracts from deeper reflection.
As the series heads toward its conclusion, the final episode raises the stakes, ending on a cliffhanger that hints at a possible continuation. While Call Me Bae may lack depth, it offers an entertaining escapade into the lavish lifestyle of the elite, perfect for viewers looking for light-hearted entertainment. However, those in search of more profound insights into life’s complexities may need to look elsewhere, as Bae’s escapades are as empty as her designer bags.
Source
www.news18.com