Film review: 'B.A. Pass' has some standout performances

Film: B.A. Pass
Cast: Shilpa Shukla, Shadab Kamal, Rajesh Sharma, Dibyendu Bhattacharya
Director: Ajay Bahl
Rating: ***

What’s it about
Savita bhabhi has a new competitor. Sarika Khanna (Shilpa) is  a ‘desperate’ housewife who finds sexual gratification in the arms of a younger boy Mukesh (Shadab) who gets addicted to their steamy sessions. What starts off as an isolated random encounter soon becomes a regular affair. But before you think this one is a one dimensional erotic drama, there comes a twist that puts the right spin to the story. Soon the tables turn and the temptress becomes the predators prey.

What’s hot
The casting is spot on. Bahl gets the right people to play these characters. Despite the somewhat over the top sex scenes, Shilpa Shukla manages to create an impact with her cold calculative stare and bold attitude. Her initial encounter with Shadab and their introductory scenes are engaging. As much as Sarika’s role in the story, it is Mukesh who eventually ends up making a solid impact thanks to Shadab Kamal’s able acting. Thank fully it isn’t a predictable sexual drama, but one that springs up a dark surprise.

The film also stays away from being preachy, trying to give a message or play the holier than thou card. Instead it digs deep into the subject and fleshes out different emotions and facets of this lust story.

What’s not
With time as the story progresses, the initial effect of the graphic sex scenes wears out and they start looking repetitive. Dialogues at times sound silly and pretentious. Also the pace in the second half could have been better.

What to do
B.A. Pass will engage you with its smartly written story line and some standout performances.

Watch the trailer: