Bala

Bala is a 2019 Bollywood comedy-drama film, directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films. The film features a winning combination of comedy and socially relevant themes, providing thoughtful commentary on societal norms, beauty standards, and the pressures people face to conform to them. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana in the title role, with Bhumi Pednekar and Yami Gautam in respectably intriguing supporting roles.

In the movie, Ayushmann Khurrana plays Bala, a young man from Kanpur undergoing premature balding. Dealing with constant societal pressure and mockery, Bala’s life starts spinning out of control as he struggles to reconcile with the fact that he is losing his hair at an accelerating speed. Bala used to be the most popular boy in school, known for his good looks and impressive hair – but his life takes a sharp turn when he has to face the onset of premature balding, which brings him embarrassment and impacts his self-confidence in his twenties.

Bala's struggles are empathetically detailed, showcasing the emotional turmoil he's going through. His desperate attempts to revive his hair and his relentless pursuit to find a cure make for some of the most entertaining sequences in the film. Bala goes to great lengths using all sorts of remedies, from oils and wigs to consulting doctors and even cow dung and bull semen. His desperation leads him to a wig, which allows him to regain his confidence and even rekindle his once-sparkling love life. His journey brilliantly showcases how self-worth and confidence are often tied up with external appearances in society's eyes.

The film presents Yami Gautam as Pari, a model in Lucknow, whose primary claim to success is her fairness — she’s been promoting fairness products. The beauty pageant winner's life revolves around her dazzling on-camera personality and her obsession with being the epitome of perfection. Pari gets romantically involved with Bala, their relationship majorly built on the premise of vanity and self-image. As Pari and Bala's paths intertwine, the film infuses a romance that is filled with sweet moments and movie-like clichés that prove to be a humorous yet sincere commentary on societal beauty standards.

Bhumi Pednekar as Latika is another pivotal character in the film, who is a stark contrast to both Bala and Pari. She is dark-skinned, confident and has accepted her skin color proudly. She defies society beauty conventions and is an advocate of embracing one's true self. Latika's character becomes instrumental in unfolding Bala's quest for acceptance and forms one of the moving aspects of Bala's story.

Amar Kaushik's directorial venture does not shy away from levity, packing every scene with hearty, authentic Indian humor. Despite its comedic elements, Bala is also brimming with compassion, warmth, and a deep understanding of human vulnerabilities. While it satirizes the societal obsession with appearances and beauty, it also addresses the audience with a stronger message—to look past superficiality and embrace their unique self.

The performances by the star cast are highly lauded. Ayushmann Khurrana, known for picking unconventional stories, steals the show with his stunning embodiment of Bala. His anguish, shame, alter ego, and subtle confidence are portrayed commendably. Bhumi Pednekar delivers a powerful message about colorism and body shaming, while Yami Gautam captivates the audience with her onscreen brilliance.

The crisp storyline, combined with Sachin-Jigar's melodious music, add layers of entertainment to the film. Bala is a cinematic treat that tugs on the heartstrings of the viewers while inducing peals of laughter, which makes it worth a watch even for those who are not avid Bollywood fans.

In conclusion, Bala is an engaging blend of comedy and drama that unfolds a story about self-love and societal perceptions of beauty, managing to strike a chord with its compelling narrative and commendable performances. It breaks mainstream Bollywood stereotypes and emerges as a film that values substance over form.