Call Me Bae (Season 1) 2024 – Review
Director: Collin D’Cunha
Starring: Ananya Panday, Vir Das, Vihaan Samat, Varun Sood, Gurfateh Pirzada, and Muskkaan Jaferi
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Language: Hindi
Streaming On: Prime Video
Plot Summary:
‘Call Me Bae’ revolves around the life of Bae, a rich and flamboyant fashionista who enjoys a life of luxury. However, her world comes crashing down when a scandal leads to her being disowned by her affluent family. With no wealth, influence, or the high-society lifestyle she’s used to, Bae is thrust into the real world. The series follows her journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and her attempt to reclaim her life, but in a new, more meaningful way. Bae’s transformation is at the heart of the show as she navigates this unfamiliar territory, learning about herself, relationships, and what truly matters in life.
Characters & Performances:
- Ananya Panday as Bae:
Ananya Panday plays the titular role of Bae, a character who initially comes across as a stereotypical spoiled rich girl. However, as the series progresses, Bae’s character arc is one of transformation. Ananya delivers a good performance, balancing her portrayal of an entitled fashionista with the vulnerability needed for her character’s eventual growth. Her comedic timing, especially in scenes where she is grappling with everyday life struggles, is a highlight, though some emotional moments lack the depth necessary to make her fully relatable. Despite this, Ananya’s screen presence makes her the heart of the series. - Supporting Cast:
The supporting characters in ‘Call Me Bae’ play significant roles in shaping Bae’s journey. While there are romantic angles, it’s her relationships with friends and unexpected mentors that drive her development. The performances by the supporting actors add layers to the narrative. Special mention goes to characters who help Bae through her self-discovery process—whether they challenge her or help her see the world from a different perspective. These actors bring warmth and humor, making the series enjoyable.
Direction:
The show is directed with an eye for aesthetics, which is fitting for a story revolving around a fashionista. The direction cleverly uses visual contrasts to highlight Bae’s old and new worlds. The opulence and glamour of her previous life are juxtaposed with the simplicity of her newfound reality. The color palette is bright, and the scenes are visually rich, especially the ones set in the high-fashion world. However, there are times when the direction feels formulaic, sticking closely to the tropes of “riches to rags” stories without adding much originality.
Writing:
The writing in ‘Call Me Bae’ is light-hearted, with plenty of humor, but at times it lacks depth. While the concept of a wealthy socialite falling from grace has been explored in other series and films, ‘Call Me Bae’ brings a modern Indian twist to it. However, the script doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential to explore deeper themes like class privilege, societal expectations, or personal growth in a more nuanced way. Instead, it often skims over these themes in favor of comedic moments, which, while funny, sometimes come across as shallow. Bae’s journey of self-discovery feels rushed, and the challenges she faces are often resolved too easily.
Music & Soundtrack:
The series’ music complements the light-hearted and fashionable vibe. The soundtrack features upbeat, trendy tracks that align with the world Bae comes from. While not particularly memorable, the music serves its purpose in elevating the tone of the series.
Overall:
‘Call Me Bae’ is a fun, fashionable, and breezy series, though it doesn’t break new ground. It’s enjoyable, especially for viewers looking for light entertainment with a feel-good factor. The series plays with themes of self-discovery, class divide, and relationships, but it could have delved deeper into these areas. Ananya Panday’s performance holds the show together, and the vibrant cinematography adds to the entertainment value. For those who enjoy stories about personal growth with a modern, stylish twist, ‘Call Me Bae’ will be a satisfying watch. However, for viewers looking for more emotional depth or originality in storytelling, the series might feel a little predictable.