
Bollywood has a long tradition of finding humor in the chaos of relationships, but Bad Newz takes things to a whole new level. Directed by Anand Tiwari and starring Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk, this comedy explores the mind-boggling phenomenon of “heteropaternal superfecundation”-when twins have different fathers. With a premise so bizarre it’s almost unbelievable, Bad Newz delivers a cocktail of romance, rivalry, and razor-sharp gags, all wrapped in a modern, relatable package.
Story: When Life Throws the Ultimate Curveball
Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri) is a talented chef with dreams of winning the prestigious Meraki Star for her restaurant. She meets Akhil Chadha (Vicky Kaushal), and their whirlwind romance quickly leads to marriage. But cracks soon appear- Akhil’s immaturity and lack of ambition clash with Saloni’s drive, and after a heated argument that costs Saloni her job and her restaurant its Meraki Star, the couple decides to divorce.
Saloni moves to Mussoorie for a fresh start, joining a restaurant run by the sensitive and supportive Gurbir Singh Pannu (Ammy Virk). After a night of emotional vulnerability and a little too much to drink, Saloni and Gurbir have a one-night stand. Fate, however, isn’t done with Saloni-Akhil shows up at her door the same night, and another drunken encounter ensues.
Weeks later, Saloni discovers she’s pregnant. A paternity test reveals a jaw-dropping twist: she’s expecting twins, and each baby has a different father- one Akhil’s, one Gurbir’s. What follows is a hilarious tug-of-war as both men move in with Saloni, each trying to prove he’s the better partner and dad. From push-up contests to Rubik’s cube showdowns, the rivalry escalates, with Saloni caught in the middle of the madness.
As the pregnancy progresses, Saloni’s stress mounts. A medical emergency forces Akhil to make a selfless decision: deliver the twins early to save both babies, even though it puts his own child at risk. The babies arrive healthy, and Saloni, moved by Akhil’s gesture, rekindles their relationship. Gurbir, meanwhile, finds closure and reunites with his ex-girlfriend, bringing the wild saga to a heartfelt close.
Performances: Chemistry, Comedy, and Charm
Vicky Kaushal shines as Akhil, blending goofy charm with moments of real vulnerability. His comic timing is impeccable, and he brings depth to a character who could have easily been just another “man-child.” Kaushal’s performance is both hilarious and, in the film’s more serious moments, surprisingly touching.
Triptii Dimri is the emotional anchor of the film as Saloni. She navigates the chaos around her with wit and warmth, making Saloni’s dilemmas feel real and relatable. Dimri’s chemistry with both Kaushal and Virk keeps the love triangle engaging and believable.
Ammy Virk is a revelation as Gurbir, the gentle, modern man who’s as comfortable in the kitchen as he is in a family spat. His understated humor and sincerity make him a worthy rival to Kaushal’s Akhil, and the two actors play off each other brilliantly.
The supporting cast, especially Mona Singh as Saloni’s mother and Mahabir Bhullar as Gurbir’s grandfather, add flavor and authenticity to the family chaos.
Direction and Writing: Fast, Funny, and Full of Heart
Director Anand Tiwari keeps the film moving at a brisk pace, never letting the energy flag. The screenplay, by Ishita Moitra and Tarun Dudeja, is packed with witty dialogue, clever setups, and laugh-out-loud set pieces. The film isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself, with meta-references to Bollywood tropes and a tongue-in-cheek cameo by Ananya Panday as herself, planning to star in a movie about Saloni’s story.
Despite its outlandish premise, the film grounds its comedy in real emotions-jealousy, insecurity, the longing for acceptance, and the messiness of modern love. The result is a movie that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
Music and Visuals: Colorful, Catchy, Contemporary
The soundtrack is lively and modern, with songs that match the film’s playful tone. Dance numbers and background tracks keep the mood upbeat, while the cinematography captures both the bustle of city life and the tranquility of Mussoorie’s hills.
The film’s visual style is bright and energetic, reflecting the chaos and color of its characters’ lives. The editing is sharp, ensuring that even the most farcical moments land with perfect timing.
Themes: Love, Family, and the Unexpected
Bad Newz is ultimately about embracing life’s unpredictability. It explores the pressures women face to succeed both professionally and personally, the challenges of modern relationships, and the meaning of family in a world where the old rules no longer apply. The film also gently pokes fun at society’s obsession with “the perfect family,” showing that love and support matter more than biology or tradition.
The rare phenomenon of heteropaternal superfecundation is played for laughs but also used as a metaphor for the unexpected twists that life throws at us-and the importance of facing them with humor and heart.
Standout Moments
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The paternity test reveals: The doctor’s explanation of Saloni’s twins and their different fathers is both hilarious and jaw-dropping.
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The “dad-off” competitions: Akhil and Gurbir’s over-the-top rivalry, from fitness challenges to cooking battles, provides some of the film’s best laughs.
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The hospital climax: Akhil’s selfless choice adds a layer of emotion and maturity to the comedy, giving the film real heart.
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The Bollywood meta-ending: Ananya Panday’s cameo as herself, planning to play Saloni in a movie, is a clever, self-aware touch.
Strengths
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Fresh, original premise that stands out in the rom-com genre.
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Strong performances from all three leads, with excellent chemistry.
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Smart, witty writing that balances slapstick and sincerity.
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Energetic direction and editing that keep the pace lively.
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A satisfying mix of humor, romance, and emotion.
Weaknesses
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The plot’s medical premise is far-fetched, requiring suspension of disbelief.
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Some supporting characters could have been more developed.
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Occasional tonal shifts from comedy to drama can feel abrupt.
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Predictable resolution-the love triangle wraps up a bit too neatly.
Final Verdict: A Comedy That Delivers Good News
Bad Newz is a breath of fresh air for Bollywood’s romantic comedy scene. It takes a wild, almost unbelievable concept and turns it into a heartfelt, hilarious, and thoroughly entertaining film. With its sharp writing, energetic performances, and a story that celebrates the messiness of love and family, it’s a movie that will leave you laughing-and maybe even a little moved.
If you’re in the mood for a comedy that doesn’t play by the usual rules and isn’t afraid to get a little weird, Bad Newz is well worth your time.