The story of “Bawaal” revolves around Ajay Dixit (Varun Dhawan), who leads a fabricated life. He has constructed a façade that he presents to the world. However, his world takes a turn when he falls in love with Nisha (Janhvi Kapoor) in his small town. His aspiration to elevate his social status by marrying her sets the stage for a series of events that lead him to a profound realization about what truly matters in life.
“Bawaal” is far from an ordinary love story; it delves into deeper meanings. As previously mentioned, Nitesh Tiwari aims to convey valuable life lessons through his storytelling. It’s noteworthy how the narrative doesn’t solely focus on Varun and Janhvi’s love, but also encompasses various other facets of life. The incorporation of a backdrop of war could easily make the film appear as a period drama. Yet, Nitesh Tiwari adeptly melds the themes of love and war, contextualizing them within the framework of today’s generation.
Drawing from his successes with films like “Chhichhore” and “Dangal,” Nitesh Tiwari once again demonstrates his engaging and captivating storytelling style. A particularly memorable scene features Varun listening to war stories through his headphones, transporting him mentally to the battlefield. The direction of this sequence is executed crisply, evoking a powerful emotional response.
Varun Dhawan embodies the role of Ajay Dixit, a fraudulent schoolteacher who presents a façade of virtue in front of the school principal. He skillfully portrays the complexities of his character, excelling in both comical and intense moments. His natural comedic flair shines effortlessly, making his performance perfect for the role. Janhvi Kapoor, portraying Nisha, brings a vibrant and charismatic presence to the screen. Anjuman Saxena and Manoj Pahwa deliver commendable performances as Ajay Dixit’s parents.
The movie features a few beautiful songs by Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi & Akashdeep Sengupta. Daniel B. George’s background score is just about apt checking the major boxes without any issue. “Bawaal” is a deeply touching film that establishes an immediate emotional connection with the audience but the film’s macho, save-the-marriage traditionalism will seem icky to some viewers — especially because, absent genuine laughs or stakes, there’s little else to take in. It unquestionably warrants a viewing, especially as a great choice for winter streaming.
Rating: 6.5/10