Critic’s Rating: 2.5/5
In the realm of comic capers, “Dream Girl 2” attempts to reclaim the offbeat allure of its predecessor but falls short, resulting in a somewhat lackluster cinematic experience. Director Raaj Shaandilyaa, returning after four years since the original “Dream Girl,” presents a storyline with a similar premise. Karamveer (Ayushmann Khurrana) is eager to marry his beloved Pari (Ananya Panday), but he finds himself facing a challenging task set by her father—to earn Rs 25 lakhs within six months. A quirky twist arises when Karamveer opts for an unconventional solution: masquerading as a female dancer named Pooja at Sona Bhai’s (Vijay Raaz) bar. What unfolds is a series of peculiar events as four individuals unexpectedly vie for Pooja/Karam’s hand in marriage.
While the initial “Dream Girl” was applauded for its unconventional setup and premise, the sequel struggles to replicate the same level of charm. The film’s duration of 133 minutes showcases a series of situations and characters pursuing each other, yet fails to introduce substantially fresh elements. Despite the efforts of writers Raaj and Naresh Kathooria to infuse the narrative with heightened comedy, the plot becomes convoluted, resulting in a mishmash of comedic sequences that lack a cohesive flow.
Pooja’s fabricated identity attracts unwarranted attention from various quarters, including Shoukiya (Rajpal Yadav), who believes her to be a psychiatrist aiding his heartbroken brother Shahrukh (Abhishek Banerjee). Although mental health is a subject of significant importance, the film addresses it in a rather superficial manner, labeling it as a “rich person’s disease.” Abu Saleem (Paresh Rawal), Shahrukh’s father, considers Pooja a potential solution and offers a substantial reward of Rs 50 lakhs for marrying her. Amidst this chaos, Jumani (Seema Pahwa), Shahrukh and Shoukiya’s sister, falls for Karam, while Karam’s own father, Jagjit Singh (Annu Kapoor), develops feelings for Jumani.
Navigating through the characters’ comedic escapades becomes a challenge for the viewer, as certain plotlines are prolonged, such as Karam’s constant switch between his real self and the character of Pooja. While comedy often hinges on well-timed dialogues, the film’s one-liners fall short, feeling contrived and failing to consistently elicit laughter. Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance stands out, as he skillfully transitions between Karam and Pooja, excelling particularly in dance sequences. Ananya Panday, however, grapples with maintaining consistency in her delivery of Braj Bhasha dialogues, limiting her performance. Notably, Annu Kapoor’s portrayal shines amidst the ensemble cast, with commendable support from actors like Paresh Rawal, Seema Pahwa, Vijay Raaz, Manjot Singh, and Abhishek Banerjee.
“Dream Girl 2” treads familiar territory, often veering into unnecessary comedic tangents. While the film features moments of brilliance and some strong performances, it ultimately falls short of capturing the unique charm that characterized its predecessor.