Director: Amar Kaushik
Writer: Niren Bhatt
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee
BHEDIYA is the story of a man who turns into a wolf. Delhi-based Bhaskar (Varun Dhawan) works for Bagga (Saurabh Shukla). The first one is a road contractor and because of his job he is supposed to go to Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh to build a road through the jungle. Bhaskar comes to Ziro along with his cousin Janardan (Abhishek Banerjee). Here, they are joined by a local, Jomin (Paalin Kabaak). The trio then meet Panda (Deepak Dobriyal) who also helps Bhaskar in his mission. Bhaskar's job is not going to be easy as the tribes are not ready to give up their land and let the trees be cut down. Bhaskar then woos the younger generation of the area and through them wins over the older generation. He returns to his boarding house at night when he is attacked by a wolf. The wolf bites him on the buttock. Janardan and Jomin take him to a vet as they feel if word gets out there will be trouble. The vet, Anika (Kriti Sanon), freaks out when she is asked to treat a human patient. She gives him a shot of painkiller. The next day, Bhaskar's wound miraculously disappears. He is able to feel, hear and smell in a much better way. He doesn't realize what is happening. Meanwhile, a few nights later, Prakash (Dosam Beyong), who works with Bhaskar and who had the signed agreements, is killed by the wolf. The agreements disappear. At this point, Janardan and Jomin suspect that Bhaskar might be behind the murder. They come to the conclusion that he has become a 'vishanoo' and this scares the hell out of them as they fear for his safety.
Niren Bhatt's story is fresh and entertaining, while her script has its advantages. The writer has peppered the narrative with some very light-hearted and funny moments. At the same time, he has incorporated the element of emotion well. However, there are several loose ends. Niren Bhatt's dialogues are a highlight. One-liners are just too funny and enhance the impact in various scenes.
Amar Kaushik's direction is fine. Speaking of positives, he has handled the scale and the impressive sets with gusto. His previous two films, STREE [2018] and BALA [2019], were loved for his quirky humor and BHEDIYA is also in the same zone. Hence, despite handling a serious theme, he doesn't let the movie get too heavy. At the same time, the topic at hand is also handled delicately.
On the other hand, the first half is fine. Bathroom humor will put off a portion of the audience. Even violence will not be to everyone's liking. The overall humor and feel of the film is such that it will appeal more to 'A' centers. A character's backstory should have been better explained. Furthermore, it is puzzling that once Bhaskar becomes a wolf, Bagga's traces and that the former has mortgaged his house are completely forgotten.
BHEDIYA begins on a very dark note. Bhaskar and Janardan's entrance scenes are fine. The movie sets the mood once the wolf attacks Bhaskar. The later scenes are okay, but nothing great. The scene in which Janardan puts events in chronological order is fascinating. The halfway point is dramatic. After the interval, the movie picks up when an underwear-clad wolf attacks Janardan and Jomin. The scene afterward is memorable and that also goes for the scene where the madness takes place in a warehouse. The climax is captivating and even moving. The final scene is funny.
Varun Dhawan puts his heart and soul into the role. It's a risky move to play such a role, but Varun throws off his inhibitions and one has to see it to believe what he's managed to achieve. Kriti Sanon looks cute and performs skillfully. However, her screen time is limited, although her character matters. Abhishek Banerjee is the soul of the film and contributes a lot to the laughs. Deepak Dobriyal also makes an impression, but one wishes that in the end he too had a role. Paalin Kabak leaves a huge mark and his outburst in the second half is to be applauded. Saurabh Shukla is wasted. Dosam Beyong and Madang Pai (Ojha) are top notch. Rajkummar Rao and Aparshakti Khurana are great in a cameo.
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