Mumbai becomes the destination of Bae's (Ananya Panday) quest for answers, but fixing everything won't be a picnic. When her family fails her, she finds support in entertaining new acquaintances like Saira (Muskkaan Jaferi). However, Bae's troubles are far from finished as she braces herself to confront a powerful man.

In 2023, Ishita Moitra's rise to fame with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani ushered in a new era in which writers are finally receiving the recognition they have long deserved. Therefore, when I learnt that Ishita Moitra is one of the creators of Call Me Bae, a sense of excitement surged within me. The trailer intrigued me and made me think the series would be as unapologetic as it claims to be. To put it simply, I am impressed.

Ananya Panday portrays Bella Chaudhry, a Delhi socialite who, according to her own words, was "born with a golden spoon," in Call Me Bae. From the very beginning, we witness her expulsion from her husband's mansion, with the reason not immediately apparent. However, quickly, a detailed backstory emerges, revealing that Bae, despite her academic excellence, underwent "training" to become a trophy wife, a role she had to embrace without hesitation, as patriarchy remains universally unaffected by class.

But the "golden spoon" girl does have a golden heart and is a people-pleaser, irrespective of who they are, be it her family, friends, or even the staff that works for her. Oh, how can I forget an AI-based vacuum cleaner? So, the bottom line is that good things happen to good people, even if life takes an unexpected, harsh turn that leaves you entirely unprepared.

We have seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani that Ranveer Singh's character arc is some sort of coming-of-age where he shows that even if he has committed mistakes, there's always a scope for improvement, and "cancel culture" is not the ultimate solution. Why did I mention it? The Karan Johar directorial effort leaves some crumbs in Call Me Bae, which is a positive development.  

The coming-of-age of Bae not once comes across as to the face, making the show a smooth criminal. Bae quickly arrives in Mumbai, seeking self-discovery. With a heavy heart, she declares her intention to work hard and establish a positive reputation. Her fault, which some might find argumentative if ethics are not taken into account, resulted in her expulsion from Delhi or a complete ban from the capital.

However, this move comes as a blessing in disguise; of course, otherwise, there can't be a story of riches to rags, which is not unheard of in popular culture. But still, there's some freshness that will keep you hooked on to the show for the entirety of eight episodes. 

There are some obnoxious moments of even how she landed a job over a viral video. But who are we to question when influencers have knocked on the door to take over journalists who have actually graduated and specialised in it?

Regardless, Ananya Panday captures you with her captivating presence in a risky business that the show ultimately embarks on. Despite not portraying herself as a victim, the actor lives in a world where positive people surround her and evil ones are merely background noise.

In 2019, I first encountered this type of shock when I watched Gully Boy, where nearly the entire cast consisted of good people with no evil intentions. Call Me Bae features characters who, due to Bae's initial initiation, are predominantly positive people. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani also showcases this goodness, as everyone, except for two characters who display backward thinking, supports the union of the lead characters.

My biggest takeaway from the series is how the ensemble cast creates a delicious cocktail that you can devour and finish before the ice melts. Call Me Bae presents familiar characters from YA dramas and coming-of-age stories, from Clueless to Mean Girls. But even if there are unrealistic moments, it sounds true to a greater extent given the world we are currently living in, where anything and everything is possible. This is primarily due to the silent devils, who sit behind screens and plan to make people's lives a living hell.

The Hema Committee Report in the Malayalam film industry sparked the #MeToo movement's resurgence. Sexual harassment serves as a significant backdrop and comes as no surprise. In today's time, it's crucial to engage in these conversations about popular culture, especially since celebrities often refrain from commenting on it in person. However, Call Me Bae goes a step further and tackles a common fear among people: the fear of technology gaining control over our personal data and monetising it, causing us to live in constant fear while still using our mobile phones.

Yes, these issues are serious and can provide a disturbing viewing experience. However, despite incorporating humour and overt drama, the series never trivialises these serious issues or portrays them in an insensitive manner. Another plus point for the series is bringing the real issue to the screen and making it a main character, with Bae being the catalyst for taking it to the world.

She receives strong support from the rest of the cast, starting with Saira (Muskkaan Jaferi), who was her first friend in Mumbai and ultimately became her best friend in life. Next, Tammarrah enters the scene as a self-centred, career-driven individual, but she gradually transforms into a more supportive figure. As a result, the three become an inseparable trio and create "behen code." Both actors do leave meaningful impact with their performances.

So do the three male actors, who are perhaps as different as chalk, cheese, and apples! Gurfateh Pirzada, Vihaan Samat, and Varun Sood, who play the three men in Bae's life, create a unique geometric figure that occasionally twists and unravels. To be honest, they do bring romantic and lighter moments to the storyline, but they don't turn these characters into fragile flower vases.

If you ask me who shook me to the core in the entire series, it's none other than Vir Das. The actor plays a tough and narcistic primetime news anchor, Satyajit, who doesn't hold back in looking down on anyone and everyone. The actor, who is among the country's funniest comedians, is also one of the feminist figures we've seen. However, casting him as the exact opposite of his persona is also a treat to watch.

Speaking of Ananya Panday, I've been admiring her career trajectory ever since I saw Gehraiyaan and her previous movie, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. The actor has grasped the task of selecting roles that complement her age and personality while also masking her acting limitations. This doesn't take away the fact that she is a decent performer. Having carried the series on her shoulders, she remains steadfast and resilient when faced with challenges, much like her character. Her privileged attitude will remind you of Alexis from Schitt's Creek, who keeps on mentioning brands and celebrities like they meet up for coffee on a daily basis. In the series, Ananya is charming as a person who can intimidate you but also teach you not to judge a book by its cover.

Similar to Bae's belief in the owl as her "spirit animal," she symbolically possesses the ability to see beyond what others may not perceive. Furthermore, the series metaphorically portrays her character as possessing a mysterious aura, despite her outward appearance as a fashion icon.

Collin DCunha helmed all eight episodes, and I continue to believe that young filmmakers should be allowed to helm stories about youngsters, just as Karan Johar did with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 25 years ago. Well, he proves that exceedingly!

Call Me Bae blends wit, heart, and social commentary into a stylish package that's hard to resist. Ananya Panday shines as the eponymous Bae, transforming from a privileged princess to a powerhouse. While the series serves its dose of fashionable fun, it also delivers powerful punches on patriarchy and privacy in today's tech-driven world.

Read Also: Call Me Bae review: Ananya Panday is pitch-perfect in her unapologetically breezy, decidedly sanitised series debut