In the realm of film and television, some productions are deeply rooted in meticulous research and provoke thoughtful reflection, while others lean towards unabashed entertainment, landing on viewers’ guilty pleasure lists. Prime Video’s latest original series, *Call Me Bae*, clearly falls into the latter category. The show centers around the extravagant lifestyle of Bella “Bae” Chowdhary, a wealthy young woman who finds herself ostracized by her family and sets out to rebuild her life from the ground up in Mumbai.
This premise may seem all too familiar, as it echoes narratives we’ve encountered countless times across various genres. *Call Me Bae* borrows liberally from previous works, reminiscent of shows such as *Schitt’s Creek*, *2 Broke Girls*, and the film *Aisha* featuring Sonam Kapoor. It calls to mind the stylish Poo from *Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…* and Reese Witherspoon’s transformation from sorority queen to Harvard law graduate in *Legally Blonde*, both embodying the classic trope of a seemingly vacuous girl who reveals unexpected brilliance.
Storyline
In its essence, *Call Me Bae* resembles a typical high-school drama filled with delusions and invariably happy endings. It draws connections to nostalgic shows like *Hannah Montana* and *Wizards of Waverly Place*, but distinguishes itself by situating its narrative in the present day, weaving in the ubiquitous influence of social media and featuring a lavish production budget.
The series opens with Ananya Panday’s character, Bella “Bae” Chowdhary, being unceremoniously expelled from her opulent Delhi home during a torrential downpour. Accustomed to life above the fray, marked by helicopter rides and extravagant gifts, Bae faces an uncertain future as she finds herself alone in the city with nothing but her designer luggage, filled with a fortune in fashion. Choosing resilience, she sets out to recreate her narrative in Mumbai. Over the ensuing seven episodes, viewers watch her navigate this new landscape, ultimately succeeding and adhering to the show’s fairy tale framework.
This journey from privilege to a more grounded existence introduces the protagonist to a range of new experiences: staying in a hostel, managing basic chores, sampling simple white bread, and even tackling a leaky roof. Her first ride on an auto-rickshaw garnering a comparison to a Mini Cooper serves as a humorous highlight, which could certainly shift the perspective of those facing tight budgets.
Despite the pangs of nostalgia for her former life, she approaches her new world with optimism. Importantly, her virtues of generosity, kindness, and faith in humanity remain intact. Bae is depicted as someone willing to extend second chances, prioritize friendships, and be unflinchingly honest.
Bae’s character serves as a balm, providing viewers with a reprieve from the harsher truths of reality while reigniting faith in humanity’s better aspects.
However, one might argue that Bae’s transformation unfolds under the presumption that her family will ultimately support her, rendering her struggles somewhat superficial. This notion of “pseudo-poverty,” where the wealthy temporarily abandon their luxuries for a new perspective, seems more entertaining than realistic. With Karan Johar at the helm, expecting grounded storytelling might be overly optimistic.
Johar’s signature cinematic flair fills the series, with events unfolding conveniently for Bae. Nevertheless, there are moments that genuinely elicit smiles. Ultimately, a touch of hope amid the chaos can be refreshing, and *Call Me Bae* manages to encapsulate that sentiment. From the notion of “behen code” (the sister code prioritizing female friends) to affirming one’s flaws while still deserving good fortune, these uplifting themes are comforting.
Yet, had the show dared to tether its narrative closer to reality, it might have faced a far harsher critique. In a struggling economy, where many remain trapped in unsatisfactory jobs, Bae lands a well-paid internship at a prestigious news outlet. Her resume, filled with unconventional courses—from communicating with spirit animals to ethical gemstone design—raises eyebrows, making one wish for an escape into this fictional universe.
*Call Me Bae* makes deliberate efforts to cater to a young, Instagram-savvy audience, peppering the script with pop culture references that may not resonate with all viewers. For those in tune with current trends, the series promises a bundle of entertainment. Highlights include allusions to celebrity happenings and iconic sitcom quotes, suggesting a clear targeting of young adults.
The show adeptly illustrates the impact of social media, with clever visual devices capturing characters’ online interactions, providing a playful twist that feels relatable. A noteworthy editing style enhances the viewing experience, reminiscent of the representation in Panday’s previous Netflix project, *Kho Gaye Hum Kahan*.
However, *Call Me Bae* is more than just a showcase of fashion and social media. It briefly touches upon serious themes of loneliness and childhood neglect, although it could do a better job addressing these issues. The emotional scars from her once gilded cage resonate, yet the show downplays the gravity of these challenges, offering only a timid portrayal instead of a deeper exploration.
We see the usually vibrant Bae engaging in poignant moments—talking to her collection of handbags as though they were confidants and desperately seeking human connection, even in unconventional settings. Despite her whimsical courses, the series glosses over the darker implications of her loneliness, opting for a less severe representation.
Characters
On another note, the series critiques contemporary journalism, especially the television industry. It suggests that genuine journalism is becoming endangered, highlighting instances where reporters are more focused on sensationalism than substance. Comedian Vir Das stands out as a self-absorbed journalist, embodying the thirst for drama and sensationalism that characterizes certain media narratives today. His portrayal serves as a satirical reflection of a broken system.
Furthermore, the show features independent journalist Faye Desouza in a cameo, offering candid advice to aspiring journalists seeking meaningful careers outside the confines of television. Her appearance reinforces the message regarding the decline of journalistic integrity.
Call Me Bae Review: Verdict
Rating: 8/10
