The latest series Call Me Bae, starring Ananya Pandey, is now streaming on Prime Video, and it has created quite a buzz. The series revolves around the journey of a rich South Delhi girl named Bela, or as she’s fondly called, ‘Bae.’ The show takes a light-hearted yet impactful approach to modern relationships, societal norms, and self-discovery. Although at first glance, it might seem similar to shows like Emily in Paris, Call Me Bae proves to be much more than that.
What’s the Story of ‘Call Me Bae’?
Bela (Ananya Pandey) comes from an ultra-rich family in South Delhi. Her mother, played by Mini Mathur, has one simple plan for Bela’s life: transition from being a pampered daughter to a comfortable wife of a wealthy man. Things seem to be going as planned until Bela’s married life hits a rocky patch. Her husband, Agastya (Vihaan Samat), catches her red-handed with another man, Prince (played by Varun Sood), due to a lack of emotional connection in their marriage. This twist turns Bela’s life upside down, forcing her to leave her luxurious lifestyle behind.
Suddenly thrown into the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, Bela’s journey from being a pampered ‘Bae’ to a hardworking ‘Bai’ (housemaid) forms the crux of the series. But it’s not just a simple fall-from-grace narrative. Bela soon finds herself and becomes a trendsetter, forging her own identity while navigating the complexities of life, relationships, and society. How she manages to go from the depths of despair to a woman of influence is what keeps the audience engaged.
Fresh and Engaging Direction
Directed by Collin D’Cunha, Call Me Bae is more than just a glamorous show about a rich girl. Collin, in his directorial debut, does a great job of bringing freshness to the story. The series captures the vibrant life of both South Delhi’s elite and Mumbai’s gritty charm. The visual storytelling is rich, and the narrative flows seamlessly, never letting the viewers feel out of place.
Creator Ishita Moitra, who has also written the series, skillfully blends comedy with serious themes, offering strong social messages. The show lightly touches on issues like infidelity, self-worth, and the pressures of living up to societal expectations. Collin’s direction brings out these nuances in a fun and engaging way, making it relatable for a young audience.
A Show for the New Generation
Call Me Bae is targeted toward a younger audience, primarily those aged 18 to 30. The themes of social media influence, relationships, and self-identity are common for today’s youth, making the show highly relatable. While the series might seem casual about relationships, with breakups, engagements, and affairs happening quickly, it reflects the fast-paced nature of modern relationships. However, for viewers who prefer traditional narratives, this might take some getting used to.
The series falls in the same category as global hits like Emily in Paris, The Kissing Booth, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. It’s a colorful, fun ride filled with drama, comedy, and heartwarming moments. The glamour and style of the characters add to the charm, making it visually appealing.
Ananya Pandey Steals the Show
Ananya Pandey, who plays the lead role of Bela, surprises everyone with her performance. This is undoubtedly one of her best roles so far. From playing a spoiled, privileged social media influencer to a woman who takes charge of her life, Ananya handles the transformation effortlessly. Her natural charm and personality shine through, making Bela a relatable and likable character.
Ananya’s portrayal of a woman learning to live on her terms feels authentic. She brings out Bela’s vulnerability, confusion, and determination without overplaying it. This role seems to fit Ananya perfectly, allowing her to showcase her acting skills in a way that might change how people view her as an actress.
Supporting Cast Shines
While Ananya steals the spotlight, the supporting cast also plays a crucial role in making the show a success. Varun Sood as Prince and Vihaan Samat as Agastya deliver solid performances, though their screen time is limited. Gurfateh Pirzada plays an important role in the series, contributing to Bela’s journey in meaningful ways.
Vir Das, who portrays an over-the-top journalist, adds a layer of humor and satire to the series. His character takes a jab at mainstream media in a funny yet insightful way. The supporting characters, including Niharika Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Muskaan Jafri, bring warmth and depth to the narrative, ensuring that the story feels well-rounded.
The Power of Social Media
One of the more thought-provoking aspects of Call Me Bae is its exploration of social media journalism. In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, but it also comes with its drawbacks. The show highlights the growing importance of social media influencers and how they can use their platforms to drive conversations. At the same time, it touches on the negative side of social media journalism, where the rush to go viral sometimes compromises the integrity of news reporting.
The series questions the role of traditional media versus social media journalism, subtly showing how the lines between entertainment and news have blurred. In doing so, it offers viewers a fresh perspective on the power and responsibility that comes with social influence.
Shweta Tiwari and Palak Tiwari Shine at ‘Call Me Bae’ Screening, Online Comparisons Spark Debate
Relationships and Realism
One of the most talked-about aspects of Call Me Bae is its portrayal of relationships. The show does not shy away from exploring modern-day relationships that are often messy and complicated. However, for more traditional viewers, the quick shifts in romantic engagements, breakups, and affairs might feel too casual. The series reflects a generation where relationships are fluid, and the idea of ‘forever’ has taken a back seat to self-discovery and independence.
Despite this, Bela’s character offers a positive message. She learns from her mistakes and continues moving forward, showing resilience and growth. This is a strong takeaway for viewers, as it highlights the importance of owning one’s actions and finding strength in personal evolution.
Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan’s Hug Creates Buzz at ‘Call Me Bae’ Premiere
Why You Should Watch
Call Me Bae is not just another series about rich, glamorous lives. It’s a mix of humor, drama, and life lessons that make it entertaining and meaningful. The show’s fresh approach to storytelling, combined with excellent performances, makes it worth watching. Ananya Pandey’s portrayal of Bela is the heart of the series, and her transformation throughout the episodes is both inspiring and enjoyable to watch.
The series also does a good job of keeping viewers hooked with cliffhangers at the end of each episode, urging them to watch more. It’s perfect for a weekend binge, especially if you’re looking for something light-hearted but with depth. If you enjoy shows like Emily in Paris, this might just be your next favorite.
