The new Malayalam comedy film Bha Bha Ba, starring Dileep, finally hit theatres across Kerala on Thursday, drawing immediate and divided reactions from audiences on social media platform X. Directed by Dhananjay Shankar, the film features an ensemble cast including Vineeth Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, and Sandy, with a special cameo appearance by the legendary Mohanlal.
Early Social Media Reactions Are Split
As fans flocked to the early shows, the online space became a battleground of opinions. The initial wave of reviews presents a clear split: while a section of the audience is celebrating the film as a return to form for Dileep and a fun theatre experience, another group has criticized it for being an overly chaotic and logic-defying affair.
Many viewers took to X to highlight Dileep's performance as a major positive, calling it his best in recent years. The extended cameo by Mohanlal also emerged as a recurring highlight, with several users noting that his sheer screen presence elevated the film's second half. One supportive viewer described the film as "pure theatre material" and a "paisa vasool" entertainer, urging others to watch it.
The Criticisms: Chaos and a Weak Climax
However, not all feedback was glowing. A significant number of reviews pointed out the film's narrative flaws. Critics labeled it a "no-logic madness" filled with loud and eccentric moments. A common thread in the negative reviews was the critique of a strong first half followed by a weaker second half, culminating in what some called a "poor climax."
One detailed review on X noted, "The film is a proper gimmick with a good 1st half & a weak 2nd half. Super interval scene but poor climax." Another user warned that the film, overloaded with references and spoofs, might cause a "headache" for anyone not part of its core target audience, describing it as the "GBU (Gulf-based audience) of Mollywood."
Controversy Shadowed the Release
The release of Bha Bha Ba was not without its pre-existing drama. Prior to its theatrical debut, the film faced protests and boycott calls across Kerala. This controversy stemmed directly from the casting of lead actor Dileep, who was recently acquitted in the high-profile Kerala actress assault case. The verdict had left a section of the public dissatisfied, and their discontent translated into calls to avoid the film.
Despite the mixed critical reception and pre-release controversies, Bha Bha Ba has managed to generate significant buzz. Produced by Gokulam Gopalan and Krishnamoorthy, the film's commercial success will now depend on whether the positive word-of-mouth from its target audience can outweigh the criticisms and external controversies.
