Title: Bad Newz
Director: Anand Tiwari
Starring: Ammy Virk, Neha Dhupia, Triptii Dimri, Vicky Kaushal, Sheeba Chaddha
Screenwriters: Tarun Dudeja, Ishita Moitra
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:
Saloni Bagga (Triptii Dimri) is a culinary artist whose sole ambition is to earn a ‘Meraki Star’ for her dining establishment. She has no interest in pursuing any romantic engagements. She becomes intrigued by Akhil Chaddha (Vicky Kaushal) at a mutual acquaintance’s wedding. Even though she has no intentions of entering a romantic relationship, she decides to experiment, calling it a trial period. The two start to talk and eventually get married. They soon realize they are incompatible and decide to separate.

Saloni relocates to a mountain town and starts working at a luxury hotel that offers another chance at achieving a ‘Meraki Star’. She finds the hotel’s owner, Gurbir Pannu (Ammy Virk), very charming and most importantly, compatible. When an intoxicated Saloni watches a video of Akhil moving on from their marriage, she impulsively decides to escalate things with Gurbir. It doesn’t go as she hopes, but she discovers her ex-husband, who hasn’t truly moved on, in her hotel room, surprising her on their first anniversary. Saloni, still under the effect, slumbers with Akhil. Six weeks later, she finds out she is anticipating. She convinces both men to take a paternity test, only to discover that both will become fathers.
Saloni finds herself in a dilemma. Who will she choose as the father of her children?

Strengths of Bad Newz:
Bad Newz delivers exactly what it promises – an unapologetic comedy. It doesn’t take itself seriously and expects the audience to do the same. The dialogue is genuinely entertaining. Many lines are hilarious due to their self-referential nature. The chemistry among the leads enhances the movie’s enjoyment. Vicky Kaushal and Ammy Virk are flawless in their roles, and Triptii Dimri performs admirably. The soundtrack is generally excellent, including a few soulful tracks. Special mention goes to the Akhil Chaddha jingle, which elicits a chuckle every time it plays. The surprise cameo at the end is genuinely unexpected.

Weaknesses of Bad Newz:
The script of Bad Newz lacks depth, preventing it from reaching its full potential despite its compelling premise. The humor sometimes seems contrived. Bad Newz also turns excessively melodramatic in some sections, diminishing the overall film. The post-climax scene is difficult to relate to following the intense climax. The filmmakers’ effort to conclude with a comedic peak undermines the narrative’s coherence.

Performances in Bad Newz:
Vicky Kaushal as Akhil Chaddha is flawless, whether in the comedic moments or the dramatic and romantic scenes. Ammy Virk as Gurbir Pannu is a true delight to observe. Triptii Dimri as Saloni Bagga performs well in her role but has potential for improvement. Neha Dhupia and Sheeba Chaddha provide competent support. Other supporting actors are impressive. The surprise cameos are decent.