Battling insecurities in a society obsessed with beauty standards, Bala dives into the sensitive issue of premature baldness and self-acceptance. This 2019 comedy-drama, directed by Amar Kaushik, stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar, and Yami Gautam in a setting reflective of modern-day Kanpur and Lucknow. The story highlights the constant struggles of an individual against societal prejudices, cleverly blending humor with an impactful message. As a film that explores self-esteem, self-image, and how society’s perception of beauty affects individuals, Bala is both timely and relatable, especially in the genre of social comedy.
At the center of the story is Balmukund Shukla, or Bala (Ayushmann), who, once known for his abundant hair and confidence, starts losing hair in his twenties. This shift shatters his confidence and strains his relationships, leading him to obsess over regaining his lost hair. Bala tries various quirky remedies, even wearing a wig to conceal his baldness. However, when he meets Pari (Yami), a TikTok star who embodies society’s ideal of beauty, Bala finds himself trapped in a web of insecurities and lies. Adding to the complexity is Latika (Bhumi), a dark-skinned lawyer who becomes a friend and confidante. Through Bala’s journey, the film navigates his internal conflict between conforming to beauty standards and accepting himself as he is.
The acting in Bala deserves commendation, especially Ayushmann’s performance as a man plagued by self-doubt. Known for his choice of unconventional roles, Ayushmann skillfully brings Bala’s insecurities to life, balancing the character’s despair and humor. His portrayal is genuine, as he transitions from a confident young man to someone battling vulnerability and self-consciousness. Yami is charming as Pari, embodying superficial beauty with a subtle touch of vulnerability, making her character more than just a pretty face. Bhumi’s role as Latika, though unconventional, brings authenticity to the story. Bhumi’s darkened skin makeup sparked debate, yet her portrayal of Latika is heartfelt, conveying the plight of a woman marginalized for her appearance. The trio’s chemistry anchors the film’s emotional core, offering layered performances that resonate with the audience.
The direction by Amar Kaushik, who previously worked on Stree, captures small-town nuances brilliantly. Kaushik’s lens offers an authentic portrayal of Kanpur and Lucknow, bringing the characters’ socio-cultural background to the forefront. His direction ensures the story strikes a balance between humor and social commentary, crafting scenes that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Kaushik’s style highlights Bala’s inner turmoil while shedding light on societal standards, making the audience introspective about the pressures surrounding beauty and self-worth. Through carefully crafted dialogues and situational humor, he draws the viewer into Bala’s world, creating empathy without drifting into melodrama.
The cinematography by Anuj Rakesh Dhawan enhances the story’s charm, capturing the essence of the small-town setting with a vivid and natural palette. The warm colors, close-ups, and carefully framed shots emphasize Bala’s struggle with his appearance, while the cityscapes of Kanpur and Lucknow add an authentic backdrop. The way the camera lingers on Bala’s expressions in private moments accentuates the internal conflict he faces, making the scenes impactful. Additionally, the cinematography subtly shifts tones between Bala’s comedic escapades and the more emotional scenes, enhancing the narrative’s layered approach to beauty standards.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Sachin-Jigar, is catchy and fits well within the story. Tracks like “Don’t Be Shy” and “Naah Goriye” are energetic and amplify the film’s youthful appeal. However, the emotional depth of the story is best captured by the background score, which aligns with Bala’s mood transitions, from confident to self-conscious. The songs serve as transitions between scenes, lightening the mood and adding to the film’s entertainment quotient without detracting from its message. The musical effects, paired with crisp editing, allow the story to flow seamlessly while enhancing its relatability.
Costume design and makeup also play a crucial role, especially in portraying Bala’s gradual hair loss and the efforts he takes to hide it. The detailed attention to Ayushmann’s look—from his wigs to his final acceptance of baldness—conveys the lengths people go to in hiding their insecurities. Bhumi’s makeup, which involved darkening her skin tone to portray Latika, sparked controversy but visually underscores society’s unfair beauty standards. Yami’s glamorous outfits and vibrant makeup reflect her character’s social media fame, adding contrast to Bala’s and Latika’s more grounded looks. The visual storytelling here is instrumental in emphasizing the film’s core themes of self-acceptance and societal pressures.
As a whole, Bala delivers a balanced mix of humor and introspection, making it one of Ayushmann’s memorable performances. The story not only entertains but also encourages viewers to question superficial beauty norms and embrace individuality. Although the film’s use of makeup to portray Bhumi’s character received mixed reactions, her character serves as a poignant counterpoint to Bala’s own insecurities, reminding the audience of the double standards that persist around beauty and self-worth. Amar Kaushik’s direction, combined with strong performances and a thoughtful script, creates a compelling narrative that addresses important social issues without losing its entertainment value.
For anyone seeking a film that is both light-hearted and meaningful, Bala is a refreshing watch. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own insecurities and societal perceptions, packaged within a story that is as heartfelt as it is humorous. This movie is a must-watch for fans of socially relevant comedies, as it doesn’t shy away from addressing difficult conversations with humor and grace. The film’s combination of a strong script, solid direction, and exceptional performances makes it a stand-out addition to Bollywood’s genre of socially conscious entertainment.
