Bha. Bha. Ba. Movie Review: A Chaotic, No-Logic Entertainer with Star PowerBha. Bha. Ba. (short for Bhayam, Bhakthi, Bahumanam – Fear, Devotion, Respect), the Malayalam action-comedy released on December 18, 2025, has hit theaters amid massive hype and controversy. Directed by debutant Dhananjay Shankar, produced by Sree Gokulam Movies, and written by Fahim Safar and Noorin Shereef, this film marks Dileep's much-anticipated "comeback" after his acquittal in the 2017 actress assault case. Starring Dileep in the lead, with Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan in prominent roles, and an extended cameo by Mohanlal, the movie promises a high-octane mix of madness, nostalgia, and mass entertainment.
The plot revolves around a quirky, unnamed conman (Dileep) who hatches an elaborate plan to kidnap the Chief Minister of Kerala (Baiju Santhosh), using absurd schemes involving laxatives and double agents. The story explores themes of fear, devotion, and respect through interconnected characters caught in chaos. It shifts from slapstick comedy in the first half to a revenge saga in the second, packed with meta references to Malayalam and Tamil cinema classics, self-trolls, and tributes to heroes like Vijay (with Mohanlal's cameo as a Thalapathy fan).
Dhananjay Shankar's direction is bold, embracing the tagline "No logic, only madness." The first half delivers non-stop energy with fast-paced narration, hilarious spoofs (echoing Good Bad Ugly and Aarattu), remix songs, and crowd-pleasing moments. The humor is over-the-top, borderline cringe, but it lands in theaters thanks to the enthusiastic crowd vibe. However, the second half feels disconnected, leaning into social messages and forced cameos that don't always elevate the revenge plot.
Dileep shines in his comeback role, channeling his old-school comic swagger with perfect timing and intensity. Fans have called it his best work in years, evoking nostalgia for his peak entertainer era. Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan add solid support, while Baiju Santhosh and others deliver reliable performances. Mohanlal's extended cameo steals the show for many, with his aura and one-liners providing the biggest highs—though some critics find it gimmicky and disconnected from the core story.
Technically, the film impresses with Armo's vibrant cinematography capturing the chaotic energy, Shaan Rahman's peppy songs, and Gopi Sundar's thumping background score. The action sequences are flashy, and the editing keeps the pace brisk despite the 165-minute runtime.
Audience reactions are polarized. Fans rave about the "pure madness" and theater experience, calling it a blockbuster for Dileep and Mohanlal loyalists. Social media is flooded with praise for the first half's energy and Mohanlal's entry. Critics, however, are harsher, labeling it incoherent, overindulgent, and a desperate fan-service exercise. Some reviews call it a "massive misfire" due to weak writing, disconnected halves, and reliance on nostalgia over substance.
Overall, Bha. Bha. Ba. works as a chaotic mass entertainer if you switch off logic and embrace the festival mood. It's best suited for theaters with enthusiastic crowds, where the energy amplifies the fun. Dileep's energetic performance and Mohanlal's cameo make it a treat for fans, but it lacks depth for those seeking meaningful storytelling.
Rating: 2.5/5
The plot revolves around a quirky, unnamed conman (Dileep) who hatches an elaborate plan to kidnap the Chief Minister of Kerala (Baiju Santhosh), using absurd schemes involving laxatives and double agents. The story explores themes of fear, devotion, and respect through interconnected characters caught in chaos. It shifts from slapstick comedy in the first half to a revenge saga in the second, packed with meta references to Malayalam and Tamil cinema classics, self-trolls, and tributes to heroes like Vijay (with Mohanlal's cameo as a Thalapathy fan).
Dhananjay Shankar's direction is bold, embracing the tagline "No logic, only madness." The first half delivers non-stop energy with fast-paced narration, hilarious spoofs (echoing Good Bad Ugly and Aarattu), remix songs, and crowd-pleasing moments. The humor is over-the-top, borderline cringe, but it lands in theaters thanks to the enthusiastic crowd vibe. However, the second half feels disconnected, leaning into social messages and forced cameos that don't always elevate the revenge plot.
Dileep shines in his comeback role, channeling his old-school comic swagger with perfect timing and intensity. Fans have called it his best work in years, evoking nostalgia for his peak entertainer era. Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan add solid support, while Baiju Santhosh and others deliver reliable performances. Mohanlal's extended cameo steals the show for many, with his aura and one-liners providing the biggest highs—though some critics find it gimmicky and disconnected from the core story.
Technically, the film impresses with Armo's vibrant cinematography capturing the chaotic energy, Shaan Rahman's peppy songs, and Gopi Sundar's thumping background score. The action sequences are flashy, and the editing keeps the pace brisk despite the 165-minute runtime.
Audience reactions are polarized. Fans rave about the "pure madness" and theater experience, calling it a blockbuster for Dileep and Mohanlal loyalists. Social media is flooded with praise for the first half's energy and Mohanlal's entry. Critics, however, are harsher, labeling it incoherent, overindulgent, and a desperate fan-service exercise. Some reviews call it a "massive misfire" due to weak writing, disconnected halves, and reliance on nostalgia over substance.
Overall, Bha. Bha. Ba. works as a chaotic mass entertainer if you switch off logic and embrace the festival mood. It's best suited for theaters with enthusiastic crowds, where the energy amplifies the fun. Dileep's energetic performance and Mohanlal's cameo make it a treat for fans, but it lacks depth for those seeking meaningful storytelling.
Rating: 2.5/5
