Some Bollywood films arrive with flashy marketing and familiar star kids. They create a lot of noise but do not always live up to the hype. Then there are quieter films featuring underrated actors that may not receive much attention at first, but ultimately offer something meaningful.
‘Be Happy’, directed by Remo D’Souza, is one of those films that quietly wins your heart and is worth watching.
D’Souza, well-known for his choreography and previous dance-centric films, remains in his comfort zone with ‘Be Happy’, but he elevates the storytelling here by adding emotional depth.
The story centres on Shiv Rastogi (Abhishek Bachchan), a reserved bank employee and single father raising his daughter, Dhara (Inayat Verma). Dhara has an extraordinary passion for dance, but Shiv, like many South Asian parents, views it as a distraction rather than a career. However, when Shiv witnesses Dhara’s performance at a school event, his protective instincts begin to melt, and he starts to reconsider her dreams.
Maggie (Nora Fatehi), a professional dancer, adds another layer to Dhara’s journey. She recognises Dhara’s raw talent and reminds Shiv, “She is made for the stage, not to be stuck behind a desk.”
Encouraged by this, the father-daughter duo moves from their small town of Ooty to the bustling city of Mumbai, so Dhara can train under Maggie and chase her dreams.
The film cleverly balances its comic moments with heartfelt drama. For instance, when Shiv initially refuses to support Dhara, she throws a tantrum and dramatically says, “Even Thanos isn’t as heartless as you.” It’s moments like these, equal parts funny and heartbreaking, that reflect the reality of so many dreamers and their sceptical parents.
In Mumbai, their transition is anything but smooth. A scene that stands out visually is when Shiv and Dhara first enter the city. As their car crosses the Worli Sea Link, viewers probably assume that the camera goes handheld because the visual feels shaky. It feels like a subtle and effective choice to depict the uncertainty and realism of their new beginning. Dhara rolls down the car window and looks outside with wide-eyed wonder, showing a childlike excitement that instantly touches the heart.
Life in Mumbai is no dreamscape. Their flat is small compared to how big their home was in Ooty. “Our bathroom was bigger than the flat,” Dhara says, which is both hilarious and revealing of the city’s living realities.
At Maggie’s dance studio, the father-daughter duo watches her dancing in awe. Shiv’s mouth is agape. Dhara teases him saying, “Papa, mosquito might get into your mouth,” making for another humorous yet sweet moment.
Dhara begins her training but is quickly overwhelmed by how skilled the other kids are. Though she’s talented herself, her nervousness gets the best of her. Adding to her struggles is the alienation she faces at her new school. Her classmates ignore her, she eats lunch alone, and her father, too, is not warmly welcomed in his new office. Yet, both pretend to have had good days in a funny but sad scene. Shiv lies that his coworkers threw him a grand welcome party, while Dhara falsely claims her new friends are lovely. It’s a poignant moment that shows their shared loneliness but also their desire to protect each other’s feelings.
The tone of the film shifts after Dhara gets selected for a dance reality show called ‘India’s Superstar Dancer’. Her appearance on national TV brings about a transformation in how they are both treated. Suddenly, the classmates who once ignored her are now eager for selfies and autographs. Shiv, too, notices a change in how his office colleagues start treating him with more respect. It’s a sharp commentary on societal behaviour—the tendency to only value people when they gain fame or recognition.
One rather exaggerated but funny subplot involves Dhara trying to set her father up on a date. Despite being under 10, she installs a dating app on his phone, explains how to swipe right or left, and tries to help him find love. While it’s humorous, it does stretch believability. You’re left wondering how a child knows this much about dating apps, though to the film’s credit, it doesn’t dwell too long on this bit.
Another minor error in the early part of the film involves a boy performing Kathak with Bharatanatyam ghungroos. As Kathak and Bharatnatayam dance are two distinct types of classical dance forms, they have distinct ghungroos as well. It is a small but noticeable error for viewers familiar with Indian classical dance forms. That said, these are tiny blemishes in an otherwise cohesive and engaging narrative.
The heart of the film lies in its emotional beats. One standout moment involves Dhara’s grandfather, who remains in their hometown. When she appears on national TV, he buys a massive television, invites all the neighbours over, and they cheer for her. It’s a scene that beautifully encapsulates familial pride and support.
Later in the reality show, there’s a ‘family round’ where contestants must perform with a family member. Dhara, having lost her mother, is unsure who will accompany her because especially Shiv doesn’t dance. But in a touching twist, her grandfather flies to Mumbai to perform with her. While rehearsing, he fractures his leg, and Dhara says, “You take ‘break your leg’ too seriously.” It’s this delicate balance of light-heartedness and deep emotion that makes ‘Be Happy’ worth watching.
The film’s strength lies not just in its storyline, but also in its performances. Verma as Dhara is a star. At only 13, her performance is natural, layered, and emotionally resonant. She brings energy, vulnerability, and authenticity to the role. Bachchan, often underrated in Bollywood, gives one of his best performances here as the conflicted yet loving father. His portrayal of Shiv is restrained but powerful, particularly in scenes where he silently observes his daughter or questions his past decisions. Fatehi, primarily known for her dancing, surprises with her nuanced performance as Maggie. And, of course, her dance sequences are mesmerising.
The songs of ‘Be Happy’ adds to the film’s charm. The soundtrack is lively, with upbeat numbers that match the energy of the dance scenes and mellow tracks that underline the more emotional moments.
What makes this movie stand out is how it taps into the emotional journey of a family navigating dreams, fears, and societal expectations. It resonates deeply with South Asian audiences, particularly those who’ve been told to ‘play it safe’ instead of following their passions.
The movie features numerous ups and unexpected downs that make the story touching and leave an impact on the audience. All in all, it is one of those movies that does not scream for attention but deserves it.
Sanskriti Pokharel, a former reporter and sub-editor at the Post, is a final-year student of Journalism, Mass Communication, and English Literature at St. Xavier's College, with experience in media, research, and communication.
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