When “Bhediya” was first announced, my eyes caught the director’s name. It was Amar Kaushik, the director of Stree. And that made me feel good about this movie. Now that I’ve watched it, I feel better. “Bhediya,” that takes the werewolf concept and transforms it into a… well, love story but with a lot more themes. Starring Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon in lead roles, the film explores the theme of werewolves within the context of an engaging love story and a quest for justice.
“Bhediya” stands out for its fresh and unconventional approach. By blending the werewolf folklore with a contemporary setting, the film offers a unique twist to the genre. The narrative centers around Bhaskar, a construction contractor who goes to Arunachal Pradesh to build a highway through the dense jungle of Ziro. However, their ambitious project faces not only resistance from the local tribal community but also something spookier. Strange and unforeseen deaths start occurring shortly after Bhaskar is bitten by a mysterious wild creature.
Varun Dhawan delivers a commendable performance as Bhaskar, portraying the complexities of his character with conviction. His emotional range and dedication shine through, right from his physical transformation to his comic timing to the high-energy dramatic scenes. Absolutely loved Varun here. Abhishek Banerjee as JD, is simply the fine wine he is, nailing his one-liners to perfection. However, as is customary in Bollywood, Kriti Sanon, as Dr. Anika, could have been better utilized. However, she brings her own charm and talent to the screen, bettering the narrative.
Commendable VFX and cinematography overshadow the occasional tired tropes of Bollywood
The one thing I was very scared about was the VFX. However, the makers of actually took care of that seriously and the results show. The transformation sequences look pretty convincing, immersing the audience in the werewolf’s world. Dark, eerie surroundings, a good number of jumpscares and the uncanny BGM enhance the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the cinematography captures the beauty and mystique of the film’s setting, adding to its visual appeal. Loved how the characters themselves started naming popular supernatural Hindi movies to avoid any comparisons.
“Bhediya” transitions between romance (why, just keep it a supernatural movie na), action, and horror, creating a dynamic and engaging storyline. While “Bhediya” presents a unique concept, certain aspects of the plot feel predictable. The storyline occasionally follows the same old patterns, reducing the element of surprise or suspense. A more unexpected and unconventional narrative would have definitely made it a better movie. Also the message sent across is well received, and I like how director Amar Kaushik chose to deliver it.
PS- Full marks for that surprise in the end :p
The film had a lot to improve on, but is still an entertainer
Okay, but it’s not like “Bhediya” is a masterpiece. At times, the movie struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The blending of genres doesn’t always flow seamlessly, resulting in moments where the romantic aspects overshadow the horror elements. Also, there a certain scenes which are milked more than needed, thus stretching the second half. A more cohesive integration of these genres and sharper editing would have strengthened the film’s impact. While “Bhediya” touches on themes such as justice, societal norms, and environment conservation, it only scratches the surface of these ideas. I think if they had not focussed on the love angle, the film could have delved deeper into these themes. But you win some and you lose some I guess.
“Bhediya” delivers an exciting werewolf adventure with its unique concept, impressive performances, and striking visual effects. While the film could have benefited from a more unpredictable plot, consistent tonal shifts, and deeper exploration of themes, it still manages to provide a paisa vasool experience. If you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers and are craving something funny,”Bhediya” will certainly deliver up to your expectations.
