Amazon MiniTV’s latest web series ‘Badtameez Dil’ is finally out after a long wait. Is this show, starring Barun Sobti and Ridhi Dogra in the lead, worth your time? Or can you simply skip it? Read the full review to find out.
Director: Prashant Bhagia
Cast: Riddhi Dogra, Barun Sobti, Minissha Lamba, Shivam Bhaargava, Mallika Dua
Available On: Amazon MiniTV
Duration: 10 Episodes, Around 30 Minutes Each
A woman (Ridhi Dogra) who believes in the old-school magic of romance and a practical man (Barun Sobti) who believes in modern-day dating, fall in love with each other despite their opposing ideas of romance. Will the two be able to make it work? Or will their opposing opinions of love kill their relationship? Well, to know all that, you’ll have to watch ‘Badtameez Dil’.
Barun Sobti’s good looks and body language are pretty much perfect for a character like this. But, don’t know why he is hamming so much in the dialogues. His character comes out to be too pushy, which is much more than needed. He had to play the nonchalant lover boy but he ends up coming out as a hater of love altogether, which was pretty much not the intention. It’s only during the climax and towards the end of the series that he gets his mojo back, and then his performance looks a lot more realistic. However, his onscreen chemistry with Ridhi Dogra is brilliant. They both look oh-so-hot together onscreen.
Ridhi Dogra challenges herself in a character that’s way different from what she is in reality. The posh and confident Ridhi Dogra makes way for the geeky, underconfident, gullible and nerdy Liz. While initially, you start scratching your head thinking why is her character being such a pile-on, but within a couple of episodes that behaviour or hers starts attracting you, and you subtly start liking the character unknowingly. Managing to get that transition perfect is the sheer brilliance of Ridhi Dogra. To add to that, her onscreen chemistry with Barun Sobti is simply too hot to handle.
It was very good to see Minissha Lamba back onscreen after a long time. Good to see her in that bubbly zone from ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’, but what’s better is that the bubbliness comes despite a lot of maturity and gravitas to the performance. She brings in the cool elder sister vibe perfectly and never lets that character cross the boundary to becoming slutty. Despite a smaller screen time, a much-balanced performance.
Not sure why Mallika Dua agreed to do this show. She, being such a popular star in the comedy circuit, is playing something that’s so far away from her comfort zone. It had been a good thing if she had a worthy enough character, but alas! Her character is barely there in bits and pieces and, as a fan of hers, you’re left picking up the scraps, as she is barely seen onscreen.
Ritu Bhatia’s writing is mushy and if you’re an old-school romantic at heart, you couldn’t have asked for more. The story has the old-world charm, the characters feel like they’re out of a Hallmark movie and you instantly feel that warmth and feel like the romance in the air.
Prashant Bhagia’s direction is decent, but he could have said ‘No’ to a lot of stuff, which invariably made the show lengthy. However, he has managed to keep the Ekta Kapoor vibe intact in the show, which is a great achievement.
Vladimir Ilic and Achyutanand Dwivedi’s cinematography is pretty much the best thing about ‘Badtameez Dil’. The exotic locales of Serbia make the feeling of this mushy romance come alive. A similar feel wouldn’t have been possible to achieve had the entire show been shot in Mumbai. The placement of the scenes and the gorgeous outdoor locations make you feel like love is in the air, thereby justifying the story’s plot.
Ashish Vichare and Shadab Khan have let the show extend a bit too long. Their editing is pretty much the worst thing about the show. There are numerous places where you’re left wondering why was this part shown for so long. Had it been chopped down properly it wouldn’t feel like it’s dragging a bit too much in the middle. Also, with a lot more crisp editing, the show could have been wrapped up in 8 or max 9 episodes rather than dragging it out to 10 episodes, which was almost unnecessary.
Pranaay’s background score is nothing too wow. There are scenes where there is barely any background score and it doesn’t seem too appropriate.
Ankit Tiwari, Sandman, and Akhil Sachdeva's music is good. Songs like ‘Jaane Bekhabar’ and ‘Haareya’ stick on with you much after you’ve seen the show.
Yes
‘Badtameez Dil’ is a mushy romantic show which is dipped in old-school charm. If you’re a hardcore romantic and love those Ekta Kapoor’s ALT Balaji romantic shows, then this Ridhi Dogra-Barun Sobti show is a Must Watch for you. Otherwise, Avoid it. I am going with 3 stars.