‘Be Happy’ Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan Strikes the Right Notes in Remo D’Souza’s Dance-Focused Dram

‘Be Happy’ Movie Review: Abhishek Bachchan Strikes the Right Notes in Remo D’Souza’s Dance-Focused Drama

In Remo D’Souza’s signature style, Be Happy revolves around dance, vibrant performances, and even a Ganesha dance number, presenting dance as a solution to life's struggles. While this creative direction isn't flawed, it ultimately leaves viewers yearning for a deeper connection with the story.

Set in the scenic hills of Ooty, Be Happy follows Dhara (Inayat Verma), a young schoolgirl whose passion for dancing brightens her life. She lives with her father, Shiv Rastogi (Abhishek Bachchan), and grandfather (Nassar). Eight years after the tragic loss of his wife in a road accident, Shiv has remained in Ooty, clinging to the memories of his past life. He represents the stoic, emotionally distant Indian father, focused on providing stability through academics rather than allowing for emotional expression.

Dhara, on the other hand, is full of life and dreams of dancing on the stage of India’s Superstar Dancer. While she draws inspiration from her dance teacher Maggi (Nora Fatehi), she also entertains her grandfather with her whimsical dance performances. As she works towards her dream, Dhara’s father, caught between his desire to shield her from the world and her determination to chase her passion, becomes a source of both comedy and emotional conflict.

Abhishek Bachchan and Inayat Verma share great chemistry in their roles, with Bachchan perfectly embodying the grumpy, protective father and Verma bringing an infectious spark to her role as Dhara. Despite some overly dramatic dialogues, their portrayal of the father-daughter relationship feels genuine and relatable.

As Dhara secures a spot in Maggi's dance academy, her dream of participating in India's Superstar Dancer begins to take shape, forcing Shiv to confront whether he should send her to Mumbai to pursue her ambitions or keep her safe in the hills. This decision could have led to a more profound exploration of the characters' emotions and tensions. However, D’Souza rushes through these moments, focusing more on dance and the competition itself, which creates a sense of superficiality.

While the film incorporates humor and heart, there’s an overemphasis on Dhara’s wisdom, such as her installing dating apps on her father’s phone to find a "Mommy 2.0," which feels forced and out of place.

Nora Fatehi's performance as the dance teacher Maggi falls flat, with her mechanical dialogue delivery failing to leave a lasting impact.

As the story progresses, the melodrama intensifies, especially in the second half, where the film leans heavily on dance numbers, including the vibrant Ganesha dance performance. While the inclusion of dance is expected in a Remo D’Souza film, it feels like a shortcut to resolve emotional conflicts, leaving the audience craving more depth and substance.

Ultimately, Be Happy is a celebration of dance and passion, but it sacrifices emotional depth for spectacle, leaving viewers wishing for a more thoughtful exploration of the characters' journeys.

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