We are habituated to watching Good Samaritan heroes. Naveen Medaram’s film turns this idea on its head and presents its hero in the not-so-flattering role of a sex addict. Right from the suggestive title, this film has elements that could make it a talking point for all the wrong reasons. Luckily, they refrain from getting voyeuristic despite risqué situations and dialogues. The advantage in casting Srinivas Avasarala is that he lends dignity to the part of a guy who could otherwise come off as an utter creep.
But the promising aspects end there. The unusual choice of story (a remake of Hindi film Hunterrr ) and actors like Avasarala, Priyadarshi and Mishti Chakraborty are a saving grace. The film moves in a confusing timeline, from 2017 to 2016, a throwback to 2012 (or was it 2013 — doesn’t matter), then to the 90s and some more years than we’d be keen to keep track of. All those zig zag flashbacks are meant to show that the protagonist, Madhav (Avasarala), stopped being innocent in his early teens and since then, has had a roving eye.
To be fair, this is not a demon who forces himself on women, but if someone is game for a casual affair, he wouldn’t let it pass. But along the way, he’s also ended up hurting two women — Paro (Tejaswi Madivada) and a much-married Chandrika (Supriya Aysola); both had hoped that their tryst with him would lead to a meaningful relationship. Madhav, believing that carnal desires are just a necessity that can be fulfilled without long term commitment and the societal nod of marriage, shows no remorse.
In contrast to him are his two childhood companions, one who prides himself in being a player but eventually stands by a wronged woman and the other (portrayed by Priyadarshi), who doesn’t like Madhav’s wayward ways and wonders if he’d ever find true love.
The adolescent portions ring true. Not every teen would turn out to be a creep, but it’s also a fact that there are those who steer off course. What is disturbing is the young male gaze on female students that borders on the lewd. The moments where teenaged boys purportedly brush past unsuspecting women make us cringe.
The film plods along without giving its lead characters defining moments. Does Madhav, after being time and again told to grow up, truly fall in love? Does he ever feel guilty when he thinks about Paro and Chandrika?
More underwhelming is how Mishti’s character is etched. She’s introduced as a strong woman who admits she’s come out of a broken engagement. She takes her time to assess Madhav. Eventually, why make it appear as though she’d accept Madhav primarily because she has had her own share of troubles?
Babu Baga Busy has an interesting idea that doesn’t make for an engaging film.
Babu Baga Busy
Cast : Srinivas Avasarala, Mishti Chakraborty, Priyadarshi
Direction : Naveen Medaram
Music : Sunil Kashyap
