If you’re a fan of riches-to-rags tales and have a penchant for opulent sets and extravagant costumes, prepare to be dazzled.
KARACHI:
There I was, scrolling through my usual online haunts when the trailer for Prime Video India’s Call Me Bae exploded onto my feed like a glitter bomb. Now, I’m not usually one for Indian series. My entertainment diet typically leans toward British dramas where tea and murder mysteries take center stage. But this trailer? It had me laughing uncontrollably in a quiet restaurant, drawing some decidedly judging stares from fellow diners.
The Plot Unveiled
The trailer gives us a glimpse into the life of Bella “Bae” Chowdhary, portrayed by the ever-stylish Ananya Panday, who seems to be living the dream in New Delhi. And by dream, I mean a life filled with luxury cars, a helicopter, and a fairy-tale wedding. She’s got it all: immense wealth, stunning looks, and designer labels that most of us can only dream of pronouncing. However, just when we start to bask in the glow of her seemingly perfect existence, life throws her a curveball. Bae is abruptly disowned by her family (talk about betrayal) and unceremoniously dumped into the less glamorous, albeit bustling streets of Mumbai.
This is where the real drama unfolds. Stripped of her lavish lifestyle, Bae is thrust into the harsh reality of surviving without her usual comforts—no more silk cushions and Swiss watches for her. She takes on a job as a journalist, shifting from a life of luxury to one filled with deadlines and writer’s block. As she navigates her new reality, Bae starts forming unexpected friendships and alliances, revealing a side of her that is both relatable and endearing.
Fashion and Style
Now, let’s talk about fashion. Ananya Panday’s wardrobe in the trailer is a visual feast. It’s like a toned-down version of Emily in Paris, but with a budget that still manages to impress. If you’re a fan of the riches-to-rags storyline and love a production that splurges on set design and costumes, this show is bound to captivate you. The extravagant outfits alone are a compelling reason to keep tuning in.
However, let’s be honest. The spoiled-rich-girl narrative isn’t new. We’ve seen similar characters in Alia Bhatt’s Shanaya from Student of the Year and Sonam Kapoor’s Ayesha, characters I personally enjoyed. Ananya seems to draw inspiration from these roles, but it’s her unique take that will determine if she can add a fresh twist to a well-trodden path. It will be interesting to see how she brings her own flair to a character type that’s been done many times before.
The Cast and Production
Joining Ananya Panday are Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, Lisa Mishra, and Mini Mathur. The series is produced by none other than Karan Johar, known for his flair for drama and style. Johar promises a mix of sass, drama, and perhaps a few emotional moments. He told Deadline: “While many stories explore the rags-to-riches theme, Call Me Bae turns the genre on its head by focusing on a young woman from a privileged background who, due to unforeseen circumstances, must navigate life on her own and reinvent herself in Mumbai.” In other words, prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions wrapped in a sparkly bow.
With its blend of opulence, drama, and a fresh perspective on the rags-to-riches trope, Call Me Bae is set to be a must-watch. Whether you’re a fan of extravagant fashion or a good character transformation, this series has something for everyone.