Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba Review: A Confusing, Croc-Infested Sequel

My o my, apni Taapsee is back to playing the sexy saucy seductive kitten yet again in this needless direct sequel to a direct Netflix release of 2021.

Why o why is the question you wish to ask its makers after enduring this romantic double crossing crocodile infested thriller shriller on Netflix for more than two hours...Oof Woof!!

Kanika Dhillon, who authored the first part as well, takes her story forward setting up Taapsee with a coy compounder (Sunny Kaushal) even as she still owes her dil vil lust vust to her legally wedded hubby (Vikrant Massey), who had chopped off his hand at end of part pehla.

The hubby- wifey are in hiding from a cop called Montu Chacha (Jimmy Sheirgill), who is actually the uncle of Taapsee's slain lover shover from the previous instalment. "It's personal", he yells interrogating Ms. Pannu in a jail overlooking the majestic Taj of Agra.

Speaking of Agra, an Arnab Goswami lookalike newsreader informs us early in the movie that the Yamuna river is now infested with crocodiles. Obviously, those reptiles, particularly one of them, play an all too important role in the movie climax. This CGI croc appears more nuanced and emotive than the human leads. 

Particularly, Taapsee seems to be in a perennial bewildered mode right since her Thappad (2020) totted some box office numbers as well as fetched her an award or two. She appears confused throughout, whether to look sexy vexy or just act as if she's auditioning for Thappad 2. The lady is turning out to be a one expression wonder, off late.

Vikrant, probably signing this movie before 12th Fail (2023), just about passes the muster. He appears disinterested too. Sunny Kaushal is unable to do any justice to his multi-faceted character. Finally, it is Bhumika Dube, who leaves a mighty impression as the physically challenged lusty landlady hitting on Massey and even forcing a liplock on him. Ouch Vouch!!

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is watchable till its first hour. It simply dithers and withers after that. Hope they don't take the plot further to complete a zabardasti trilogy. Please don't. Aur nahi... bas aur nahi!!!

Ratings on some key aspects* :

1. Acting : 2/5

2. Direction : 1.5/5

3. Music : 2/5

4. Story, Screenplay and Dialogue : 1.5/5

5. Cinematography : 3/5

6. Editing : 2/5

7. Costume Design : 2.5/5

8. Special Effects and VFX : 2/5

9. Action : NA

10. Production Quality : 2.5/5

#SNRating for #PhirAayiHasseenDillruba : 1 & 1/2 star out of 5.

- Sumeet Nadkarni

* - The overall film rating is not a simple average of all ratings on key aspects but a weighted average of the ratings where some crucial aspects (like direction, acting, story and screenplay etc) are assigned more weightage than others.

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#SNRatings barometer:

1 star = Poor

1 & 1/2 star = Below average/ Avoidable

2 stars = Average

2 & 1/2 stars = Above average/ Risk it

3 stars = Good enough/ Endurable

3 & 1/2 stars = Definitely worth a watch

4 stars = Very good

5 stars = Masterpiece/ Outstanding.

2024 SNRatings.

About Sumeet Nadkarni:

Sumeet Nadkarni is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a self-styled film critic by passion. He reviews Bollywood movies and OTT releases on his popular personal blog #SNRatings. His film-related articles have appeared in leading publications in India. With a keen eye for cinematic detail and a knack for insightful critiques, Sumeet brings a unique perspective to the world of Indian cinema. Follow him for the latest Bollywood insights and unbiased film reviews. #FilmCritique #BollywoodReviewer