Ayushmann Khurrana, once the golden boy of Bollywood, is facing a challenging phase in his career. After the subdued reception of “Gulabo Sitabo” and his subsequent ‘social message’ movies, one would expect him to tread carefully. Yet, he dives back into familiar waters with “Dream Girl 2”, revisiting one of his most commercial successes from 2019.
Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, who also directed the prequel, “Dream Girl 2” feels both like a sequel and a reboot. The narrative, characters, and humor closely mimic its predecessor, yet intensified. Karam, portrayed by Khurrana, is back with his uncanny skill for impersonation. Amid familial financial woes and a brewing romance with Pari (Ananya Panday), Karam reincarnates as ‘Pooja’, stepping beyond voice impersonations to full-fledged physical enactment. Shaandilyaa manages to walk the tightrope of cross-gender comedy with finesse, albeit with some recurrent gags.
Details:
- Film: Dream Girl 2 (Hindi)
- Director: Raaj Shaandilyaa
- Main Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Ananya Panday, Paresh Rawal, Seema Pahwa, Rajpal Yadav, Vijay Raaz, Manjot Singh
- Duration: 134 minutes
- Synopsis: Karam turns into multiple versions of ‘Pooja’, navigating through roles ranging from a bar dancer to a wealthy heir’s wife.
The film’s narrative spirals into chaos when Karam, as Pooja, gets entangled in layered subplots and multiple identity shenanigans. While Shaandilyaa has a prolific TV writing background, translating that success onto the big screen with intricate humor seems a challenging task. The presence of seasoned actors like Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav isn’t enough to elevate the film’s comedic value.
Comparatively, “Dream Girl 2” somewhat mirrors the inanity and recycled humor of “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2”. Moreover, the recycled jokes, coupled with humor often bordering on insensitivity, cast a shadow over the film. References to contemporary TV shows and real-world events felt more forced than funny.
Khurrana, true to his commitment, engrosses himself in the cross-dressing shenanigans, displaying a vivacity particularly when in the ‘Pooja’ avatar. His commitment is such that even in a chaotic climax, he manages to deliver a passionate monologue on love and acceptance. Yet, despite his earnestness, the film often veers into realms of absurdity, leaving the audience puzzled rather than entertained.
To conclude, “Dream Girl 2” might resonate with those seeking nostalgia, but for those expecting a fresh take, it might come off as more of a rehash than a renaissance. A cinematic roller-coaster, it might not be the dreamy sequel one hoped for.
