I rarely write reviews but here goes nothing ---
Before watching *Call Me Bae*, I had little faith in Ananya Pandey as an actor. But this show? It’s like she’s found her niche. In many ways, it's the perfect pairing—like Ryan Reynolds to Deadpool. Ananya fits the role like a glove, and it feels as though she’s finally hit her stride. The show itself is highly entertaining, and I’m so glad it didn’t fall into the stereotypical "rich girl humbled by life" trope.
The focal point of *Call Me Bae* is handled well. Ananya’s character, once kicked out of her house, immediately takes charge of her life. There’s no waiting around for someone to rescue her—she’s strong, independent, and knows exactly what needs to be done. That’s what true resilience looks like. While watching, I found myself cheering her on, admiring how she wasn’t a damsel in distress, but a woman with agency and determination.
What makes Bae’s character even more refreshing is her kindness. Even in her most difficult moments, she never forgets to help those around her. A memorable example is when she’s arrested for drinking in a car (though not driving), and while at the police station, she bails out an underprivileged man. That level of generosity continues throughout the show, as she frequently gives away her belongings to others, always with a smile. It’s refreshing to see a rich character who is genuinely humble and kind, rather than entitled and spoiled.
The show also takes cues from *Emily in Paris* and *Schitt’s Creek*, particularly Alexis Rose’s character, but it manages to feel original. It mixes lighthearted fun with meaningful moments, touching on topics like the Me Too movement while still delivering a lot of laughs.
The dialogue is sharp, with memorable lines that give the show emotional depth. There’s a great scene where Bae refuses to excuse someone’s bad behavior, saying, "Even when I’m angry, I would never speak to someone in the manner that you spoke to me." It’s such a strong moment that shows her character’s integrity, and it’s refreshing to see a female lead who stands her ground.
Ultimately, *Call Me Bae* exceeded my expectations. I intended to watch just one episode and ended up finishing all eight in a day. The show is well-directed, with great themes, lovely music, and humorous, memorable moments. It’s more than just a show about fashion—it’s about resilience, self-worth, and overcoming life’s challenges. I hope more shows like this come out of India, empowering women to know their worth and not bow down to anyone’s expectations.