Admitting that comedy is tough to write, Bad Newz writer Dudeja on weaving in the meta Katrina joke with Kaushal and how his actors elevated the material
A still from the film
Nine months ago, Tarun Dudeja’s debut directorial venture, Dhak Dhak, quietly entered the scene, garnering minimal attention. Now, in stark contrast, his follow-up film, Bad Newz, is generating significant buzz ahead of its theatrical release. This new comedy features prominent actors Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, and Ammy Virk. Reflecting on his journey, Dudeja shares, “Dhak Dhak didn’t have a trailer launch event. At Bad Newz’s trailer launch, I was in the first row. Karan Johar [producer] and Vicky mentioned me. The experience was completely different from Dhak Dhak,” says Dudeja, who took on the roles of screenplay and dialogue writer for both films.
The differences between Dudeja’s two projects extend beyond their receptions. Dhak Dhak chronicles the empowering journey of four women on a transformative road trip. Conversely, Anand Tiwari’s Bad Newz delves into the peculiar subject of heteropaternal superfecundation—a rare medical condition where a woman becomes pregnant with twins from two different men.
Tarun Dudeja vividly recalls his introduction to the unusual premise of the story three years ago, authored by Ishita Moitra. “The inspiration came from a newspaper article about a case in China,” he says. Together with Somen Mishra, a creative producer at Dharma Productions, the duo began fleshing out the narrative and integrating new elements. “Anand and I kept experimenting with it. The goal was to evoke the essence of ’90s comedies while grounding the story in realistic emotions,” Dudeja elaborates. Given the evolution of today’s audience, finding the perfect blend between humor and emotional depth was imperative. “Writing comedy is challenging, particularly when it comes to nailing dialogues,” admits Dudeja, emphasizing the collaborative effort he shared with Tiwari to master the script’s comedic punches. They were also conscious of handling emotional scenes and conflicts with the required sensitivity.
Translating humor from a script to the screen is an art form in itself. Fortunately, Dudeja had the advantage of working with Kaushal, Dimri, and Virk, whom he praises for their exceptional comic timing and ability to elevate the written material.
. Kaushal, in particular, was instrumental in bringing one of the trailer’s standout moments to life—a meta joke where Kaushal’s character quips that someone would have to go through his dead body to tear down a poster of Katrina Kaif, Kaushal’s real-life wife. “It was already in the script. We intended to add some jokes about Vicky. He found it even funnier than we did,” recalls Dudeja. “Kaushal not only embraced the joke but delivered it with such conviction that it became funnier than it was on paper.”
Such moments of levity and meta-references were deliberate choices, meant to enrich the viewing experience. They serve as inside jokes for audiences familiar with the personal lives of the actors, providing an added layer of amusement. This delicate balance of humor and heart is a testament to the writer and director’s commitment to both entertaining and resonating with the audience.
The road to creating Bad Newz was paved with detailed planning and extensive experimentation. Dudeja and the rest of the creative team strived to remain true to the spirit of beloved ’90s comedies while making sure the narrative and characters felt contemporary and relatable. “We all have a soft spot for ’90s comedies, but we had to ensure that the story felt fresh and relevant. Today’s audience is sophisticated, and they expect more than just slapstick humor,” notes Dudeja.
With an ensemble cast known for their range and timing, the film promises to offer nuanced yet laugh-out-loud moments. The actors’ synergy and their interpretation of the script’s various layers have added depth to the storyline, making it more engaging. Kaushal, who is often seen in intense roles, steps out of his comfort zone to deliver a performance that’s as funny as it is sincere.
As Tarun Dudeja looks forward to the release of Bad Newz, he reflects on the complex journey of its creation. The film, with its clever script and commendable performances, aims to strike a chord with audiences, much like the comedies of the past it seeks to emulate. The actor-writer-director expresses his gratitude to his cast and crew for their invaluable contributions, turning what was once an ambitious script into a vivid and entertaining cinematic experience.
In conclusion, the transition from Dhak Dhak to Bad Newz marks a significant evolution in Dudeja’s career, demonstrating his versatility and creativity as a filmmaker. As audiences eagerly anticipate its release, Bad Newz stands as a testament to the combined power of thoughtful writing and talented performances, promising a delightful blend of humor and emotion.
