Aayushman khurana has been delivering movies on social issues and has been nailing those roles again and again. Bala too, will be considered as one of his finest performance because he potrays the emotions so nicely that even though you laugh at some scenes, you still feel sad for him. The supporting cast also nails and fit perfectly in there roles. The UP accent, family drama, all these things make you believe that indeed you are in kanpur. Yami Gautam also has been given some good scenes and has played her role nicely. Just one problem with the film was the casting of bhumi pednekar. The make up done on her is really distracting whenever she comes in screen and also just opposes to the social message that the film wants to deliver. Still you ignore this because of the way Bhumi played the character of Latika and you feel for her from the first scene itself. Constantly entertaining and not even a single dull moment ! Go for it !!
175 Reviews
Hair or No Hair - Life is beautiful..!! 👍
Tejas_Vinda_AITS7 November 2019
A feel-good comedy that tackles premature hair loss.
Ayushmann as a bald man, who struggles to get a girl due to the defect. Every girl he tries to impress rejects him as soon as they see his head. He also faces a lot of embarrassment and humiliation on a daily basis.
Finally, his father gifts him a wig, following which he is able to impress a very pretty girl, played by Yami Gautam. However, he soon realises that wig cannot be a permanent solution, and hence, the drama continues.
Bala is a feel-good, highly entertaining movie that will definitely make you laugh out loud.
Though the message of self-acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin is something that dosnt come through convincingly.
But one thing is guaranteed - you will walk out of the theatre with a smile on your face.
Ayushmann as a bald man, who struggles to get a girl due to the defect. Every girl he tries to impress rejects him as soon as they see his head. He also faces a lot of embarrassment and humiliation on a daily basis.
Finally, his father gifts him a wig, following which he is able to impress a very pretty girl, played by Yami Gautam. However, he soon realises that wig cannot be a permanent solution, and hence, the drama continues.
Bala is a feel-good, highly entertaining movie that will definitely make you laugh out loud.
Though the message of self-acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin is something that dosnt come through convincingly.
But one thing is guaranteed - you will walk out of the theatre with a smile on your face.
One-Line Review: Bala / Good Entertainer On a Hackneyed Container / 7 Stars
nairtejas27 March 2020
Amar Kaushik's second venture, Bala (given Hindi pet name; hair connotation), is a solidly made comedy drama that commentates about the critical social stigmas currently plaguing the country (and the world) and uses the perfect possible container to deliver it, by centralizing itself around a young balding self-conscious bachelor (Ayushmann Khurrana) from a city in Uttar Paradesh, and providing enough entertainment to sit back and relax but still uses a formulaic approach that dampens the enjoyment and which is, however, second only to the horrendous, unbearable makeup work (on Bhumi Pednekar) involved in it. TN.
No great expectations please
Sanjay339 November 2019
The film is all and all out entertainer but overstretched. Problem of baldness and dark coloured girls is hyped out of proportion and in the end remains short to deliver justifiable massage.
Movie is for diehard fans of Ayushmann Khurana. Talent of Bhumi Pednekar is wasted. One time pass.
Just be yourself
pratyush261111 November 2019
First of all, I'm totally amazed by scripts chosen by Ayushmann Khurana. A new age actor who doesn't do typical bollywood films.
It's a great film. Society judges you by how you look. Character of Yami was beautifully written. A girl who only knows how to look good nothing else. Character of a person doesn't matter, only skin tone should be fair. Bhumi did a great job too.
During second half, when Bala proposes Nitika on roof, I thought it was going to be a typical Bollywood film type climax but director did a terrific job.
In a world, full of cheesy KJO or Srk/Salman movies, Ayushmann Khurana is a breeze of fresh air.
Good Concept doesn't always guarantee a good film !
meeraj-1054610 November 2019
A good concept doesn't always guarantee a Good film !
What could be a great 90 mins of entertainment ,ended up being a 140 mins of confused product..
Unnecessarily stretched and tried to cover too many dots..
It's Ayushman's movie all the way and he shines,but Yamigautam is the Cherry on the cake .
She impresses alot and couple of her scenes are just brilliant..
Bhumi pednekars character is problematic and after a while sounds caricaturist
Wait for it to be premiere on Netflix or prime,that way you can easily skip some of the proceedings..!
Wait for it to be premiere on Netflix or prime,that way you can easily skip some of the proceedings..!
1 star Really!!!
sinhaabhinav-0049810 November 2019
Those 1 star are from those who never wants to accept themselves as they are they just want to live a fake and so trying to harm this film
An another mind blowing film by Ayushmann khurrana means if someone asks me to give review of an Ayushmann starrer i Just reply them by saying "Bhai iski film ko kya sach mein review ki zarurat hai??" (Does his film really need any kind of review)
and what to say about the Director "Amar Kaushik" he is just too good
P.s. this is not a review!
GOOD WATCH
rppatel8 November 2019
Bala is entertaining but it seems something is missing.
Movie goes simple in first half but teaches a lot in second part.
Do not watch with much expectation.
Movie is not entertaining as DREAM GIRL
over all a good watch
Hair today, gone tomorrow
msunando21 November 2019
Bala - Kudos to Ayushman Khurana for doing it again. He seems to slide into roles that other mainstream actors would cringe at, with such fluency that mirrors reality, and Bala is yet another proof of his diverse talent. Bala (Ayushman), the young stud boy in school whose mane was his pride suffers from premature baldness, and this becomes the central issue of his life. He has to address the problem at any cost, but his inability to control the gradual decay throws his life into a disarray first, and then he descends into embarrassment. Unable to come to terms with the situation, he tries scores of remedies until he finds a solution that will give him enough solace to find the love of his life.
Without further going into the story it's pertinent to mention that Bala is a fantastic narrative of self pity and the process of coming to terms with the reality. The social stigmas associated with premature balding and being dark toned are still a matter of reality and the embarrassment or self pity is a result of shying away from accepting oneself for what he or she is. Director Amar Kaushik allows the problem and the eventual catharsis to slowly but steadily unfold, mostly using humour as a medium that keeps the proceedings light hearted. The purge is a poignant essay by Ayushman and Bhoomi Pednekar, both of whom give firecracker performances, whilst being ably supported by the extraordinary talent pool of Abhishek Banerjee, Javed Jaffrey, Saurabh Shukla and Seema Pahwa. Bala fills you with warmth and wisdom, and may at times seem to drag a little, but you won't mind it as it's not a caricatured treatment of premature balding or a comic take on it, but an in-depth psychoanalysis of a sufferer.
Without further going into the story it's pertinent to mention that Bala is a fantastic narrative of self pity and the process of coming to terms with the reality. The social stigmas associated with premature balding and being dark toned are still a matter of reality and the embarrassment or self pity is a result of shying away from accepting oneself for what he or she is. Director Amar Kaushik allows the problem and the eventual catharsis to slowly but steadily unfold, mostly using humour as a medium that keeps the proceedings light hearted. The purge is a poignant essay by Ayushman and Bhoomi Pednekar, both of whom give firecracker performances, whilst being ably supported by the extraordinary talent pool of Abhishek Banerjee, Javed Jaffrey, Saurabh Shukla and Seema Pahwa. Bala fills you with warmth and wisdom, and may at times seem to drag a little, but you won't mind it as it's not a caricatured treatment of premature balding or a comic take on it, but an in-depth psychoanalysis of a sufferer.
It Doesn't End on Time
asramukaka11 November 2019
Why bring about a change in urself
beevenkat12 November 2019
Why bring about a change in urself? Why be influenced by what others think of u? Why not accept urself for what u really r? Why do u lack self confidence? Why apply fairness creams if u r dark complexioned? Why try desperate measures to grow hair if u r balding? #Bala teaches u a very important lesson, but how many people r actually willing to learn? All performances r good. The ending is appropriate. Running time needs to be reduced by 20 minutes. Rating 3/5.
Bala is the right dose of medicine for your laughter
ketgup839 November 2019
We are living in a world which is dominated by the beauty apps which might make you look like a celebrity and turn you into a person which world accepts but not you. We are so obsessed with I-want-to-always-look-good attitude that we forget about the inner quality.
There are movies which you are eagerly awaiting after watching the trailer and then you will fall in love after actually seeing the movie. Bala definitely falls into the later category.
Bala tells the story of a balding prematurely guy and a dusky girl and their frustration with the fair-skinned dominated society..
After the brilliantly made Stree, Amar Kaushik chooses a subject which is fresh and interesting. Written and scripted by Niren Bhatt (writer of Marathi National Award winning movie, Ventilator, and hit sitcom Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma) and Ravi Shankar Muppa (co-writer of recent web series The Family Man) Bala is the perfect combination of comedy and philosophy. There are multiple hilarious scenes which will bring down the house and it is difficult to single out I would highly recommend to watch Bala in theater to hear the roar of the audience laughing at each scene (last I heard was from Tanu Weds Manu Returns). Though Bala is full of humor and entertainment, it successfully deals with social message of how an individual should be treated equally irrespective of complexion or other social stigma. The first half is full of hilarious moments and will make you curious while the second half is enduring.
I have always stressed on developing character details which is pivotal for the film's success and Bala succeeds in that. Every character is adequately defined- Right from Saurabh Shukla's role, actor who plays Ayushhmann Khurrana's brother's role, Seema Bharagava, Javed Jaffrey till Abhishek Banerjee - all of them have been wonderful in their part. Yami Gautam looks gorgeous and shines through out her role. Bhumi Pednekar is marvelous. This is her second film in a month (after Saand Ki Aankh) and she already has earned my respect. At the end of the day, Ayushmann Khurrana is the show-stopper of the film. The actor breathes and lives the character of Bala as if it was tailor made for him. The supremely talented actor will convince you to believe in his portrayal of Bala.
I have never laughed so much in recent times for a film. Go for it as Bala is the right dose of medicine for your laughter.
Must watch 4.5/5
-Ketan Gupta
Bala tells the story of a balding prematurely guy and a dusky girl and their frustration with the fair-skinned dominated society..
After the brilliantly made Stree, Amar Kaushik chooses a subject which is fresh and interesting. Written and scripted by Niren Bhatt (writer of Marathi National Award winning movie, Ventilator, and hit sitcom Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma) and Ravi Shankar Muppa (co-writer of recent web series The Family Man) Bala is the perfect combination of comedy and philosophy. There are multiple hilarious scenes which will bring down the house and it is difficult to single out I would highly recommend to watch Bala in theater to hear the roar of the audience laughing at each scene (last I heard was from Tanu Weds Manu Returns). Though Bala is full of humor and entertainment, it successfully deals with social message of how an individual should be treated equally irrespective of complexion or other social stigma. The first half is full of hilarious moments and will make you curious while the second half is enduring.
I have always stressed on developing character details which is pivotal for the film's success and Bala succeeds in that. Every character is adequately defined- Right from Saurabh Shukla's role, actor who plays Ayushhmann Khurrana's brother's role, Seema Bharagava, Javed Jaffrey till Abhishek Banerjee - all of them have been wonderful in their part. Yami Gautam looks gorgeous and shines through out her role. Bhumi Pednekar is marvelous. This is her second film in a month (after Saand Ki Aankh) and she already has earned my respect. At the end of the day, Ayushmann Khurrana is the show-stopper of the film. The actor breathes and lives the character of Bala as if it was tailor made for him. The supremely talented actor will convince you to believe in his portrayal of Bala.
I have never laughed so much in recent times for a film. Go for it as Bala is the right dose of medicine for your laughter.
Must watch 4.5/5
-Ketan Gupta
A good movie experience.
adityarocks-388669 November 2019
Its a nice one and Ayushmann Khurrana is brilliant in his role. The move is ful of fun and drama which makes it a must watch movie. I haven't seen Ujda Chaman so i dont know which one is better but regardless of that movie is good and a nice one to watch if you have some free time. Overall movie is good.
Hypocrisy at its finest.
fifth_element29 November 2019
Though it's an attempt at telling people to love themselves for all that they are, it fails miserably as a terribly hypocritical movie in the sense that Bhumi Pednekar has been roped in to portray Latika.
I mean, you're trying to tell people that the world is a terrible place because it makes you hate yourself and that's all that marketing is about. And then you use a fair-skinned actress and put some absolutely horrific makeup (I didn't even know who Bhumi Pednekar was, and I knew she was not really dark-skinned the minute I saw her in the movie) to make her look dark-skinned to explain the injustice that is meted out to dark skinned women in our country?!
How about you right the wrongs and actually rope in a dark-skinned woman for the role if you really thought it no crime to be dark-skinned, Bollywood? What a laugh!
I mean, you're trying to tell people that the world is a terrible place because it makes you hate yourself and that's all that marketing is about. And then you use a fair-skinned actress and put some absolutely horrific makeup (I didn't even know who Bhumi Pednekar was, and I knew she was not really dark-skinned the minute I saw her in the movie) to make her look dark-skinned to explain the injustice that is meted out to dark skinned women in our country?!
How about you right the wrongs and actually rope in a dark-skinned woman for the role if you really thought it no crime to be dark-skinned, Bollywood? What a laugh!
Ayushman's one of the best movie.
AVIIRAM21 March 2020
Total movie was good and director handled everything very well.
I didn't have any remarks about this movie but only one complaint, why the hell they cast a white girl to portray a dark skinned girl. I understand that bhumi was great actress and ofcourse she nailed the character but why can't they search a new talent which suffice character of dark skinned girl and make this movie more memorable.
Movie of the year !! A must watch for everyone.
aryannrraj9 November 2019
I am telling you.. Just go and watch this movie.
A masterpiece.
I Just want to explain this movie in three words..Entertainment...Entertainment...and pure Entertainment.
Delivers a strong msg at the end.
Best work of Aayushman khurrana till date.
Don't miss it.
This is a unique flim
shovonbhattacharjee28 September 2020
Bala (2019)
mahamoodazeez7 November 2019
inspiring movie
qqml22 November 2020
Just amazing!
tanaytamhankar18 November 2019
This one is not to be missed ! It's for people like me who suffer from alopecia ( balding in 20s) and suddenly the world goes upside down! Everyone who meets you is like - bhai tere Baal kaha Gaye. And I wish to say- I do at myself in the mirror everyday, thank you for rubbing it in my face. I was being called "of you look older than your age ". I started to lose my confidence, until I met my beautiful better half who was apparently absolutely ok with my bald patch. She never let me feel low about it. But not everyone is as lucky as me to get someone who loves you for the way you are! This movie is about hundreds of people like me who are body shamed for being bald, black(tu kaala/ kaali hai) , fat or not so good looking . Society has to change and people me need to realise that there are things way above materialistic looks of an individual. Kudos to Ayushman and Bhumi for portraying such powerful characters with grace and dignity !!
A Good Watch with Wrong Casting
ashutoshguptarise7 July 2020
Movie is entertaining, sailing through audience with every passing scene. However, a major setback seems to be with casting of Bhumi. No question on her talent, but here, in this movie, she struggles to balance her character (as a dark women) and acting. A genuine dark skin actress could have been casted.
In love with this movie
dhananjayraghuvanshi15 November 2019
COME FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF WITH BALA !
SAMTHEBESTEST7 November 2019
BALA REVIEW :-
Bala generated heavy buzz and attraction with promising trailer and songs. The other reason to be excited for this this one was director Amar Kaushik who delivered a superb film like Stree on Debut is paired with Ayushmann Khurrana who is on dream run currently. Bala is a perfect take on sensitive topic keeping emotions and content at right place. It has comedy, entertainment, good writing, strong performances, great direction and a much needed social message that, 'we don't need to change ourself, people will accept you if you are ready to accept yourself'.
Bala is a story of Balmukund aka Bala (Ayushmann Khurrana) who used to be a style hero in school days and facing hair loss at young age. His school friend Latika is born with naturally dark skin and she faces trolls for her black face. Bala meets a TikTok sensation, a young beautiful girl with Fair skin, Pari (Yami Gautam) and approaches her for marriage without telling her about his hair problem. Later she gets to know the truth and Bala learns a Lifetime message. Acting wise Ayushmann Khurrana is truly Unstoppable in Bala, he is fantastic in every frame whether it is emotional scene or a comedy scene. His coming timing is excellent and those mimicry scenes were hilarious. Bhumi Pednekar as Latika delivers a sensible act. Pari aka Yami Gautam makes you fall in love with her cuteness and straight forward thinking on life. Rest of the cast including Saurabh Shukla, Seema Pahwa, Javed Jaffrey and Abhishek Banerjee is fantastic.
Bala is blended with terrific screenplay because it never lose the engagement from the start till the end. There is lot of entertainment and comedy well supported by whistle worthy scenes and crunchy dialogues. The first half of the film is total fun riot while the second half focuses more on content and drags little bit just after the interval to make sure that it going to end up on a strong note. Music is Good and all songs are situational except that one Party number in the end credits. Director Amar Kaushik does an excellent job with a strongly written story. He gets the humour right, he gets the characters right, he gets the content right therefore he gets the film right.
Overall, Bala is thoroughly funny and takes care of content as well. The best thing about Bala is it never made that content look smaller than entertainment. Excluding those little bit drag moments post Interval there are no boring and useless moments in the film. This one will be another super successful film for Ayushmann Khurrana and a special mention to director Amar Kaushik who delivers 2nd consecutive super film after Stree. Go and watch Bala to fall in love with yourself...
RATING- 7/10*
Bala generated heavy buzz and attraction with promising trailer and songs. The other reason to be excited for this this one was director Amar Kaushik who delivered a superb film like Stree on Debut is paired with Ayushmann Khurrana who is on dream run currently. Bala is a perfect take on sensitive topic keeping emotions and content at right place. It has comedy, entertainment, good writing, strong performances, great direction and a much needed social message that, 'we don't need to change ourself, people will accept you if you are ready to accept yourself'.
Bala is a story of Balmukund aka Bala (Ayushmann Khurrana) who used to be a style hero in school days and facing hair loss at young age. His school friend Latika is born with naturally dark skin and she faces trolls for her black face. Bala meets a TikTok sensation, a young beautiful girl with Fair skin, Pari (Yami Gautam) and approaches her for marriage without telling her about his hair problem. Later she gets to know the truth and Bala learns a Lifetime message. Acting wise Ayushmann Khurrana is truly Unstoppable in Bala, he is fantastic in every frame whether it is emotional scene or a comedy scene. His coming timing is excellent and those mimicry scenes were hilarious. Bhumi Pednekar as Latika delivers a sensible act. Pari aka Yami Gautam makes you fall in love with her cuteness and straight forward thinking on life. Rest of the cast including Saurabh Shukla, Seema Pahwa, Javed Jaffrey and Abhishek Banerjee is fantastic.
Bala is blended with terrific screenplay because it never lose the engagement from the start till the end. There is lot of entertainment and comedy well supported by whistle worthy scenes and crunchy dialogues. The first half of the film is total fun riot while the second half focuses more on content and drags little bit just after the interval to make sure that it going to end up on a strong note. Music is Good and all songs are situational except that one Party number in the end credits. Director Amar Kaushik does an excellent job with a strongly written story. He gets the humour right, he gets the characters right, he gets the content right therefore he gets the film right.
Overall, Bala is thoroughly funny and takes care of content as well. The best thing about Bala is it never made that content look smaller than entertainment. Excluding those little bit drag moments post Interval there are no boring and useless moments in the film. This one will be another super successful film for Ayushmann Khurrana and a special mention to director Amar Kaushik who delivers 2nd consecutive super film after Stree. Go and watch Bala to fall in love with yourself...
RATING- 7/10*
Social message distorted by humour
iamtoxxic10 November 2019
I don't get why they couldn't hire someone with dark skin to play a dark-skinned person's role. It completely takes you out of the movie when Latina's skin colour is inconsistent through out the movie. I have hundreds more complaints about this movie but it is just annoying me to think about it. Don't see this extremely lame film.
The Bala character is such a vain person that it is extremely difficult to connect with him at any level. The man only cares about his looks and nothing else. In fact the man has no identity in his film except his bald head. Every character in this movie is one dimensional and defined only by their looks or something that will serve a completely useless purpose in the movie. Bala is his bald head, Latika is her dark skin and Pari is Tik Tok.
They want to tell you that looks are not important and yet they underestimate humanity. We are not in the age anymore where people look at bald people and find it funny. Nobody sees a person's wig come off and immediately starts guffawing. Nobody does that.
Don't waste your time with this film.
The Bala character is such a vain person that it is extremely difficult to connect with him at any level. The man only cares about his looks and nothing else. In fact the man has no identity in his film except his bald head. Every character in this movie is one dimensional and defined only by their looks or something that will serve a completely useless purpose in the movie. Bala is his bald head, Latika is her dark skin and Pari is Tik Tok.
They want to tell you that looks are not important and yet they underestimate humanity. We are not in the age anymore where people look at bald people and find it funny. Nobody sees a person's wig come off and immediately starts guffawing. Nobody does that.
Don't waste your time with this film.
Bol Bala Bol
nadkarnisumeet10 November 2019
Bala review :
Wah re Bollywood! Bala and baldness seem to be your flavour of the season. We still have a takla Akshay Kumar dancing to 'Bala Bala Shaitaan ka saala' in Housefull 4. Last week's Ujda Chaman dealt with theme of premature balding. Just like this week's Bala does.
A twenty five year old Kanpuria (Ayushmann Khurrana) suffers greatly due to his ganjaa pate. At office, he is shifted from cushy marketing to a mundane desk job. Personally, his school wali gf ditches him for hairy pastures. Tsk tsk.
Enter Tik Tok sensation Pari (Yami Gautam) who falls head over heels for our wig clad Bala. It takes the tanned Latika (Bhumi Pednekar)- of Bala's tease for her kaala complexion - to spill the beans. Next, Bala is accused of fraud by Ms. Tik Tok and her grumpy mom (Ramayan ki Mata Sita Deepika Chikhalia making a comeback of sorts).
Riding high on success of Stree (2018), director Amar Kaushik displays flair for comedy and the small town set up. The dialogues are hilarious and suit the mood of the proceedings.
Of the cast, Ayushmann Khurrana pitches in yet another assured act. The pretty Yami Gautam suits her part perfectly. Bhumi Pednekar is fabulous as Latika. Having said that, her make up sucks badly. Trust me, it's worse than what Kamal Amrohi Saahab did to Dharmendra in Razia Sultan (1983).
On the technical front, the music is strictly ho hum. Editing is okey dokey with the pace dipping in the second half. And please, all that mimicry of yesteryear stars from Rajesh Khanna to Amitabh Bachchan doesn't impress the way it should.
All in all, Bala is worth a one time dekko. For its superfine performances. And that pertinent message of 'Love yourself and the world will love you'. Aur haan, Tik Tok fans will love to see those videos for the first time on big screen. Tee Hee!
Wah re Bollywood! Bala and baldness seem to be your flavour of the season. We still have a takla Akshay Kumar dancing to 'Bala Bala Shaitaan ka saala' in Housefull 4. Last week's Ujda Chaman dealt with theme of premature balding. Just like this week's Bala does.
A twenty five year old Kanpuria (Ayushmann Khurrana) suffers greatly due to his ganjaa pate. At office, he is shifted from cushy marketing to a mundane desk job. Personally, his school wali gf ditches him for hairy pastures. Tsk tsk.
Enter Tik Tok sensation Pari (Yami Gautam) who falls head over heels for our wig clad Bala. It takes the tanned Latika (Bhumi Pednekar)- of Bala's tease for her kaala complexion - to spill the beans. Next, Bala is accused of fraud by Ms. Tik Tok and her grumpy mom (Ramayan ki Mata Sita Deepika Chikhalia making a comeback of sorts).
Riding high on success of Stree (2018), director Amar Kaushik displays flair for comedy and the small town set up. The dialogues are hilarious and suit the mood of the proceedings.
Of the cast, Ayushmann Khurrana pitches in yet another assured act. The pretty Yami Gautam suits her part perfectly. Bhumi Pednekar is fabulous as Latika. Having said that, her make up sucks badly. Trust me, it's worse than what Kamal Amrohi Saahab did to Dharmendra in Razia Sultan (1983).
On the technical front, the music is strictly ho hum. Editing is okey dokey with the pace dipping in the second half. And please, all that mimicry of yesteryear stars from Rajesh Khanna to Amitabh Bachchan doesn't impress the way it should.
All in all, Bala is worth a one time dekko. For its superfine performances. And that pertinent message of 'Love yourself and the world will love you'. Aur haan, Tik Tok fans will love to see those videos for the first time on big screen. Tee Hee!
See also
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