Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey put in commendable performances in Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, striving to elevate the film. However, Sunny Kaushal delivers a standout performance that captures attention and adds depth to the movie.
You might expect that severing an arm and killing a brother would give someone a fresh perspective. Or that fleeing from the law and witnessing a husband’s descent into murderous rage would prompt deep introspection. But in Jayprad Desai and Kanika Dhillon’s Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, redemption proves elusive, even in the face of such turmoil.
In this sequel, Vikrant Massey and Taapsee Pannu return to their roles of deception, but this time, they become entangled in a plot that seems to ensnare even the actors themselves.
Vikrant Massey’s Rishu Saxena, after faking his death and killing his brother, moves to Agra and leads a double life as a coaching teacher. Meanwhile, his wife, Taapsee Pannu’s Rani Kashyap, pretends to be a widow in the same city. While on the run from the police, the couple communicates in secret through earphones and furtive glances. Their tentative reunion is interrupted when another man falls for Rani and her signature red roses.
Sunny Kaushal plays Abhimanyu, a seemingly benign compounder who falls for Rani. His gentle demeanor and sincere eyes may make it easy to forget the film’s underlying theme of deceit. As Abhimanyu becomes enamored with Rani, she seeks his assistance in dealing with Montu Chacha, portrayed by Jimmy Shergill. Montu is on a mission to prove that Rishu is still alive and that he and Rani are responsible for Neel’s death.
As the two men vie for Rani’s protection, the film resonates with the idea: “Pagalpan ki hadd se na guzre voh pyaar hi kaisa? Hosh main toh rishte nibhaye jaate hain.” This sentiment leads to a game of snakes and ladders, with Rani often facing setbacks. Unlike the first film, where Rani was an active force of chaos, she is now relegated to being a prize contested by Abhimanyu and Rishu.
Vikrant Massey commands attention with his portrayal of Rishu, whose maniacal tendencies are brought to life with Massey’s skillful performance. Taapsee Pannu’s embodiment of Rani is seamless, yet her character in this sequel lacks the dynamism she previously showcased.
While Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey deliver convincing performances as troubled lovers, Sunny Kaushal’s nuanced portrayal of Abhimanyu stands out. Bhumika Dube shines brightly on screen, and though Jimmy Shergill adds an intriguing element, his character’s potential is ultimately diminished by a weak script.
The film’s first half captivates with enough intrigue, bolstered by effective world-building, comedic relief, and a strong background score by Sachet-Parampara, complemented by Vishal Sinha’s cinematography. However, the second half loses momentum and becomes increasingly predictable. This predictability undermines the narrative’s potential and disrupts the coherence established earlier.
Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba falls short of fully leveraging Jimmy Shergill’s potential and reduces Taapsee Pannu’s Rani to a less compelling figure compared to the first film. The climax, in particular, disappoints with unresolved plot points and a lack of satisfying resolution. The film ends with a plot twist that hints at a third installment, leaving viewers hopeful that future chapters will offer more substance and a more rewarding payoff for Montu Chacha’s arc.
Movie Rating: 3/5
