Charming cons and revenge plots make for an entertaining blend in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, a 2011 romantic comedy directed by Maneesh Sharma. Starring Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Parineeti Chopra, Dipannita Sharma, and Aditi Sharma, the film takes place in various glamorous locations across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Goa. The genre is a mix of romantic comedy and drama, with an added layer of heist-revenge. It is set in contemporary times, with a glossy, urban feel that matches its light-hearted yet cleverly structured narrative.
The story follows Ricky Bahl, a smooth-talking conman who has made a living duping women by pretending to be the perfect guy. From Mumbai to Delhi, he changes identities and swindles rich, independent women out of their money, each time disappearing without a trace. However, when three of his victims — Dimple, Raina, and Saira — realize they’ve been scammed by the same man, they hatch a plan to take revenge. They team up with Ishika, a savvy and street-smart saleswoman, who will help them lure Ricky into a trap by playing his own game. What follows is a fun cat-and-mouse chase filled with comedic moments, clever strategies, and unexpected twists as the women try to beat Ricky at his own con.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its ensemble cast. Ranveer, as the charismatic and deceptive Ricky Bahl, delivers a performance full of charm, confidence, and mischief. His ability to switch between various personas to con different women is highly convincing, and he gives the character a certain likability despite his dubious morals. Anushka as Ishika is spunky and vibrant, with a natural chemistry with Ranveer that makes their scenes engaging. However, Parineeti’s portrayal of Dimple, the over-the-top, spoiled Delhi girl, steals the show. Her comic timing and expressions bring humor to every scene she’s in, and her infectious energy makes her a memorable part of the narrative. The supporting cast, including Dipannita as the mature and composed Raina, and Aditi as the soft-spoken Saira, round out the film well, each adding their own flavor to the revenge plot.
The direction by Maneesh keeps the pace quick and the tone light, never letting the film become too serious. The narrative flows smoothly between the set-ups of Ricky’s cons and the women’s eventual scheme for payback. Maneesh handles the balance between comedy and drama well, ensuring the audience is entertained without losing the emotional undertones of betrayal, trust, and redemption. He also captures the glamorous locales beautifully, from Delhi’s high-end malls to the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, giving the film a visual appeal that matches its breezy tone.
Cinematography by Aseem Mishra plays a big part in setting the vibe of the film. The bright, well-lit shots bring out the gloss and sheen of the urban landscapes, while the camera work during the con sequences adds a bit of tension and excitement. The color palette is vibrant and youthful, much like the characters themselves. Whether it’s the glitzy homes of the victims or the laid-back, scenic beauty of Goa, the visual style enhances the movie’s upbeat feel.
Music by Salim-Sulaiman adds to the film’s charm, with catchy songs like “Aadat Se Majboor” and “Jazba” perfectly fitting into the storyline. The soundtrack isn’t overbearing but rather complements the narrative, with peppy beats that keep the energy high. The background score subtly intensifies during the con scenes, creating suspense without overshadowing the plot. The song “Thug Le” stands out with its high-energy choreography, featuring both Ranveer and Anushka, highlighting their palpable on-screen chemistry.
Costume design is another aspect worth mentioning. The wardrobe choices, especially for Anushka and Parineeti, reflect their characters’ personalities, with Parineeti’s character Dimple sporting bright, flashy outfits that mirror her loud, unapologetic nature, and Anushka’s Ishika keeping it stylish yet simple, befitting her sharp and no-nonsense attitude. Ranveer’s various avatars are equally well-thought-out, as he slips from one conman identity to another with ease, whether it’s the sophisticated corporate guy or the laid-back charmer from Goa.
While the film has a lot going for it, the screenplay by Devika Bhagat does take some predictable turns. The plot, while engaging, follows a familiar rom-com structure, and seasoned viewers might see some twists coming. However, what makes the film enjoyable is not just the plot but the performances and the chemistry between the cast. The writing is light and humorous, keeping the audience invested in the characters and their ploys.
The themes of deception, revenge, and love are explored with a humorous lens. The film doesn’t delve deep into the emotional or psychological impact of being conned but rather keeps the tone playful and light-hearted. It’s more about the thrill of the chase, the camaraderie between the women, and how they turn the tables on Ricky. The film also touches on the idea of trust and how difficult it is to rebuild once broken, though it doesn’t dwell too long on the darker aspects of betrayal.
In terms of special effects, the movie doesn’t rely heavily on them, as it’s more character-driven. The editing is crisp, especially in the con sequences, where quick cuts and fast pacing keep the energy high. The film’s light use of effects works in its favor, as it doesn’t detract from the story but instead helps maintain the fun, fast-paced rhythm.
Overall, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl is an enjoyable, feel-good film that delivers exactly what it promises—entertainment. It’s not trying to be a deep, soul-searching story but rather a fun ride with charming characters, witty dialogues, and a satisfying payoff. If you’re in the mood for a breezy rom-com with a unique revenge plot, this one won’t disappoint. The performances, especially by Ranveer and Parineeti, elevate the film, and the direction keeps the momentum going without dragging the story. It’s a movie worth watching for anyone who enjoys light-hearted dramas with a dose of romance and humor, especially if you’re a fan of clever heist narratives mixed with emotional stakes.
