Call Me Bae, a new series on Prime Video India, attempts to weave a social comedy out of the trials faced by a wealthy South Delhi girl. Created by Ishita Moitra and co-written with Samina Motlekar and Rohit Nair, the show is directed by Collin D’Cunha and stars Ananya Panday in the lead role. Despite the show’s engaging premise and notable casting, it struggles to deliver anything beyond familiar clichés.
The plot follows Bella Chowdhary, nicknamed Bae, portrayed by Panday, who is thrust into the real world after her life of luxury comes crashing down. As her family faces financial ruin, Bae’s marriage to a wealthy businessman momentarily rescues them. However, her world is upended when her husband cuts off her access to their wealth, leading her to navigate life on her own in Mumbai.
While Panday’s performance brings a relatable quality to her character, the show’s script lacks originality. The narrative, which mirrors common tropes of rich-to-rags stories, doesn’t provide any profound revelations or substantial character development. Bae’s transition from opulence to the everyday challenges of life is portrayed with a light touch, but the journey remains predictably superficial.
The show’s depiction of Bae’s struggles includes finding a job, sharing a flat, and adjusting to a simpler lifestyle, but these moments are portrayed with a certain frivolity rather than depth. Despite a solid performance from Panday, the show does not delve deeply into the real-life challenges that would accompany such a drastic change in circumstances.
Casting and Performances
The casting of Call Me Bae is one of its strengths. Ananya Panday effectively embodies her character, bringing charm and relatability to Bae. Supporting performances include Muskkan Jaferi as Saira Ali, who becomes Bae’s friend and ally, and Sayani Gupta in a memorable cameo. Vir Das as the arrogant news anchor Satyajit Sen and Gurfateh Pirzada as the principled journalist Neel N. add to the show’s dynamic, though their roles are limited by the script’s constraints.
The show’s writing blends humor with moments of seriousness, particularly in its final episodes where Bae uncovers a media-corporate conspiracy. However, the transition from light comedy to serious drama feels uneven, and the show struggles to maintain consistent engagement.
Final Thoughts
Call Me Bae is a watchable series that offers some entertainment value and a few humorous moments. It highlights Ananya Panday’s potential in a leading role and features a cast that adds depth to the show’s limited narrative scope. Yet, its failure to offer fresh perspectives or significant character evolution results in a somewhat forgettable experience.
For viewers seeking a light-hearted drama with familiar plot elements and a charismatic lead, Call Me Bae might provide temporary amusement. However, those looking for a deeper or more innovative take on the genre may find the series lacking in substance.
Sources By Agencies
