Director: Puneet Sharma 

Writer: Sudhanshu Rai  

Cast: Sudhanshu Rai, Manisha Rai, Shobhit Sujay, Sourabh Raaj Jain, Hiten Tejwani, Tarun Khanna  

Duration: 1h49m  

Rating: 3  

What happens when you combine a disgruntled ex-detective, elements of black magic, a touch of British colonial history, and a hefty dose of bewilderment? The answer is Baida, directed by Puneet Sharma—a film that evokes the frustration of losing your Wi-Fi connection just as you’re about to uncover a major plot twist in a conspiracy theory video.

The narrative begins with Ram Babu (Sudhanshu Rai), a former detective who has transitioned to a salesman, as it seems that solving crimes no longer pays the bills. He is enjoying his life in rural Uttar Pradesh until he unexpectedly discovers a hut that appears to be plucked from a horror film. Inside, he encounters Pishaach (Sourabh Raaj Jain), who embodies the archetype of the unsettling neighbor with a penchant for the supernatural. Pishaach’s version of hospitality takes a bizarre turn when Ram is abruptly transported back to British India, where he faces a death sentence for… well, crimes related to time travel, it seems.

If you’re thinking, “This sounds like an exciting sci-fi journey,” you’re partially correct. Baida strives to merge elements of mystery, fantasy, and supernatural horror into a convoluted plot. The first half unfolds at a pace reminiscent of a dial-up internet connection—filled with long moments of contemplation, foreboding music, and a distinct lack of urgency. However, everything shifts dramatically when Pishaach appears, propelling the story into a whirlwind of intensity. The plot oscillates between different timelines with the finesse of a cat navigating a hot tin roof, leaving you to wonder if you’ve inadvertently stepped into an alternate reality.

The film's low-budget origins are quite apparent, characterized by uneven editing, overly dramatic lighting attempting to evoke a sense of eeriness with its red and green tones, and a climax that concludes more swiftly than a poorly received Netflix series. However, there are redeeming qualities. Saurabh Raaj Jain's portrayal of Pishaach is genuinely frightening, as he sheds his typical divine image like a snake shedding its skin, delivering a performance that may cause you to glance warily at your own shadow. Meanwhile, Shobhit Sujay’s Golu provides the unexpected comic relief, injecting much-needed humor into the turmoil.

Baida attempts to weave together themes of black magic, time travel, and supernatural terror, but it resembles the challenge of balancing a plate of samosas on one’s head—ambitious yet somewhat chaotic. The film's intentions are commendable, as it delves into the idea of parallel universes and the tenuous boundaries between life and death. Unfortunately, it fails to explore its own mythology in sufficient depth, leaving certain aspects feeling underdeveloped, akin to a recipe that has omitted a crucial ingredient.

Ultimately, Baida presents a tumultuous journey filled with suspense, supernatural surprises, and time-travel perplexities. It resembles that one friend who recounts an epic tale, only to realize midway that they have conflated it with three other narratives. You may find yourself uncertain whether to be impressed or simply confused. Regardless, it is an experience worth having.

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