The intriguing world of murder mysteries found a new gem in Bollywood with the release of ‘Badla,’ a film that took its audiences through a complex weave of suspense and psychological drama. Bringing together the formidable talents of Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu in one of 2019’s most gripping thrillers, ‘Badla’ is a crime thriller that explores themes of guilt, deception, and justice. It stands as a remake of the 2016 Spanish film ‘The Invisible Guest’, directed by Oriol Paulo, and recreated with a unique twist for the Indian audience under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment and Azure Entertainment.
The crux of ‘Badla’ spins around the mysterious murder case where Naina Sethi, portrayed by Taapsee Pannu, becomes the prime suspect. The plot thickens when she is discovered beside her boyfriend’s lifeless body in a locked hotel room, surrounded by a large sum of money and no plausible escape route. The narrative is evocative of a classic whodunit with an intense courtroom drama unfolding through the corridors of justice, where Amitabh Bachchan takes on the role of Badal Gupta, a sharp and seasoned defense attorney. His character lends the film its investigative thrust, unraveling layers upon layers of deceit and manipulation that question the moral fabric of truth.
During the making of this high-stakes thriller, the passion for perfectionism was embodied by Amitabh Bachchan’s rigorous dedication to his craft. In an anecdote shared by director Sujoy Ghosh during an interview with Mashable India, Ghosh recalled how the legendary actor’s endless rehearsals became a testament to his unwavering commitment, albeit at the expense of exhausting his co-stars. “Sir (Amitabh Bachchan) has been a significant figure in my life. In this scene, he was rehearsing for what might have been the 16th or 17th time. Everyone else was exhausted and had dozed off; Taapsee had nearly fainted in a corner. But sir insisted, ‘Let’s do this,’ and kept rehearsing,” Ghosh elaborated.
This particular enthusiasm for perfection did initially take Taapsee Pannu by surprise. Yet, despite the fatigue, she expressed immense admiration for Bachchan’s electrifying energy on set.
. In a candid conversation with ANI, Taapsee highlighted how sharing the screen with the cinematic giant charged her performance, even amid exhaustion. “I really enjoyed looking into his eyes and performing because that man has some terrific energy in him when he’s in front of the camera. When you look into his eyes and perform, I used to get charged up. It is amazing,” she recounted, underscoring the profound respect she holds for her co-star.
Sujoy Ghosh, who directed this engrossing thriller, initially hesitated to helm ‘Badla.’ The film only came to realization when Taapsee brought the project to him, although Ghosh declined at first. It was through the persistent persuasion of Akshay and Sunil, coupled with the agreement to audition Amitabh Bachchan as well as allowing Ghosh the freedom to rewrite the script, that he finally took the director’s chair. This serendipitous alignment resulted in a well-received collaboration that was able to seamlessly blend storytelling with stellar performances.
‘Badla’ was not only a test of skill but a convergence of creative visions, captured largely in the visually stunning landscapes of Scotland. The film features another notable performance by Amrita Singh and marks an ensemble cast that adds depth to the complex storyline. With strategic production efforts spearheaded by Shah Rukh Khan, the movie stands as an exemplary piece within the genre of murder mysteries and continues to be celebrated for its nuanced execution and arresting narrative.
The intricate storytelling of ‘Badla’ reaffirmed Sujoy Ghosh’s adeptness in crafting suspense-filled narratives, thus enhancing the cinematic experience. Its success within India’s film domain underscores the potential of thoughtful adaptations while maintaining a profound connection with the audience. The film not only captivated viewers but also served as a reflection of persistent efforts and the synergy of an exceptional cast poised to deliver an unforgettable on-screen performance.
