Thinking about watching Ananya Panday’s debut series, “Call Me Bae,” now streaming on Prime Video? Check out our review before making your decision.
Plot
Bella (Ananya Panday) lives in a very rich family. One fine day, she learns from her mother that they may go bankrupt in a year’s time. Due to the insistence of her mother, she woos Agastya (Vihaan Samat) who is a rich business tycoon. They marry and Bella is able to save her family from bankruptcy.
Due to Agastya’s lack of involvement in the relationship, Bella pursues a fling-like relationship with her gym trainer Prince (Varun Sood) and gets caught. She has to part ways with Agastya and she also loses access to all the money that was at her disposal after marriage. The story that follows, shows how Bella turns into an independent woman with a voice of her own, who can very well look after herself.
Call Me Bae Review Analysis
“Call Me Bae” is a glitzy, pop-paletted fantasy series reminiscent of “Emily in Paris” and “Aisha,” with the over-the-top flair of “Student of the Year.” The show attempts to tackle numerous issues, from loneliness and lovelessness in marriage to finding purpose in life and responsible journalism. However, in its quest to address these themes, the storyline becomes jumbled and overly fantastical, making it more appealing to teenagers but potentially annoying for women in their late 20s who are navigating real-life challenges.
The series features Ananya Panday and tries to connect with Gen Z through social media elements, but these aspects appear and disappear without much impact. Ananya’s course in social media journalism is pitched as an interesting concept, yet the story fails to utilize social media effectively. Instead of being a thought-provoking exploration of a girl’s professional journey, the show turns into a spoof on the ethics and sensibilities of journalism, leaving viewers questioning the authenticity of the characters’ behaviors.
The weak storyline accentuates the acting flaws, and despite Bae calling herself “flawsome,” this version fails to impress.
However, the rest of the cast shines and elevates the show. Niharika Dutt and Muskaan Jaaferi excel as the best friends, Vir Das plays the rival, Gurfateh Pirzada is the knight in shining armor, and Varun Sood is the dependable boy who needs to be there. Their performances collectively work in favor of the web series.
Plus Points: Teens will likely enjoy the “Behen Code” bonding of the trio as they embark on a journey to seek professional validation. Meanwhile, the cast ensures the series remains engaging despite the weak writing.
Minus Points: If you prefer more depth and realism, it might not be for you. After all, no one watches “Call Me Bae” expecting to find profound life answers.
Final Verdict
The standout feature of “Call Me Bae” is undoubtedly its bold, colorful, and dreamy costumes, which rival those in “Emily in Paris.” Ananya Panday carries them with confidence, often distracting from the script’s superficiality. The dialogues are another highlight, often fitting Ananya’s character well and adding some fun moments. If you’re looking for an easy watch to relax and enjoy the vibrant visuals, this show might be a good choice.