“Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba,” the much-anticipated sequel to the hit film “Haseen Dillruba,” has made its debut on Netflix. Directed by Jayaprad Desai, this suspense-thriller continues the intense and twisted love story of Rani and Rishu, played by Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey. With a blend of passion, betrayal, and dark secrets, the film promises a gripping experience for fans of the genre.
Plot Summary:
Picking up from where the first film left off, “Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba” follows the journey of Rishu (Vikrant Massey) and Rani (Taapsee Pannu) as they flee the city after faking Rishu’s death. They find themselves in Agra, living under new identities, and planning to escape abroad. However, their past catches up with them as the police, led by Montu Chacha (Jimmy Shergill), are hot on their trail. The couple’s love is tested as they try to evade capture while dealing with new complications in their lives.
Rishu and Rani’s relationship is further strained when they both find themselves entangled with new lovers in Agra. Rishu’s landlady, Poonam (Bhumika Dubey), is relentless in her pursuit of a physical relationship with him, while Rani catches the eye of a seemingly innocent compounder, Abhimanyu (Sunny Kaushal). However, Abhimanyu’s pure love for Rani hides a dark side, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
As the net closes in on Rishu and Rani, their attempts to communicate through cryptic messages in Shayari begin to unravel. The pressure mounts as Montu Chacha deploys police officers to watch Rani around the clock, ultimately crushing their dreams of fleeing abroad. In a desperate move, Rani decides to marry Abhimanyu to divert the police’s attention, setting off a chain of events that leads to a tense and dramatic climax.
Review:
Kanika Dhillon, the writer behind the captivating world of “Haseen Dillruba,” returns with a screenplay that keeps viewers hooked for the most part. The film’s use of a red and dark color palette, combined with a ‘pulp fiction’ style treatment, creates a visually striking experience. The one-liners attributed to fictional writer Dinesh Pandit, along with the atmospheric background score, add to the film’s suspenseful tone.
However, the film’s pacing falters in the second half. After Rishu’s secret is revealed to Abhimanyu, the story slows down, losing some of its initial momentum. The complex web of relationships that unfolds afterward lacks the intensity of the first half, and the climax doesn’t deliver the same punch as the original “Haseen Dillruba.”
Abhimanyu’s character, played by Sunny Kaushal, is intriguing but lacks consistency. His transformation from an innocent lover to a darker persona is underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more depth in his portrayal. Similarly, Jimmy Shergill’s Montu Chacha, introduced as a formidable presence, doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set early in the film.
Despite these shortcomings, the performances are a highlight. Taapsee Pannu once again shines as the enigmatic Rani, bringing a mix of vulnerability and danger to the role. Vikrant Massey, though with fewer shades to his character this time, delivers a sincere performance as Rishu. Sunny Kaushal impresses as Abhimanyu, but his character’s psycho aspect remains somewhat underexplored. Bhumika Dubey, as the bold and assertive Poonam, leaves a lasting impression with her performance.
The film’s music, particularly the use of the song “Ek Haseena Thi…,” is effectively woven into the narrative, enhancing the story’s emotional impact. The soundtrack complements the film’s dark and suspenseful atmosphere, making it a memorable aspect of the movie.
Trailer of ‘Phir Aai Haseen Dillruba’
Conclusion:
“Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba” is a worthy sequel for those who enjoyed the first film, offering a mix of suspense, romance, and dark twists. While the second half may not be as strong as the first, the film’s engaging plot, strong performances, and atmospheric style make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. If you loved “Haseen Dillruba” and are a fan of suspense-thrillers, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist. Despite its flaws, it manages to keep you invested until the very end, delivering a story of love, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to for passion.
