Badal

Reviewing it after 24 years of its release.

The controversial narrative choices, particularly in its portrayal of terrorists and the police force. The film attempts to present terrorists in a sympathetic light, framing them as victims of circumstances while vilifying law enforcement agencies. This narrative, coupled with the film's insinuations of a connection between the police and Pakistan.

The film has a problematic messaging, where nuanced storytelling crosses into dangerous territory by blurring the lines between right and wrong. By portraying terrorists as "good people" and suggesting corrupt ties between the police force and external influences, the film risks oversimplifying and distorting complex socio-political realities.

Such a depiction not only undermines the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel but also trivializes the gravity of terrorism, which has long plagued countries worldwide, including India. For many viewers, this approach felt not only unrealistic but also irresponsible, particularly given the sensitivities surrounding national security and patriotism in Indian cinema.

Its one-dimensional characterization and questionable narrative choices make it, for some, one of the less commendable entries in Bollywood's repertoire.