In the world of cinema, sequels can be like a double-edged sword. On one hand, they offer a chance to revisit beloved characters and stories; on the other, they run the risk of falling short of the magic that made the original a hit. They promise to recapture the wonder of the original but often leave you wondering where the magic went. “Dream Girl 2” tries to pull a rabbit out of its hat, but instead, it’s more like pulling out a rubber chicken – goofy, but not particularly enchanting. Seedhe shabon mein bolu toh wo last time waali feel missing hai.
Plot
In the realm of deja vu, “Dream Girl 2” takes center stage with a plot that’s a 70% carbon copy of the first film. Karamveer (Ayushmann Khurrana), in desperate need of cash to marry his girlfriend, Pari Shrivastav (Ananya Panday), dives headfirst into a ‘wtf???’ scheme. He decides to moonlight as a woman, Pooja, and work as a dancer at Sona Bhai’s bar. What follows is a madcap rollercoaster of characters – Sona Bhai, Shoukiya, Shahrukh, and the entire Shrivastav family – all chasing after Pooja/Karam. The movie ends up taking a lot on its plate and sadly, the various themes discussed in the 754 subplots get lost in the circus, turning something as serious as depression into a sideshow gag.
Performances
Ayushmann Khurrana, Bollywood ka apna chameleon, plays Karam and Pooja with finesse. He dances like a dream and pulls off situational comedy like a seasoned pro. Khurrana’s performance is one of the film’s highlights, and he’s clearly having a blast switching between his dual roles. On the flip side, Ananya Panday, in a limited role, stumbles over her Braj Bhasha dialogues. Her character lacks depth and consistency, leaving us wishing for more. The goated supporting cast, including Annu Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Seema Pahwa, Vijay Raaz, Manjot Singh, and Abhishek Banerjee, does their best. Still, with the rushed plot, they often feel like they’re juggling too many balls at once, struggling to shine. Itne saare OGs thhe, sabke potential waste kar diye.
Direction and Writing
Director Raaj Shaandilyaa, who co-wrote the film, attempts to recapture the whimsy of the original “Dream Girl.” Unfortunately, he doesn’t quite pull it off. The film’s treatment of real-world events like COVID and demonetization is annoyingly quirky, as if they were punchlines in a stand-up routine. The film’s writing, by Raaj and Naresh Kathooria, is a mixed bag. But the biggest snub has to be the comedy. Itna potential tha, phir bhi it is a hit and a miss. They even copied jokes ke themes from the first movie yaar. One-liners that should land with a punch often fizzle out, leaving you with a sense of “wait, hassna tha kya?” All in all, the writing hardly works.
Screenplay and Cinematography
“Dream Girl 2” leans heavily on the tried-and-tested formula, occasionally veering into unnecessary comic detours. The screenplay struggles to balance the multiple characters and subplots, leading to a narrative that feels like a clown car at times – packed to the brim but lacking in direction. The humor often feels like a callback from the original, missing the spark of originality. Aur cinematography kya hi kar legi ek comedy movie mein? It captures the characters and settings competently, serving as a solid backdrop for the chaos. It’s not enough, but it’s honest work.
“Dream Girl 2” is a bit like chasing rainbows – it promises something magical but often leaves you drenched in disappointment. While Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance dazzles, the film’s convoluted plot, hit-or-miss humor, and mishandling of serious themes make it more like a funhouse mirror – distorting the charm of the original. For those in the mood for a light comedy with sporadic chuckles, “Dream Girl 2” might deliver. However, if you’re hoping for a sequel that surpasses the original’s magic, this film might have you questioning whether the dream was worth chasing in the first place.
