Director: Anand Tiwari
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri, Ammy Virk, Neha Dhupia, Sheeba Chadha
 
"Bad Newz," the spiritual sequel to "Good Newwz," tries to replicate the comedic success of its predecessor but falls short in almost every aspect.
 
Directed by Anand Tiwari, known for his work in web series and small-scale films, "Bad Newz" attempts to blend comedy with drama in a story set in Delhi. Triptii Dimri plays Sonali Bagga, a determined chef aspiring for culinary greatness, whose life takes a turn when she meets Vicky Kaushal's Akhil Chaddha, a charming man with a fear of being without his phone due to a tragic past. The film follows their tumultuous relationship, from romance to separation and a surprising twist involving Ammy Virk's character, Gurbir Pannu.
 
The film's premise is intriguing but fails to deliver a cohesive narrative. The screenplay feels disjointed, lurching from one melodramatic scene to another without allowing the characters to develop naturally. Sonali's journey from ambitious chef to conflicted lover lacks depth, making it difficult for audiences to empathize with her choices. The subplot involving Akhil's nomophobia adds little to the story beyond providing a contrived conflict.
 
Performance-wise, Vicky Kaushal shines as Akhil Chaddha, bringing charisma and emotional depth to a character that feels underdeveloped. His chemistry with Triptii Dimri is palpable but isn't fully utilized due to the script's shortcomings. Ammy Virk and Neha Dhupia deliver competent performances in their limited roles, but their characters lack the depth needed to make a lasting impact.
 
Anand Tiwari's direction struggles to maintain a consistent tone, wavering between comedy and melodrama without achieving a satisfying balance. The film's attempts at humor often fall flat, relying on clichéd dialogue and predictable situations that fail to elicit genuine laughs. Moments intended to be poignant are overshadowed by heavy-handed melodrama, undercutting any emotional resonance the film aims to achieve.
 
Music and cinematography are passable but do little to elevate the overall viewing experience. Songs are forgettable, and visual compositions lack creativity, contributing to the film's overall lackluster presentation.
 
In conclusion, "Bad Newz" fails to live up to its potential as a spiritual sequel to "Good Newwz." Despite a promising premise and strong performances from Vicky Kaushal and the supporting cast, the film is weighed down by a disjointed screenplay, inconsistent direction, and uninspired execution. It may appeal to die-hard fans of the lead actors but offers little else to recommend for general audiences.