Bha. Bha. Ba. Movie Review: A Wild, Logic-Defying Celebration of ‘Janapriyanayakan’ and ‘Lalettan’

Bha. Bha. Ba. (Bhayam, Bhakthi, Bahumanam), the most anticipated Malayalam commercial entertainer of the season, has finally hit screens worldwide today, December 18, 2025. Directed by debutant Dhananjay Shankar, the film is a high-octane blend of action, comedy, and “meta” madness that aims to bring back the vintage Dileep that family audiences once fell in love with.

In an era where Malayalam cinema is increasingly leaning toward grounded realism and dark thrillers, Bha. Bha. Ba. arrives as a loud, colorful, and unapologetic throwback to the “mass” entertainers of the early 2000s. With its tagline, “The World of Madness,” the film doesn’t just promise chaos—it lives and breathes it.

The Plot: Chaos and Conmanship

The story revolves around a quirky conman (played by Dileep) who navigates life through trickery and wit, seemingly immune to the consequences of his actions. He is joined by a band of misfits, including characters played by Vineeth Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, and Balu Varghese.

While the “plot” itself is secondary to the gags, the narrative structure is a tribute to the “spoof” genre. The movie is packed with references to iconic Malayalam and Tamil films, ranging from Dileep’s own classics like CID Moosa to Thalapathy Vijay’s Ghilli. It’s a film that demands you “switch off your brain” and enjoy the ride.

Performance: The Return of the Entertainer

Dileep is in peak form here, displaying the high-energy physical comedy and “Janapriyanayakan” charm that has been missing in his recent outings. His screen presence is electric, particularly in the pre-interval stretch which has been hailed as one of his best performance blocks in years.

However, the real “theatre-shaking” moment belongs to Mohanlal. Appearing in an extended cameo, Lalettan owns the second half. His entry, vintage swag, and a high-energy dance sequence provide the “cheat code” that elevates the movie from a standard comedy to a mass event.

The chemistry between the Sreenivasan brothers (Vineeth and Dhyan) adds a layer of natural humor, while supporting actors like Baiju Santhosh and Redin Kingsley ensure the punchlines keep landing, even when the logic starts to thin.

Technical Brilliance

• Direction: Dhananjay Shankar makes a confident debut. He knows exactly how to cater to the “fans” while keeping the pacing fast enough to mask the lack of a deep storyline.
• Music & BGM: The songs by Shaan Rahman are catchy, but it is Gopi Sundar’s background score that steals the show. The “DJ-style” mashups during fight sequences are a highlight, turning theatres into dance floors.
• Cinematography: Armo’s visuals are vibrant and capture the festive mood of the film perfectly.

The Highs and Lows

What Works:

• The Interval Block: A brilliantly choreographed fight sequence that is pure “paisa-vasool” (worth the money).
• Nostalgia Trip: The meta-references and spoof elements work surprisingly well for those who grew up watching 90s/2000s Malayalam cinema.
• Lalettan’s Aura: Mohanlal’s cameo isn’t just a gimmick; it’s an impactful, high-energy contribution.

What Doesn’t:

• Thin Script: If you are looking for a logical narrative or emotional depth, this isn’t it.

Final Verdict

Bha. Bha. Ba. is a festive treat designed specifically for the big screen and a loud crowd. It’s a “mass-comedy” skit made on a lavish scale. While it may struggle in the “court of logic,” it wins in the “theatre of entertainment.”