For those who missed the facebook update, I saw this movie on Friday itself and the intention was to put the review shortly after. Since then, though, I've been procrastinating.
To clarify, Badla is what would have otherwise been a brilliant watch - it has a great plot, good progression and twists and turns that keep you guessing till the very end. The performances by the leads, Amitabh Bacchan and Tapsee Pannu are really good as well. The problem then? Only the little matter that this is an 'official re-make' of a Spanish movie - The Invisible Guest. And so much of a re-make this is - that the entire setting, plot, dialogues, characters, even screenplay and props - everything is simply the same as the original. I hope you see now where the frustration and hence procrastination came from. Add to it the fact, that this is now the second time a classy director like Sujoy Ghosh has done this (he did it first with Te3n) and its a worrying trend.
At this point, I am not sure what to praise - because all the appreciation I have is actually deserved by The Invisible Guest. So while this review will still be about Badla - the real credit for most of the good stuff goes to the Spanish original - which by the way, is readily available on Netflix.
Those who have seen the trailer of the movie need not fret - you don't know everything that happens and there are plenty of surprises in store. In fact, the opening moments of Badla cover most of what you've seen in the trailer. The story is king here and it will hold your attention throughout the runtime. In fact, this is one of those where the plot gets so convoluted that you have a tough time keeping up with what's happened and why, while still watching. In fact, in the second half, there are multiple points where you feel you now finally understand what happened and yet, the script has more tricks up its sleeve.
In terms of the act, Amitabh Bacchan is too much of a veteran to find this kind of role challenging. That said, he seems a little too smug and patronizing given the character he plays. He could really have played it down a lot more. Taapsee Pannu on the other hand, is surprisingly emotive, standing her own even in the same frame as Amitabh in some scenes. Still she doesn't really sink into her character. An inspired though short performance is that of Amrita Singh who comes across as really genuine.
I would've really liked to praise the direction. The presentation is tight and slick. There are some scenes that would've been a great directorial touch. Unfortunately, its all simply picked up from the original. There are some sad attempts at forced humor that slows down proceedings at the wrong time, but these moments are thankfully brief.
To clarify on my stance though, I have no issues with 'official re-makes' of such brilliant plots being made - in fact, I'd encourage it. But to get this from a stalwart director like Sujoy Ghosh - is just distressing. You expect him to make the next Kahaani - not make these kind of re-makes instead - we already have Abbas Mastaan for that.
As an unusual case then, while I really liked the movie and would highly recommend a watch, I do so with a lot lesser enthusiasm. Of course, if you know Spanish or are okay with subtitles, I'd much more highly recommend The Invisible Guest.
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