Be Happy Review: Abhishek Bachchan and Inayat Verma’s Stellar Acting Carries, But the Film Trips Over Its Own

Abhishek Bachchan’s latest film, Be Happy, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Directed by choreographer-turned-filmmaker Remo D’Souza, the movie runs for 2 hours and 10 minutes and features child actor Inayat Verma alongside Nora Fatehi. But does this feel-good drama truly deliver, or is it just another predictable ride? Let’s break it down.

Abhishek Bachchan plays Shiv Rastogi, a devoted single father determined to help his daughter, Dhara (Inayat Verma), achieve her dream of winning a national dance competition. (Abhishek Bachchan, fresh off I Want To Talk, continues to impress with his heartfelt portrayal of a single father.) Their journey is filled with emotions, struggles, and, of course, the mandatory training montage. Bachchan is the heart of the film—he brings sincerity, warmth, and charm. His emotional scenes hit the right note, making you invest in his journey despite the film’s predictable storyline.

Inayat Verma shines as Dhara previously seen in Shraddha Kapoor's Tu Jhooti Mai Makkar, proving once again that talent has no age. Nora Fatehi plays Maggi, a glamorous yet underdeveloped dance instructor, while veteran actor Nassar steps in as Dhara’s grandfather, Nadar. Comedy legend Johnny Lever provides lighthearted moments as Gopi, and Sanchit Chanana plays Prem, adding to the young talent in the film. Harleen Sethi appears as Shiv’s wife, though her role remains largely in the background.

A Plot You’ve Seen Before (And Before, And Before…)

The story follows a familiar arc: a struggling parent, a determined child, obstacles along the way, and an ultimate showdown. The father doesn’t know how to dance but still supports his daughter’s dream, leading to some comedic and heartfelt moments. But if you’ve watched Any Dance Movie Ever, you already know what’s coming next. No surprises, no risks—just the same old Bollywood formula.

Editing? More Like a Slip-and-Slide of Scenes

The editing feels like it was done in a hurry—scenes cut abruptly, transitions feel awkward, and some emotional moments don’t get enough breathing space. At times, it feels like the movie was put together with a “fast-forward” button in mind. One second, there’s drama; the next, there’s a song—without any real build-up. The emotional depth needed for such a story is lost because the film rushes through everything.

Cringe Cinema: The Unintentional Comedy Show

Some scenes that were supposed to be emotional ended up feeling unintentionally hilarious. The dramatic dialogues, exaggerated reactions, and forced emotional moments give major “cringe” vibes. The film tries too hard to make you cry, but instead, you might find yourself rolling your eyes. The dance sequences, while visually engaging, don’t bring anything new either—just another set of perfectly choreographed numbers that don’t feel organic to the story.

Final Verdict: Watch for Abhishek, Tolerate the Rest

Be Happy is not the worst film out there, but it’s definitely not breaking any new ground. If you’re a fan of Abhishek Bachchan, give it a shot. Otherwise, you can probably predict every scene without even watching it. And if you love a bit of cringe cinema—where emotional moments feel overcooked and editing feels like a last-minute school project—this might just be your kind of fun.

Rating: 3/5 stars

One for Abhishek, one for emotions, one for effort. The rest? Let’s just say they didn’t make the final cut—just like some of the film’s missing transitions.