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Bhediya

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Bhediya
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAmar Kaushik
Written byNiren Bhatt
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyJishnu Bhattacharjee
Edited bySanyukta Kaza
Music bySachin–Jigar
Production
companies
Distributed byPen Marudhar
Release date
  • 25 November 2022 (2022-11-25)
Running time
156 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budgetest. ₹60 crore[2]
Box officeest. ₹90 crore[3]

Bhediya (transl. Wolf) is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language comedy horror film directed by Amar Kaushik. Produced by Dinesh Vijan from a story and screenplay by Niren Bhatt, it stars Varun Dhawan alongside Kriti Sanon, Abhishek Banerjee, Deepak Dobriyal and Paalin Kabak.[4][5] The plot of the film is inspired by Arunachal Pradesh's folklore about a Yapum, a shape-shifting werewolf, who wants to protect the jungle, even if they have to kill somebody. It is the second installment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe.

Bhediya was theatrically released on 25 November 2022, garnering positive reviews. The film grossed about ₹90 crore against a production budget of approximately ₹60 crore at the box office.[6] It received 13 nominations at the 68th Filmfare Awards, including Best Film (Critics), Best Actor (Critics) and Best Special Effects. A sequel is in development.[7]

Plot

[edit]

Road contractor Bhaskar and his cousin Janardan "JD" visit Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh for a road-building project. Two natives, Jomin and Panda, show them around. One night in the forest, Bhaskar is bitten by a wolf on his rear end. Anika, the local veterinarian, saves him. The next day, Bhaskar begins to see changes in himself, like heightened senses of smell and hearing, and communicating with animals. Meanwhile, the locals and tribals are opposed to the idea of cutting down trees to build roads.

Two people involved in the project were discovered dead. Bitemarks on the bodies indicate that they were killed by an animal. Panda claims the killings are the work of a werewolf. It is revealed that Bhaskar is the perpetrator of the crimes; he has been transforming into a werewolf every night since being bitten and has no control over it. The duo decides to confine Bhaskar to a remote location so he does not succumb. However, a local cop learns the truth, threatening to divulge Bhaskar's name to the town.

The wolf that had bitten Bhaskar appears and kills the cop. The group goes to an elderly doctor for treatment; he informs them that the only way for Bhaskar to be cured is for him to be bitten by the same wolf on a new moon night in the same location. Bhaskar goes to the forest with JD and Jomin to be bitten again. The werewolf is revealed to be Anika. She explains that she was bitten by a wolf a century ago and has been the forest's protector since, murdering anybody who attempted to destroy it. She had bitten Bhaskar intending to kill him but spared him because she sensed his kindness within. She advises him to avoid deforestation.

Anika is shot down and captured by the local police. Bhaskar transforms and rescues her, killing her captors in the process, but she succumbs to her injuries and falls off a cliff, leaving him heartbroken. Bhaskar subsequently announces he will construct roads around the borders of the forest, leaving the trees and greenery unharmed. Meanwhile, many who are still planning the deforestation project are "mysteriously" killed by animals, and thus their project is canceled.

In a mid-credits scene, JD's friends Vicky and Bittu approach him. JD is revealed to be their long-lost friend Jana, who had previously been possessed by the ghost Stree, and has since been staying away from them, cutting off contact to study for the UPSC exam for IAS. They ask for Jana's help in finding Stree. Bhaskar transforms into a werewolf and appears, terrifying them.[a]

Cast

[edit]
  • Varun Dhawan as Bhaskar, a road contractor
  • Kriti Sanon as Dr Anika, Bhaskar's love interest
  • Deepak Dobriyal as Panda
  • Abhishek Banerjee as Janardan "Jana"/ JD, Bhaskar's cousin; Banerjee reprises his role from Stree.
  • Paalin Kabak as Jomin
  • Manoj Bakshi as Bhaskar's father
  • Baharul Islam as Engineer Neri
  • Dosam Beyong as Prakash Paja
  • Madang Pai as Ojha
  • Tai Tugung as Police Inspector Tempol
  • Ligang Sallu as Kaso, Forest Range Officer
  • Nending Uttung as PSI
  • Bengia Morto as a youngster at Lapong
  • Hage Apa as the doctor
  • Tadu Omu as the hunter
  • Surbhi Verma as News Reporter
  • Amar Kaushik as the stud at the music festival

Special appearances

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The producer of the film, Dinesh Vijan, confirmed that Bhediya is part of his horror comedy universe consisting of films like Stree and Munjya.[9][10] Munjya will be the prequel to the 2018 film Stree. The shooting for Bhediya took place in the regions of Arunachal Pradesh's Ziro (Lower Subansiri), Sagalee (Papum Pare) and parts of Pakke-Kessang district- over a span of two months, from March to April 2021.[11] Over 70 percent of the artists in Bhediya are from Arunachal Pradesh, including a lead character, named Jomin. Besides that, Arunachal rapper K4 Kheko had sung and written the lyrics for the theme song of the film.[12][13] While the film has several Arunachal dialogues, they are not subtitled, with the character of Panda acting as translator to the non-Arunachal characters.[14] Sanon's bob cut hairstyle was inspired by her childhood looks.[15]

During the shooting schedule, Varun Dhawan and his wife, designer Natasha Dalal donated ₹1 lakh (US$1,200) to the victims of a massive fire in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap and Longding districts in April 2021.[16] Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu also visited the set in Ziro.[17] The shooting schedule in Arunachal Pradesh completed on 19 April 2021.[18] Filming wrapped on 10 July 2021.[19][20][21]

Themes

[edit]

Bhediya explores wildlife conservation and speaks against deforestation. It also speaks against the racial discrimination that Northeast Indians face from other Indians, including them being treated as non-Indians and accused of having stereotypes of Chinese, Japanese and Korean people, including kung fu expertise.[22][23][24][14]

Music

[edit]
Bhediya
Soundtrack album by
Sachin–Jigar
Released22 November 2022[25]
Recorded2021–2022
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length13:09
LanguageHindi
LabelZee Music Company
ProducerSachin–Jigar
Sachin–Jigar chronology
Dasvi
(2022) 		Bhediya
(2022) 		Govinda Naam Mera
(2022)
External audio
audio icon Audio Jukebox on YouTube

The music of the film is composed by Sachin–Jigar while the lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The first single titled "Thumkeshwari" was released on 28 October 2022.[26] The second single audio titled "Apna Bana Le was released on 5 November 2022 while its video was released on 7 November 2022.

All lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya

Bhediya (Hindi)[27]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Thumkeshwari"Rashmeet Kaur, Ash King, Divya Kumar, Sachin-Jigar2:43
2."Apna Bana Le"Arijit Singh, Sachin-Jigar4:21
3."Jungle Mein Kaand"Vishal Dadlani, Sukhwinder Singh, Siddharth Basrur, Sachin-Jigar2:46
4."Baaki Sab Theek"Sachin–Jigar, Amitabh Bhattacharya3:19
Total length:13:09

All lyrics are written by Yanamandra Ramakrishna

Thodelu (Telugu)[28]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Thumkeshwari" (Telugu)Karthik, Anusha Mani2:43
2."Chilipi Varaale Ivvu"Karthik4:23
3."Adavullo Chichu Regeraa"Benny Dayal2:46
4."Anthaa Oke Naa"Santhosh Hariharan, Velu, KJ Iyenar3:27
Total length:13:19

All lyrics are written by S. Sunandhan

Onai (Tamil)[29]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Thumkeshwari" (Tamil)Karthik, Anusha Mani2:43
2."Ennakai Pirathavale Neeya"Karthik4:23
3."Kaduna Thrillu Thanada"Benny Dayal2:46
4."Ellam Ok Va"Santhosh Hariharan, Velu, KJ Iyenar3:27
Total length:13:19

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

The film was released theatrically on 25 November 2022 along with the dubbed versions in Telugu (titled Thodelu) and Tamil (titled Onai).[30]

Home media

[edit]

Six months after the theatrical release, it released on JioCinema for streaming, for free, on 26 May 2023 in Hindi and the dubbed versions of Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam languages.[31]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

Bhediya received positive reviews from critics.[32] On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 62% of 13 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.3/10.[33]

Amandeep Naang of ABP News rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Bhediya is a mad ride of a horror-comedy which feels different in the current climate of remakes, thrillers and period dramas."[34] Siby Jeyya of India Herald rated the film 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "The impact of the film's visuals is by far its most noteworthy aspect. The vfx are incredible, and cinematographer Jishnu Bhattacharjee has masterfully captured the dark and fascinating realm of werewolves with the backdrop of the full moon in the midnight sky, ziro jungles, and mountains."[35] Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Bhediya works due to its novel idea, memorable performances, captivating climax, and VFX."[36] Dhaval Roy of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and wrote, " Director Amar Kaushik handles both genres skillfully in his latest outing and strikes a fine balance to deliver a movie that’s spine chilling in some instances, rib-tickling in almost all, and leaves you with something to think about."[37] Tushar Joshi of India Today rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Performances feel genuine and Kaushik’s USP of infusing humour and wit at the right moments helps in keeping the narrative engaging and entertaining."[38]

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Bhediya is both enjoyable and thought-provoking, is helped along by lively performances. Varun Dhawan gives the unconventional role his best shot. Abhishek Banerjee and Paalin Kabak are terrific as much with their comic timing as with their dramatic flourishes."[39] Devesh Sharma of Filmfare rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "The film’s creature effects and computer generated imagery is excellent. Cinematography and the background score are good as well."[40] Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Varun Dhawan does a good job of aligning with the tone of the film-- the horror is pretty much ‘naam-ke-vaaste’, comedy is what it is interested in and does it well."[41] Rohit Bhatnagar of The Free Press Journal rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Bhediya is a good one-time popcorn entertainment and a decent distraction from the monotony."[42] Sonil Dedhia of News 18 rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Bhediya has a message that resonates with current times. The film has its heart in the right place but it falters in its execution and writing."[43] Sukanya Verma of Rediff rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Varun Dhawan ups his entertainer game exponentially in Bhediya."[44]

In a less positive review, Anna M. M. Vetticad of Firstpost rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, “Bhediya is not the first film in this world to sideline characters from social groups sidelined in reality, even while purportedly being about those communities... All the noble intentions in the world and even Abhishek Banerjee’s comedic genius cannot compensate for such mindlessness.”[45] Himesh Mankad of Pinkvilla rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Bhediya rides primarily on the strength of gags, visual effects, and performances, but warranted a bigger conflict with regard to a hero and villain in the second half."[46] Rahul Desai from Film Companion wrote, "Bhediya is silly, stylish – and surprisingly poignant."[24]

Box office

[edit]

Bhediya grossed ₹7.48 crore on its opening day and approximately ₹26.75 crore in its first week.[47][48] The film was produced on a budget of ₹60 crore and, during its theatrical run, grossed ₹89.97 crore at the worldwide box office.[2][3]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ This scene links Bhediya and Stree 2 within the Maddock Supernatural Universe

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Bhediya". ecinepramaan.gov.in. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Bhediya box office collection: Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon-starrer mints Rs 28.55 crore". Business Today. 28 November 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Bhediya Box Office". Bollywood Hungama. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 29 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Varun Dhawan's fans interrupt Bhediya shoot in Arunachal Pradesh, he climbs on top of a car to address them. Watch video". Hindustan Times. 8 March 2021. Archived from the original on 29 March 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  5. ^ "Bhediya: Varun Dhawan turns into werewolf, joins Janhvi Kapoor in horror comedy universe. Watch". The Indian Express. 21 February 2021. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  6. ^ "Bhediya Movie (2022) - Release Date, Cast, Trailer, Review and Other Details". PINKVILLA. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  7. ^ "Stree 2 and Bhediya 2 to take Dinesh Vijan's horror-comedy universe to new heights". India Today. 12 April 2023. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  8. ^ "Bhediya song Thumkeshwari: 'Stree' Shraddha Kapoor makes a cameo in Varun Dhawan-Kriti Sanon dance number". Hindustan Times. 28 October 2022. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  9. ^ "Dinesh Vijan Confirms 'Horror Universe' Consisting of Stree, Roohi, Mujha and Bhediya". News 18. 17 February 2021. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  10. ^ "Bollywood bets big on horror comedies". Mint. 18 February 2021. Archived from the original on 18 March 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  11. ^ "Varun Dhawan And Kriti Sanon Share Their Experiences Of Filming Bhediya In Arunachal Pradesh". NDTV. 6 March 2021. Archived from the original on 25 March 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  12. ^ "Arunachal's K4 Kekho to Compose for Varun Dhawan Starrer 'Bhediya'". North East Today. 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  13. ^ "Northeast rapper K4 Kekho to compose music for Varun Dhawan-starrer 'Bhediya'". Insidene.com. 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 22 April 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  14. ^ a b Chatterjee, Pramit (6 December 2022). "'Bhediya' Ending, Explained: Did Bhaskar Become Ziro's Protector? Did Mid-Credit Scene Have 'Stree' Connection?". Digital Mafia Talkies. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Check out what inspired Kriti Sanon's look for Bhediya as the actress shares childhood pictures". Filmfare. 14 November 2022. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  16. ^ "Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal Donate Rs 1 Lakh to Arunachal Pradesh Fire Victims". News18. 7 April 2021. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  17. ^ "On The Sets: CM of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu visits Varun Dhawan and cast of Bhediya". Bollywood Hungama. 15 April 2021. Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  18. ^ "Bhediya: After The Film's Wrap, Kriti Sanon Is Busy Dreaming Of "Arunachal Travel Series" With Co-Star Varun Dhawan". NDTV. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  19. ^ "Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon wrap up the shoot of Bhediya, motion poster unveiled". Bollywood Hungama. 10 July 2021. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  20. ^ "Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan announce Bhediya shoot wrap with new motion poster". India Today. 10 July 2021. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  21. ^ "Bhediya Movie Album Songs". Archived from the original on 23 November 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
  22. ^ Singh, Suhani (30 November 2022). "How Bhediya is a wholesome watch with a messaging". India Today. Archived from the original on 1 December 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  23. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (27 November 2022). "'Bhediya' Review: Overlong Bollywood Werewolf Comedy Delivers Powerful Environmental Message". Variety. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  24. ^ a b Desai, Rahul (13 April 2023). "Bhediya Is Silly, Stylish – And Surprisingly Poignant". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023. Retrieved 19 November 2023.
  25. ^ "Bhediya – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". Jio Saavn. 22 November 2022. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  26. ^ "Bhediya song Thumkeshwari: Varun Dhawan-Kriti Sanon song is tailor-made for dance floor, Shraddha Kapoor adds charm". The Indian Express. 28 October 2022. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2022.
  27. ^ "Bhediya". JioSaavn. 22 November 2022. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  28. ^ "Bhediya - Telugu". JioSaavn. 22 November 2022. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  29. ^ "Bhediya - Tamil". JioSaavn. 22 November 2022. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  30. ^ "Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon's 'Bhediya' titled 'Thodelu' in Telugu, film to release on November 25". The Times of India. 11 November 2022. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  31. ^ "Varun Dhawan–Kriti Sanon starrer Bhediya to premiere on JioCinema on May 26". Bollywood Hungama. 20 May 2023. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  32. ^ "'Bhediya' movie review: 'Potential to develop into franchise', netizens, critics give Varun Dhawan's latest film a thumbs up". Business Today. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  33. ^ "Bhediya". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  34. ^ "Bhediya Review: Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon Film Deserves Full Marks For Originality". ABP News. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  35. ^ "Bhediya Movie Review - A Giant Entertainer". India Herald. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  36. ^ "Bhediya Movie Review". Bollywood Hungama. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  37. ^ "Bhediya Movie Review: This Bhediya will give you a howling good time!", The Times of India, archived from the original on 25 November 2022, retrieved 25 November 2022
  38. ^ "Bhediya Movie Review: Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon's werewolf drama is a howling entertainer". India Today. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  39. ^ "Bhediya Review: Varun Dhawan's Film Is Helped Along By Lively Performances". NDTV. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  40. ^ "Bhediya Movie Review". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  41. ^ "Bhediya movie review: This Varun Dhawan-Kriti Sanon rumble in the jungle is quite the romp". The Indian Express. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  42. ^ "Bhediya Review: Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon-starrer is a unique social drama and enjoyable in parts". The Free Press Journal. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  43. ^ "Bhediya Review: Varun Dhawan Is in Full Form in Amar Kaushik Werewolf Drama; Kriti Sanon Impresses". News 18. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  44. ^ "Bhediya Review: Howlarious!". Rediff. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  45. ^ "Bhediya movie review: Horror comedy that marginalises the people of Arunachal while opposing marginalisation". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  46. ^ "Bhediya Movie Review: Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon starrer rides on Comedy, Performances & VFX". Pinkvilla. 25 November 2022. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  47. ^ Negi, Shrishti (26 November 2022). "Bhediya Box Office Day 1: Varun Dhawan-Kriti Sanon Film Earns Rs 7.48 Cr, Fails to Beat Drishyam 2". News18. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  48. ^ "Bhediya First Weekend Business". Box Office India. 28 November 2022. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
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