In the realm of Dream Girl 2, the promise of comedic brilliance dissipates into a resounding letdown. As the curtain rises on this farcical sequel, helmed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, Ayushmann Khurrana’s titular character assumes center stage, yet even his resolute commitment cannot resuscitate a languishing storyline that rings hollow.
Khurrana, the linchpin of the film, valiantly endeavors to elevate the lackluster plot, but the endeavor is akin to steering a sinking ship. Despite a laughably feeble script, Khurrana’s spirited performance attempts to counterbalance the script’s shortcomings, rendering his character’s struggles believable and engaging. Nevertheless, this valiant endeavor is curtailed by the film’s inherently vapid and uninspiring nature.
The narrative embarks with a jagrata sequence embellished with song and dance, a vessel into which Khurrana immerses himself wholeheartedly. Regrettably, this spiritedness dissipates among the remaining cast members, who perceive the film as a frivolous endeavor bereft of consequence. Consequently, the comedic scenes that ensue lack the expected spark, amounting to a futile struggle that hardly yields the anticipated laughter.
With a self-righteous monologue in the pre-climactic phase, Khurrana’s character finally finds a foothold to shine. This sequence, albeit fleeting, is where Khurrana’s prowess truly emerges. However, the preceding mishmash of comedic endeavors is marked by ineffectual humor that scarcely resonates.
As the tale unfolds, Mathura resident Karam Singh, essayed by Khurrana, navigates his tumultuous romantic pursuit of Pari Shrivastava (Ananya Panday). Against a backdrop of debt-riddled circumstances, Karam embarks on a circuitous journey to garner financial stability and win Pari’s hand. With Vijay Raaz and Seema Pahwa augmenting the cast, the onus of resuscitating the narrative remains squarely on Khurrana’s shoulders. Despite sporadic moments of comedic vibrancy, the overall experience remains ensnared in a labyrinth of uninspiring humor and a lackluster script.
Dream Girl 2’s desperate attempt at humor frequently delves into problematic territory, making light of sexual orientation, gender fluidity, adoption, and even depression. This tactless endeavor not only undermines the pursuit of humor but also detracts from the film’s overall appeal.
Regrettably, the underutilization of female characters exacerbates the narrative’s shortcomings. With only two prominent female figures, the film’s portrayal of women lacks depth, inadvertently contributing to the insipid overall experience.
While Khurrana’s resilience is commendable, and his commitment to the role undeniable, Dream Girl 2 remains marred by its lack of a cohesive, engaging narrative. The presence of seasoned actors is overshadowed by a script that flounders in its attempt to elicit laughter and engagement. In the end, the film’s aspirations remain unrealized, leaving audiences yearning for a more inspired and impactful cinematic journey.
Cast:
Ayushmann Khurrana, Ananya Panday, Annu Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Vijay Raaz
Director:
Raaj Shaandilyaa