“Be Happy” begins with Dhara, a young girl with dreams of becoming a dancer, living with her single father, Shiv (Abhishek Bachchan), and grandfather (Nasser). Dhara idolizes Maggie Ma’am (Nora Fatehi), a dance mentor, and longs to participate in a reality show. The film sets up a predictable premise: a father-daughter conflict, a dream to pursue, and a life-altering event.
The initial charm of Inayat Verma’s portrayal of Dhara, coupled with Nasser’s endearing grandfatherly presence, creates a promising start. However, the film struggles to maintain momentum, particularly in the second half.
Star Performances: Inayat Verma Shines, But the Film Falters
Abhishek Bachchan delivers a sincere performance as the struggling single father, showcasing his emotional range. Inayat Verma is a standout, though her portrayal sometimes feels overly mature for her age. Nasser delivers a solid performance. Nora Fatehi’s presence adds to the film’s appeal, but even these performances cannot salvage the film’s flawed narrative.
Direction and Music: Lost Potential
Remo D’Souza, known for his dance-centric films, fails to deliver a cohesive narrative in “Be Happy.” The film’s shift from Ooty to Mumbai and its attempt to balance the father-daughter relationship with the dance reality show storyline results in a disjointed plot. Neither element shines, and the film’s pacing suffers.
The music album is strong, but the songs are poorly placed and utilized, diminishing their impact. Ironically, a film about dance lacks compelling dance sequences, a significant misstep for a director known for the genre.
Final Verdict: A Disappointing Effort
“Be Happy” fails to live up to its potential due to a lost plot and uneven execution. Despite strong performances, the film lacks emotional depth and engaging storytelling. The absence of impressive dance sequences in a dance film is a major disappointment.
The film’s climax, which attempts to blend drama with a life-threatening medical situation, feels contrived and irresponsible. The film’s attempt to create emotional drama at the expense of realism ultimately undermines its impact. “Be Happy” ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying or emotionally resonant experience.