Badnaam






Badnaam: A Tale of Reputation, Redemption, and Resilience

Directed by Maneesh Bhatt, Badnaam premiered on February 28, 2025. Starring Jayy Randhawa and Jasmine Bhasin, the film combines action, romance, and social commentary, marking a noteworthy entry in contemporary Punjabi cinema (filmyhit.cloud).

Plot Summary

The story follows Badshah (Jayy Randhawa), who, after emerging from prison burdened by a ruined family reputation, embarks on a mission to restore his family's honor. Set against Punjab’s local alcohol black market, he clashes with a crime lord while forging a connection with an anti-alcohol activist (Jasmine Bhasin), adding emotional depth to his personal struggle (cineplex.com).

Cast and Performances

  • Jayy Randhawa brings intensity and stoicism to his role as Badshah. Known for gritty portrayals in Medal and Chobbar, here he delivers a performance that critics regard as a “power‑packed performance”, a potential turning point in Punjabi films .

  • Jasmine Bhasin, debuting in Punjabi cinema, portrays a strong-willed activist. Her screen presence and emotional scenes complement the film’s central themes .

  • The supporting cast, including Mukesh Rishi, Nirmal Rishi, Vrajesh Hirjee, and Rana Jung Bahadur, contribute to the film’s fierce dramatic tension (filmyhit.cloud).






Direction and Technical Merits

Maneesh Bhatt’s directorial vision balances high-octane action with emotional nuance. The cinematography captures rural and urban Punjab with aesthetic precision, and the screenplay by Jassi Lohka and Siddharth-Garima delivers weighty dialogue. Viewers praised the teaser for its “next-level cinematography and gripping intensity” (punjabimania.com).

Themes and Social Commentary

At its core, Badnaam explores themes of honor, stigma, and redemption in a tightly-knit community. It confronts issues like corruption, familial pressures, and societal judgment—all within the framework of an action‑drama narrative (behindthescenes4u.blogspot.com).

Music and Trailer Buzz

The film’s trailer, released on February 22, 2025, blends folk-style visuals with emotional beats. It sets an evocative tone for a story centered on reputation and defiance (behindthescenes4u.blogspot.com).


Box Office Performance

Badnaam opened to an estimated ₹0.37 crore net in India on its first Friday . Across its opening weekend, figures reached approximately ₹0.87 crore net by day three, and ₹1.89 crore net after seven days (sacnilk.com). With a budget of around ₹5 crore, this places its initial performance in a moderate-to-mixed range, though some theater occupancy rates, particularly in Punjab’s Amritsar and Jalandhar, were noted as strong .

Audience and Critical Reaction

Audience response has been divided. Rotten Tomatoes reports a high “Tomatometer” score of 97%, though this reflects a limited number of official reviews . Fans have commented on its ambitious tone; while some praised the sharp performances, others criticized the film’s length and pacing—particularly Jasmine’s character arc . A Reddit commenter wrote:

“Badnaam offers a thrilling action‑packed experience … it sets a solid foundation for the future of Punjabi cinema.” (reddit.com)

However, others found the story formulaic in comparison to Jayy’s previous films .


Overall Assessment

Badnaam marks a significant moment in Punjabi filmmaking. It ambitiously combines action, drama, and social reflection with technical finesse. While its execution may polarize audiences—especially regarding pacing and narrative depth—the film stands out for its high production values, unconventional themes, and intense performances.

For viewers seeking a Punjabi film with grit and emotional stakes—and who appreciate cinema aiming beyond conventional formulas—Badnaam is a compelling, if imperfect, recommendation.



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