The sequel to the 2021 film 'Haseen Dillruba,' titled 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba,' has now landed on Netflix, stirring curiosity about whether it lives up to the original's twisted charm. The first film, despite its mixed reviews, managed to captivate audiences with its blend of pulp, drama, and stellar performances by Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, and Harshvardhan Rane. It delivered a slick, unpredictable whodunnit that was as entertaining as it was unconventional for Bollywood.
However, 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba' seems to fall short of the high bar set by its predecessor. While the sequel retains some of the plot twists and complex character dynamics, it lacks the delicious pulpiness and suspense that made the first film a standout. The narrative, which kicks off midway through a police station scene and then unfolds in flashback, quickly becomes predictable, denying the audience the opportunity to fully savor the film's twists and turns.
The plot follows Rani Kashyap (Taapsee Pannu) as she attempts to start a new life, with her husband Rishu (Vikrant Massey) staying close by under a new identity. Their plans for a happy life are complicated by the arrival of Mrityunjay, also known as Montu (Jimmy Shergill), and a love-struck suitor named Abhimanyu (Sunny Kaushal). As Rani weaves Abhimanyu into her already tangled web, the story escalates, leading to a series of events that culminate in a tense climax.
The film’s strength lies in its characters, particularly the flamboyant personas that Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey bring to life. Pannu once again shines as the bold and complicated Rani, making the most of her screen time and delivering a performance that is both nuanced and compelling. Massey, while still effective, doesn't receive the same depth or attention in his character arc as he did in the first film. Sunny Kaushal adds a new flavor to the mix, playing a character whose outward innocence masks a more menacing edge, a delicate balance that Kaushal handles with skill.
Unfortunately, the sequel falls short in other areas. Kanika Dhillon's script lacks the layering and societal commentary that enriched the original film. The absence of supporting characters who added depth and context in 'Haseen Dillruba' is noticeable, leaving 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba' feeling somewhat hollow in comparison. Jimmy Shergill, a new addition to the cast, does his best with an underdeveloped role, though his attempts at a Bihari accent can be distracting.
Director Jayaprad Desai faced the difficult task of following up on a film that had already carved out a unique niche. While Desai delivers a competent sequel, the predictability of the script and the lack of genuine surprises prevent 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba' from reaching the same heights as its predecessor. Despite this, the film's climax and its integration of music, particularly the track 'Ek Haseena Thi,' are highlights, as is the visually appealing cinematography by Vishal Sinha.
In conclusion, 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba' is an enjoyable watch, but it doesn't quite capture the magic of the first film. If you can resist the temptation to constantly compare it to 'Haseen Dillruba,' you might find it to be a satisfying sequel. However, for those hoping for the same level of edge and nuance, the film may leave something to be desired. Here's hoping that if a third installment is in the works, it will strike a better balance between thrills and depth, delivering a story as sharp and twisted as the original.
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