Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie Review

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is a Bollywood thriller directed by Jayprad Desai, written by Kanika Dhillon, and produced by Aanand L. Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar. The film, released on 9 August 2024, continues the tumultuous tale of love, deceit, and murder from its predecessor, Haseen Dillruba.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie Review

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie Plot Summary:

The film picks up where Haseen Dillruba left off, with Rishu Saxena (Vikrant Massey) and Rani Kashyap (Taapsee Pannu) on the run after faking Rishu’s death and framing his brother Neel (Harshvardhan Rane) for the crime. Now living in Agra, Rishu assumes a new identity as a coaching teacher while Rani pretends to be a widow. The couple meets in secret, communicating covertly through earphones and stolen glances. However, their seemingly stable life is thrown into chaos when Abhimanyu Pandit (Sunny Kaushal), a kind-hearted compounder, falls in love with Rani. The situation escalates further when Montu Chacha (Jimmy Shergill) becomes determined to expose Rishu’s survival and his involvement in Neel’s death.

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As the tension between the characters heightens, the film explores themes of obsessive love, betrayal, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. The narrative builds up to a game of cat and mouse, where Rani finds herself caught between the two men vying for her love and protection.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie Cast:

Taapsee Pannu as Rani Saxena
Vikrant Massey as Rishabh “Rishu” Saxena
Sunny Kaushal as Abhimanyu Pandit
Jimmy Shergill as Mrityunjay Paswan aka Monty
Aditya Srivastava as A.C.P Kishore Rawat
Saanand Verma as Senior Inspector Manav Shukla
Bhumika Dube as Poonam
Trupti Khamkar as Meena Kumari
Manoj Kumar Singh as Arafat Ansari
Alok Kumar Pandey as Chiraunjilal Chaurasia
Gautam Shanathappa Gadaballi as Lallan
Sahela Raza as Afsana

What Works:

The film shines in its performances, with Vikrant Massey and Taapsee Pannu reprising their roles with great intensity. Massey, as Rishu, delivers a complex portrayal of a man torn between love and madness. His performance is compelling, drawing empathy from the audience even as his character’s actions become increasingly erratic. Taapsee Pannu embodies Rani Kashyap with grace and confidence, though her character’s development in this sequel feels somewhat limited compared to the original.

Sunny Kaushal stands out as Abhimanyu, whose subtle and nuanced portrayal of a man in love adds a refreshing layer to the narrative. His ability to convey vulnerability and determination makes him a strong contender in the love triangle. Bhumika Dube’s screen presence is delightful, and she adds a fresh dynamic to the film.

The film’s cinematography by Vishal Sinha is another highlight, capturing the essence of Agra and the emotional undercurrents of the story. The use of lighting and framing enhances the tension and drama, making the visuals as gripping as the plot.

What Doesn’t Work:

While the film starts strong, it falters in the second half. The plot becomes increasingly predictable, losing the momentum and intrigue built up in the first half. The script, which initially promises a tight, suspenseful narrative, begins to unravel, making the story feel overly convenient and less engaging. The connection between Montu Chacha and Rishu feels underdeveloped, and despite Jimmy Shergill’s efforts, his character lacks the depth needed to make a lasting impact.

The climax, in particular, leaves much to be desired. It raises more questions than it answers, and the resolution feels rushed and unsatisfying. The plot twist at the end, which hints at a potential third installment, feels forced and doesn’t provide the closure that the story needs.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie Cast Performances:

Vikrant Massey once again proves his mettle as an actor with a powerful performance that balances Rishu’s madness with a surprising amount of vulnerability.
Taapsee Pannu is effortless as Rani, though her character’s role in the story is somewhat diminished compared to the first film.
Sunny Kaushal is the standout, bringing depth and subtlety to Abhimanyu, making his character’s emotional journey believable and compelling.
Jimmy Shergill adds an intriguing presence to the film, though his character is let down by the script’s shortcomings.

Verdict:

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is a mixed bag. While it offers strong performances and striking visuals, the film ultimately falls short due to its predictable and underwhelming second half. Fans of the original may find elements to enjoy, but the sequel doesn’t quite capture the same magic.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie Director:

Jayprad Desai, taking over the reins from Vinil Mathew, attempts to maintain the dark, twisted tone of the original. While he succeeds in parts, especially in extracting strong performances from his cast, the overall narrative lacks the tightness and coherence that made the first film engaging.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie Writer:

Kanika Dhillon, known for her bold and unconventional storytelling, brings her signature style to the sequel. However, the writing in the second half feels less inspired, and the story’s predictability detracts from its potential impact.

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie Rating:

Rating: 3/5 stars.

Where to Watch Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Bollywood Movie:

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is available for streaming on Netflix.

FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba a sequel?
Yes, it is a sequel to the 2021 film Haseen Dillruba.
Who are the main actors in the film?
The main cast includes Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, Sunny Kaushal, and Jimmy Shergill.
Where was Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba filmed?
The film is set in Agra, India, and features various locations within the city.
Is the film based on a true story?
No, the film is a work of fiction and is not based on a true story.
Who directed Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba?
The film was directed by Jayprad Desai.
Is there a third part planned for the series?
The film ends with a plot twist that suggests the possibility of a third installment, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
What is the running time of the film?
The film has a running time of 133 minutes.
How does Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba compare to the first film?
While the film retains the dark and twisted elements of the original, it doesn’t quite match the impact of Haseen Dillruba due to its predictable second half.