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Review by Rishi Kapoor

There is something about Ayushman , the kind of movies he choose are so different where he puts his heart & soul so that we all get a product which is worth a watch .

Bala is a well made movie by Dir. Amar Kaushik, after his last superhit Stree, which revolves around prematurely balding man and it is outrageously hilarious and empathetic at the same time.

Set in Kanpur, the film narrates the story of Balmukund Shukla aka Bala (Khurrana), a stud in his school whose silky smooth hair make him the favourite boy in his class. Switch to his mid-20s and he has a bald pate. His childhood sweetheart has left him, any girl he meets him for marriage takes one look at his bald head and runs away screaming. He also gets demoted at his workplace where he sells Pretty You fairness creams and faces constant humiliation because he looks older for his age and hence can’t be in marketing.

Our hero never gives up and tries everything possible to get his lifeline (hair) back. He finally decides to wear a wig and goes from being the joke of the town to the talk of the town. Soon he finds love in Pari Mishra (Yami). But what happen to Bala’s fate when his childhood friend Latika Trivedi (Bhumi Pednekar) lets the secret out? Will Bala’s wedding night turn into a nightmare? Will his happiness fade like his hairline?

Ayushmann’s imitation of the Bollywood actors is spot on and proves, yet again, why he deserves another Award. Nowhere during the film does it appear that he is doing it extra. In a hilarious situation, Ayushmann as Bala is venting frustration with his two close friends, Bachchan bhaiya (Javed Jaffrey) and Ramu the neighbourhood hairdresser (Abhishek Banerjee). Slightly sozzled, they speak in Amitabh Bachchan style, executing the words with Amitabh Bachchan swagger. While Ayushmann hits the ball out of the stadium with his portrayal of Balmukund, Yami is subtle as Pari. She is believable as a small town ‘TikTok sensation’ and she doesn’t have to go out of her way to prove it. Bhumi Pednekar plays a dark-complexioned lawyer Latika, who is confident in her skin. She is the epitome of feminism and doesn’t compromise on her principles no matter what.

While Ayushmann-Bhumi’s love-hate vibe makes for several funny moments, his TikTok scenes with Yami are undoubtedly the highlight. Quite an interesting way to weave in the 90s flavour with both of them dancing to some popular songs not only recreating the steps but also the looks and outfits.

From Saurabh Shukla, Seema Pahwa and Abhishek Banerjee to Jaaved Jaaferi, every character actor has played their role with a flavour that is unique to themselves. They are entertaining in their own weirdness and don’t remind you of any character you have seen earlier. Vijay Raaz as the narrator deserves a special mention. Also, Dheerendra Kumar Gautam as Bala’s brother is a great casting call and his monologue in front of the entire family earns him claps.

The music of Bala is composed by Sachin-Jigar and it syncs well with the story. A brilliant film by Amar Kaushik which is perfect in all the department and ends with a great message about self love and how it’s important to feel good about your own imperfection in today’s world. A good family movie with a great message that will make you laugh all throughout.