Bada Naam Karenge Review: Rajshri Productions’ OTT debut is a charming nod to simpler times!

Sooraj Barjatya’s OTT debut carries his signature touch, but when blended with Palash Vaswani’s TVF sensibilities, it transforms into a refreshing recipe for realistic optimism—exactly the kind of feel-good narrative we yearn for.

Every day, we witness the search to redefine familiar emotions with new labels or trendy tags, in an attempt to modernise what has already been understood for generations. Yet, despite the rebranding, the fundamental longing remains unchanged — to be seen, valued, and loved for who we truly are. Unsurprisingly, we often crave a return to simpler times when the clarity of tradition tempered with life’s chaos. Who better than Sooraj Barjatya, to reminds us of this time when the enduring power of traditional values, familial bonds, love, and duty were supreme. It is what forms the heart of Bada Naam Karenge. However, revisiting the past doesn’t mean abandoning progress; TVF’s filmmaker Palash Vaswani brings a modern twist to Rajshri Productions' classic storytelling. Together, they create a harmony between tradition and contemporary sensibilities, offering an old school tale of love, grounded in timeless familial values yet relevant to today's world.

The show kicks off with an intriguing twist: what appears to be an arranged marriage between Rishabh (Ritik Ghansani) and Surbhi (Ayesha Kaduskar), orchestrated by their parents, is actually a hidden love story that began during their time in Mumbai. As they navigate their future, they choose to conceal their past from their families, knowing that the complexities of their relationship wouldn't be understood. Over the course of nine episodes, the narrative oscillates between past and present, painting a vivid picture of Rishabh (reminds me of a young Shahid Kapoor)  from Ratlam, the youngest in his family, aspiring to carry forward the legacy of their sweet shop but with an entrepreneurial spin, rather than as a traditional halwai. Meanwhile, Surbhi (reminds me of a young Amrita Rao) a middle child from Ujjain, cherished by her family, with dreams of studying virology.

Though both come from small towns, their time in Mumbai reveals their differences. Rishabh, self-conscious of his small-town roots, hides behind a facade, pretending to fit into a world he feels disconnected from. He's the Aligarhi pyjama- hesitant to embrace his true identity. In contrast, Surbhi is unapologetically herself — a thoughtful girl who loves to indulge in poetic literature. She does drink but chooses not to. And hence, their journey of balancing their contrasting personalities and their love for each other against the weight of familial and societal expectations begins.

Also Read: Fantastic Four trailer: It’s clobbering time with Marvel’s first superhero family!

The show operates like a mash-up of the sensibilities of Little Things infused with the traditional values of Vivah. That’s why living together becomes less of a choice and more of a necessity, constantly shadowed by the fear of being caught — until a jealous, villain-like family member inevitably exposes them. It’s not too far-fetched, considering the showrunner is none other than Sooraj Barjatya, whose debut in the streaming world is as unexpected as finding a satsang playlist in the hands of a DJ. Yet, what Barjatya does here is insightful unlike most directors who made their OTT debut. He recognises that if his idealistic vision of family togetherness is to thrive in the independent, choice-driven world of OTT, it needs to be redefined. This new package of Hum Saath Saath Hain meets Gullak, captured through Rishabh and Surbhi's family dynamics is where the brilliance of Bada Naam Karenge lies. 

Barjatya’s decision to bring in fresh voices like director Palash Vaswani and writers S. Manasavi and Vidit Tripathi pays off. Their grasp of the OTT landscape elevates the show. For instance, blending old-school romance with contemporary storytelling. The classic trope of an accidental meeting blossoming into a romance that transcends boundaries is grounded in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic or arranged marriage, where forces beyond their control shape Rishabh and Surbhi’s longing to be together. Vaswani’s ability to frame real-life moments with his unique cinematic touch imbues the show with emotional and dramatic beats that echo Rajshri Productions' signature style but with a fresh edge. Heart attacks lead to necessary conversations, grand proposals or revelations unfold in the presence of divine symbols, all grand stylised yet relatable. 

This clash of sensibilities is also visible thematically. The difference of opinion between generations is central to the show where the younger characters constantly find themselves in a tug-of-war with the old, pitting rigid traditional values against emerging independent thoughts. The tension creates an environment where lying to elders becomes not just an option but a necessity, which is relatable to us all, since we often choose deception over transparency to avoid judgment for our mistakes. Hence, the conflict between modernism and traditionalism finds its roots in characters like Tauji, who, firmly anchored by his status, rules with fear rather than respect and the fear of not being understood drives Rishabh to hide the truth.

The show's main flaw is its tendency to lean into excessive sweetness, where its cinematic polish occasionally overshadows emotional depth, particularly in depicting the nuanced evolution of the 'OTT generation'. You might find yourself wishing for more rawness in those moments! Nevertheless, this Swaad Sanskaar Ka meets the reality of evolving modern times, offering a more understated version of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. It operates in a sophisticated, subtle, and realistic space, where rebellion is voiced quietly but firmly.

Standing up to the older generation in Bada Naam Karenge isn't about rejecting their values, it's about helping them see their missteps while reassuring them that their traditions won’t be lost in the process. The show skillfully blends cinematic grandness with the real complexities of generational conflict, reminding us that change doesn’t always have to be loud to make its impact felt. This show is filmy, cute, simple, and heartwarming which is why I appreciate this cinematic going back in time which feels comforting for those old souls that grew up on Barjatya films amidst all the chaos and chatter!

Bada Naam Karenge is currently streaming on SonyLIV! 

For more reviews, follow us on @socialketchupbinge