Call Me Bae Review: A Glossy, Fun Yet Shallow Romp in the World of Privilege

Imagine a character like Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham navigating the social media driven world of Instagram, now visualize this same character facing off with a news anchor like Arnab Goswami in a prime-time debate. Quite the contrast, right? This is precisely the blend attempted by Call Me Bae, an Amazon Prime Video original created by Ishita Moitra and directed by Collin D’Cunha. While the series sets out to bridge the gap between wealth, privilege, and modern-day empowerment, it stumbles in its execution, leaving us with a superficial product reminiscent of Emily in Paris rather than a thoughtful critique like Paatal Lok.

Bella Chowdhary, the Instagram Starlet

Our protagonist, Bella Chowdhary, or “Bae” as she prefers, is the embodiment of Instagram perfection. With a handle like @callmebae, she’s used to flaunting her wealth, her luxurious lifestyle, and her seemingly perfect marriage. But as Call Me Bae unfolds, the glossy exterior begins to crack. Bella’s marriage to the ultra-wealthy Agasthya Chowdhary crumbles, leaving her abandoned not just by her husband but by her family as well. Left to fend for herself in Mumbai, Bae embarks on a journey of self-discovery, minus the support of anyone from her previous life.

Does the show handle this journey with emotional depth? Not quite. The series prefers to keep things light and “Insta-glam,” shying away from any meaningful exploration of the struggles Bae should realistically face. In a world that prides itself on empowering female characters, Call Me Bae is content to keep its protagonist in a Poo-like bubble, where growth is slow and often non-existent.

The “Poo-ification” Problem

Bae’s character is deliberately modelled after the iconic Poo, but here’s the issue: while Poo’s carefree attitude worked in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham because of the film’s comedic tone, it doesn’t quite translate in Call Me Bae. There’s a frustrating lack of evolution in Bae’s character throughout the series. While the series occasionally hints at deeper emotional struggles, such as loneliness or a lack of self-worth, these moments are quickly glossed over in favor of another Instagram-worthy scene.

By keeping Bae in this superficial space, the show misses out on creating a character that viewers can truly connect with. We’ve seen this type of arc succeed in shows like Sex Education, where characters’ emotional journeys feel real and relatable, despite the differences in setting. But in Call Me Bae, the “Pooification” of Bae keeps her from evolving into someone we genuinely root for.

A Glimpse of Reality: Saira Ali’s Middle-Class Struggle

The show does attempt to ground itself occasionally through supporting characters like Saira Ali, played by Muskkaan Jaferi. Saira, a middle-class girl struggling to make ends meet in a city like Mumbai, offers a sharp contrast to Bae’s delusional worldview. She uses dating apps to find temporary living arrangements, which feels like a more plausible depiction of urban struggles. But even Saira’s arc, with all its potential, is overshadowed by the series’ fixation on Bae.

Jaferi’s portrayal of Saira stands out as one of the few performances that feels rooted in reality. Her character, though underdeveloped, is relatable and offers glimpses into the real challenges faced by young women in today’s world. In fact, her obsession with betting generates more empathy than Bae’s seemingly trivial kleptomania. Yet, Call Me Bae insists on keeping its focus on its lead, despite the opportunity for more grounded storytelling.

The Finale: Sensationalism over Substance

As Call Me Bae reaches its finale, the stakes are raised with dramatic scenes of public exposés and privacy breaches. Big names are called out on live TV, and themes like ethical journalism are introduced. But these moments, which could have elevated the show, end up feeling hollow. Why? Because Bae, the central character, remains trapped in her shallow mindset.

While the show introduces interesting concepts like a satirical take on modern journalism with a caricatured version of Arnab Goswami played by Vir Das these ideas are never fully realized. The show’s attempt to blend political sensitivity with Bae’s influencer lifestyle results in a finale that feels more like an over-the-top soap opera than a thought-provoking drama.

Performances: A Mixed Bag

When it comes to performances, the cast of Call Me Bae delivers mixed results. Ananya Panday, who previously impressed in Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan, seems to be let down by the script here. Her portrayal of Bae is often underwhelming, and the moments where the character’s delusional phase should end are frustratingly interrupted by more superficial behavior. Panday has the potential to shine, but the writing doesn’t give her much room to stretch her acting chops.

In contrast, Muskkaan Jaferi as Saira Ali stands out as the most compelling character in the series. Even in the most exaggerated moments, Jaferi brings a level of authenticity to her role that helps ground the series. Vir Das, as the obnoxious news anchor Satyajit Sen, plays his role with comedic flair, though his character lacks the menacing presence needed to make him truly memorable. Gurfateh Pirzada, Niharika Lyra Dutt, and Varun Sood round out the cast, but their roles feel secondary to the central plot.

Social Media Satire or Missed Opportunity?

One area where Call Me Bae does succeed is its commentary on the omnipresence of social media. The show skilfully captures how platforms like Instagram shape modern identity and privilege. From emojis floating across the screen to Google search pop-ups, the series brings the digital world to life in a way that feels playful and relevant.

However, much like its lead character, the show’s critique of social media never digs deeper than surface level. While the representation of online fame is entertaining, it lacks the biting satire that could have elevated the series into something more profound. In a world obsessed with validation and digital personas, Call Me Bae could have explored the darker side of social media influence but instead, it sticks to a lighter, fluffier narrative.

Final Thoughts: A Feel-Good Fantasy, But Nothing More

At its core, Call Me Bae is a feel-good series with a fairy tale arc. It’s not trying to break new ground or challenge the audience with complex themes. Instead, it’s content to stay in its glossy, over-the-top world where everything falls into place for its protagonist. It’s a fun, mindless watch the kind of show you turn to when you need a break from reality. But if you’re looking for something more meaningful, Call Me Bae might leave you wanting more.

In the end, the show’s predictability and lack of emotional depth keep it from standing out in an already crowded field of content. It’s a modern-day Karan Johar romp, full of pop culture references, Instagram filters, and designer outfits but without the substance to back it up.