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EYE ON BOLLYWOOD AUGUST 01, 2025 | The Indian Eye 40

WAVES Originals Launches

‘Simple Cinema’ with Coming-of-Age

Tale ‘Della Bella: Badlegi Kahaani’

OUR CORRESPONDENT
Mumbai

n a vibrant moment for India’s independent
film scene, WAVES Originals has announced
Ithe global release of its new Hindi feature film,
Della Bella: Badlegi Kahaani, streaming worldwide
from July 18, 2025. More than just a film, Della
Bella marks the launch of WAVES Originals’ new
content label, Simple Cinema — a platform dedi-
cated to telling grounded, emotionally rich stories
that reflect the everyday aspirations and challenges
of Indian youth.
Set in the fictional small town of Mohabbat-
ganj, the film is a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative
that captures the complexities of growing up, ques-
tioning societal norms, and finding the courage to
embrace one’s identity. At its center is Dollu, a
bright and introspective young girl affectionately
nicknamed Della Bella by her schoolmates. As she
navigates the emotional terrain of adolescence —
forming new friendships, facing internal conflicts,
and pushing back against imposed expectations —
Della Bella’s quiet rebellion begins to shape her Della Bella is a coming-of-age story that redefines courage in Mohabbatganj sTiena/Bollywood Eye
path toward self-realization.
Unlike many teen dramas, Della Bella: Bad- others, blending veteran talent with fresh faces to sparks conversation.
legi Kahaani subverts the traditional romance create an authentic ensemble. “This story speaks to every young person strug-
trope. While there is a budding closeness between Della Bella also stands out for the diversity gling to define themselves within layered tradi-
Della Bella and her classmate Shanky, the film and calibre of its creative team. The story is written tions,” said Samant. “It’s also a deeply relevant
deliberately resists turning their connection into a by 18-year-old author Sanya N. Jain, who already narrative for the Indian diaspora, where questions
standard love story. Instead, it dives deeper — ex- has two English novels to her name. The screen- of identity, belonging, and agency are even more
ploring the emotional undercurrents that precede play is co-created by Roop Agarwal and Yashassvi nuanced.”
romance: the search for identity, the weight of cul- Neeraj Tripatthy, blending youthful insight with For youth audiences — in India and abroad —
tural norms, and the inner resistance that defines screenwriting expertise. Della Bella offers an alternative script to growing
personal growth. The film’s music, composed by Raaj Aashoo, up. It encourages self-reflection, challenges con-
The film is directed by Neelesh K. Jain, a well- features a robust soundtrack that enriches the formity, and invites viewers to imagine a different
known figure in India’s advertising industry, who emotional landscape of the story. With vocals by way of being, one rooted in self-belief and silent
not only helms the direction but also contributes renowned artists such as Shaan, Hamsika Iyer, acts of courage.
to the film’s lyrical depth by writing its dialogues Swati Sharma, Seepi Jha, and Raaj Aashoo him- As the first release under the ‘Simple Cinema’
and songs. Jain’s vision of “Simple Cinema” is one self, the songs traverse a range of moods — from banner, Della Bella: Badlegi Kahaani is a symbolic
that prioritizes relatable, story-driven content over reflective ballads to hopeful anthems. Choreog- launchpad for stories that may otherwise go untold
spectacle — a philosophy that is evident in every raphy by Mudassar Khan adds a kinetic energy to in mainstream cinema. WAVES Originals’ move
frame of Della Bella. these moments, especially in sequences that merge into such narrative-driven, socially resonant film-
“We wanted to create a film that resonates traditional and contemporary dance styles. making reflects a broader shift in India’s digital
emotionally, especially with young audiences. Not The cinematography, led by Romit Pillai, content landscape — one where authenticity, em-
every story needs to be loud or extravagant to be brings out the rustic charm of Mohabbatganj while pathy, and emotional intelligence are increasingly
impactful,” Jain said. “Della Bella is about small- subtly highlighting the contrasts between personal valued.
town courage — the kind of change that starts with emotion and public life — a visual metaphor for Whether it’s through Della Bella’s journey of
a question, a friendship, or a single act of defiance.” the film’s central theme. self-discovery or the ripple effects of her choices,
The film marks the debut of Aashima Vardhan Perhaps what makes Della Bella most dis- the film captures something both specific and uni-
Jain in the lead role — a performance that industry tinct is its commitment to social impact. The film versal: the quiet revolution of becoming oneself.
insiders say brings rawness, vulnerability, and quiet is supported by Priya Samant, a changemaker and Della Bella: Badlegi Kahaani will stream glob-
strength to the screen. She is supported by a dy- Impact Advisor known for using storytelling as a ally on WAVES Originals starting July 18, 2025 —
namic cast that includes Ali Asgar, Kavita Kaushik, tool for cultural transformation. Her collaboration bringing a small-town girl’s big questions to audi-
Govvind Namdev, Akhilendra Mishra, and many ensures that the film doesn’t just entertain but also ences around the world.

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