Bhediya is a 2022 Bollywood horror-comedy directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Deepak Dobriyal, Abhishek Banerjee, and Paalin Kabak. It is a part of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, which includes Stree (2018) and Roohi (2021).
The film mixes horror, comedy, and fantasy with Indian folklore. It tells the story of a man who transforms into a werewolf after being bitten by a mysterious wolf. With great visual effects, humor, and action, Bhediya is a unique experience for Bollywood fans.
Plot Summary
The Beginning of the Curse
Bhaskar Sharma (Varun Dhawan) is a contractor who travels to Arunachal Pradesh with his cousin Janardhan (Abhishek Banerjee) and friend Jomin (Paalin Kabak). They are there to clear a forest for road construction. However, the locals warn them about the curse of the Bhediya, a mythical wolf that protects the jungle.
One night, Bhaskar is bitten by a wolf in the forest. After this incident, strange things start happening to him. His body changes, his senses become sharp, and he feels stronger. Slowly, he realizes he is turning into a Bhediya (werewolf).
Bhaskar’s Transformation
As Bhaskar’s transformation becomes stronger, his friends get scared. They seek help from Dr. Anika (Kriti Sanon), a local vet. But her treatments don’t work. Bhaskar’s body and mind change completely on full moon nights. He becomes powerful but dangerous.
Meanwhile, people in the area start disappearing. Bhaskar and his friends try to find out if the Bhediya inside him is responsible for these attacks. As the mystery unfolds, shocking secrets are revealed.
The Truth and the Final Fight
Bhaskar soon learns that the Bhediya curse is not just a random incident. It is a punishment for harming nature. He realizes that he has been selfish and must now protect the jungle. In the climax, he fights those who destroy the forest and embraces his Bhediya identity to stop the destruction.
The movie ends with an unexpected twist that connects it to Stree, hinting at a bigger universe.
Acting Performances
Varun Dhawan as Bhaskar Sharma
Varun Dhawan delivers a strong performance. His transformation from a greedy contractor to a responsible protector is believable and engaging. His physical acting during the Bhediya transformation scenes is outstanding.
Kriti Sanon as Dr. Anika
Kriti Sanon plays a mysterious veterinarian. Though her role is limited, she brings charm and adds depth to the film. Her character has a twist, which surprises the audience.
Abhishek Banerjee as Janardhan “Jana”
Abhishek Banerjee is the comic relief in the film. His dialogues and expressions make the film funny and entertaining. His chemistry with Varun Dhawan is excellent.
Paalin Kabak as Jomin
Paalin Kabak plays Bhaskar’s local friend. His performance is natural and adds authenticity to the story.
Deepak Dobriyal as Panda
Deepak Dobriyal plays a storyteller who explains the legend of the Bhediya. His role is small but important.
Direction and Storytelling
Amar Kaushik’s Direction
Director Amar Kaushik blends horror, comedy, and fantasy beautifully. He has done similar work in Stree and Bala. The storytelling keeps the audience engaged with a mix of thrills, humor, and emotions.
Message About Nature Conservation
The film’s main theme is about protecting nature. It delivers a strong environmental message without making it boring.
Visual and Cinematic Elements
Beautiful Locations
The film is shot in Arunachal Pradesh, showcasing beautiful forests and mountains. The visuals create a magical and mysterious atmosphere.
High-Quality VFX and CGI
The werewolf transformation scenes are done with amazing VFX. The Bhediya looks realistic and scary, making the movie visually impressive.
Music and Background Score
The film’s music by Sachin-Jigar suits the theme perfectly.
- “Baaki Sab Theek” – A fun, quirky song.
- “Jungle Mein Kaand” – A high-energy track.
- “Apna Bana Le” – A romantic hit song.
The background score enhances the horror and action scenes, making them more thrilling.
Pacing and Screenplay
The first half of the film is fast-paced and entertaining, mixing humor with horror. The second half slows down but builds up to an exciting climax. Some scenes feel stretched, but the overall screenplay keeps the audience hooked.
Box Office Performance
- Opening Day Collection: ₹7.5 crore
- First Weekend Collection: ₹28 crore
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹65 crore (India), ₹90 crore (Worldwide)
The film did moderately well at the box office. However, it gained popularity on OTT platforms, where more people appreciated its unique concept.
Impact and Legacy
Bhediya is an important film for Indian horror-comedy. It proves that Bollywood can make high-quality creature films. It also connects to Stree, creating excitement for future movies in the horror-comedy universe.
Verdict
Bhediya is a fun and unique film that successfully blends horror, comedy, and fantasy. With great acting, impressive VFX, and a strong message, it offers an entertaining cinematic experience.
Pros:
- High-quality VFX and transformation scenes
- Strong performances by Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Banerjee
- Beautiful cinematography and locations
- Entertaining mix of horror and comedy
- Important environmental message
Cons:
- Slightly slow second half
- Some predictable moments
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Bhediya is a must-watch for fans of horror-comedy and fantasy films.
