Ananya Panday’s chick show is a guilty pleasure with oodles of fun and Dharmatic-style

Story: Bella’s disownment by her ultra-rich family due to a scandal thrusts her into an unfamiliar world where she must navigate life without her previous privileges. On this journey, she overcomes stereotypes and discovers who she really is.

Review: Directed by Colin D’Cunha and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, Call Me Bae is a visually stunning series, with vibrant colors, fashionable outfits, and chic settings that will likely remind viewers of shows like Emily in Paris. However, beneath its glossy surface, the narrative treads familiar ground, recycling the well-worn ‘rich girl becomes poor’ trope seen in shows like Two Broke Girls and Schitt’s Creek. Despite its predictability, the drama surrounding a billionaire fashionista navigating the real world retains a certain charm and freshness, making it one of the most binge-able and entertaining shows in recent times.

Set in Delhi, Call Me Bae follows the life of Bella, aka Bae (Ananya Panday), a woman born with a golden spoon into luxury. Her life appears perfect, from a fairy-tale wedding with business tycoon Agastya Chowdhary (Vihaan Samat) to an array of luxury cars and a helicopter. However, when Bae’s brief affair with her personal trainer, Prince (Varun Sood), is exposed, her world comes crashing down. Disowned by her loved ones, Bae is forced to start over as a middle-class girl in Mumbai, where she must navigate the struggles of her new life. The question remains: can she carve out a life for herself in the bustling city of dreams?

Created by Ishita Moitra and co-written by Samina Motlekar and Rohit Nair, Call Me Bae offers a visually appealing experience but often prioritizes style over substance. Bae’s transition to a new life in Mumbai, aided by Saira Ali (Muskkaan Jaferi), feels too convenient, and the struggles she faces are never fully convincing. Despite this, Bae’s innocence and naivety, coupled with catchy punchlines, make her an endearing character. Whether she’s wondering why rickshaws don’t have seatbelts or calling herself a ‘social media journalist,’ Bae’s quirky dialogue and entertaining delivery keep viewers engaged.

Ananya Panday shines as Bella, delivering a relatable performance that anchors the show. Her portrayal of a character who is both vulnerable and stubborn adds depth to the series, making Call Me Bae a guilty pleasure. The production quality is top-notch, with stylish visuals that will appeal to fans of fashion and lifestyle content. The catchy dialogue and vibrant cinematography by Niranjan Martin enhance the viewing experience, although the pacing drags in some scenes, particularly those set in Mumbai, which can feel repetitive.

The supporting cast, including Gurfateh Pirzada as Neel, Varun Sood as Prince, Vihaan Samat as Agastya and Mini Mathur as Bae’s mother Gayatri, bring energy to their roles but suffer from underdeveloped characters. The show heavily revolves around Bae and her #Bhen-code gang, with Muskkaan Jaferi and Niharika Lyra Dutt delivering strong performances as Bae’s new bestie Saira Ali and colleague-cum-housemate Tammarrah Pawwarh. Vir Das as TV anchor Satyajit Sen aka SS and Lisa Mishra as show producer Harleen offer decent performances.

The soundtrack, featuring peppy beats like the title track, Vekh Sohneyaa, and Warey, blends well with the drama. Churaaiyaan adds emotional depth to Bae’s journey, enhancing the themes of romance and heartbreak.

In conclusion, Call Me Bae is a stylish comedy-drama that stands out by frequently mocking its own absurdities, adding an element of self-aware humor. While the show boasts strong performances and high production values, it doesn’t offer much in the way of new storytelling. Fans of the genre will likely enjoy the ride, but those seeking something fresh may find the series a bit too familiar.