In the realm of cinema, there exist both gems and flops, but Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s Bawaal falls into the category of a good film. At first glance, it might seem like a typical story revolving around love, ego clashes, family drama, and chauvinism. However, beneath its surface, the movie delves into the complexities of self-image and the consequences it can have on the emotions of those around us.
The film unfolds as a unique love story, centering around the male chauvinist, Ajay (Varun Dhawan), who consistently belittles Nisha (Janhvi Kapoor), failing to see her as an individual and reducing her worth. He views their marriage as a mere favor he granted to her and even goes so far as to refer to her as a “defective piece.”
Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal of Nisha showcases her growth as an actor, and her ability to exude effortless innocence through her eyes is commendable. Nisha’s character teaches us the importance of embracing vulnerability and accepting imperfections. On the other hand, Ajay is depicted as a narcissistic history teacher who embarks on a trip through Europe with his wife, eventually realizing the hollowness of his superficial image and the true essence of life.
As the story begins, Ajay is an imposing figure, obsessed with his appearance and least interested in his job or the future of his students. Despite being a history teacher, he lacks knowledge in his subject matter. His shame over his wife’s epilepsy pushes him to distance himself from her, fearing that her condition might tarnish his carefully crafted image.
Suspension from work leads Ajay to embark on a journey across Europe, where he starts teaching his students from historical World War II sites. It is during this voyage that Ajay’s transformation begins.
While Bawaal is not a film to be disregarded, given its flaws, one cannot help but expect more from a Nitesh Tiwari creation. Nevertheless, amidst its imperfections, the movie offers a crucial takeaway – the significance of embracing one’s true self, imperfections and all, rather than perpetuating a facade of falsehood.
In the end, Bawaal serves as a compelling narrative of love, ego, and self-discovery, leaving viewers with valuable insights into the complexities of human emotions and the pursuit of genuine authenticity.