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