Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (2024) Review!!

Synopsis – While evading the cops in Agra, Rani and Rishu scheme to run away together. But when their plans go awry, Rani asks a mild-mannered admirer for help.

My Take – Released in 2021, Haseen Dillruba worked well enough as an enjoyable pulpy B thriller that at times took itself too seriously. But mashed with murder mystery elements, the twists and turns ensured that one remained completely engrossed in the messy love story of Rani (Taapsee Pannu) and Rishu (Vikrant Massey).

Three years later, riding on a script by returning screenwriter Kanika Dhillon and in the company of a new director, Jayprad Desai (Kaun Pravin Tambe?), the sequel continues the twisted tale of love, deception, and chaos that the first installment set in motion. All the while introducing newer elements to keep the audience engaged.

Resulting in a film that is as fun as its predecessor, even though it heads in more preposterous territories.

Assembled together by a slew of macabre conspiracies, the sleuthing of two determined investigators, a romantic triangle that snowballs into a dangerous crisis, and a higher body count on and off the screen, the sequel is far more twisted than its predecessor.

Also, the films of representation of fictional author Dinesh Pandit’s sayings and books, helps it retain the first film’s signature dark humor, while adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. Immediately setting it apart from conventional Hindi thrillers.

Sure, there are many elements which are unrealistic, nevertheless it doesn’t stop one from enjoying the ridiculousness unfold on screen, leaving us wanting more from (hopefully) part 3.

Taking place sometime after the events of the first film, the story once again follows Rani Kashyap (Taapsee Pannu) who is now living in Agra after the horrible incident in which her husband Rishabh “Rishu” Saxena (Vikrant Massey) kills his cousin- her lover-turned-blackmailer Neel Tripathi (Harshvardhan Rane), cuts off his own hand and goes into hiding to avoid capture.

However, Rishu, who now sports an artificial left arm, is also living in the same city, as the two meet clandestinely, hatching a plan to escape India forever. But best laid plans, of course, go awry since hot on their heels is DSP Mrityunjay Paswan aka Montu Uncle (Jimmy Shergill), Neel and Rishu’s uncle, who is not only a smarter foe but is also effected on a personal level.

Forcing them to complicate matters by involving moony-eyed simpleton compounder Abhimanyu (Sunny Kaushal) who falls hook, line and sinker for Rani the moment he sees her. And since Rani does not reciprocate she decides to use him for her needs – to reunite with Rishu. What follows is a diabolical plan that doesn’t quite go the way it’s supposed to.

Indeed, director Jayaprad Desai had a challenge with the film, especially since the first one had created its niche in the hearts of the audience. Thankfully, he rises up to the challenge and along with writer and co-producer Kanika Dhillon, manages to craft a narrative that is both thrilling and entertaining. The sequel juggles with entanglements that are similar to the ones that we encountered in the first film.

Mercifully, they do not come off as overly clichéd thanks in the main to the lead pair who get into the swing of things with the all the vigor and conviction at their command. The sequel also delves deeper into the psyche of each of the characters trying to understand their emotions and most importantly their vulnerabilities.

Kudos to writer Kanika Dhillon for infusing the characters with empathy, that quality which is necessary for us to go on rooting for them despite their lying and murderous ways.

Unfortunately, the second half of the film loses momentum and struggles uphold the coherence established in the first half, making the story seem a bit too convenient at times. Even, the introduction of Lallan (Gautam Shanathappa Gadaballi) and Poonam (Bhumika Dube) characters, though important per the script, has minimal impact, particularly Poonam’s underutilized role.

Her scenes with Vikrant feel gratuitous and unnecessary. Moreover, the visual effects department disappoints, especially in the crocodile scenes, which cry out for more realism and convincing visuals.

Performances wise, Taapsee Pannu shines as the enigmatic female lead, delivering a performance that’s both captivating and unsettling. Vikrant Massey, as the protagonist, brings his signature intensity and vulnerability, perfectly complementing Pannu‘s character. Although his character, Rishu, exhibits more maniacal tendencies than most, Massey’s skillful performance makes us empathize with him.

But even Massey is overshadowed by Sunny Kaushal, who is excellent as Abhimanyu. He is menacing and there is something about him that, even while looking like the most innocent on screen, he will give the audience a little unease. Jimmy Shergill brings the necessary menace and charisma, elevating the film’s tension and suspense.

In supporting roles, Bhumika Dube is a delight to watch, while Aditya Srivastava, who reprises his role here but with considerably reduced leeway, is effective as always. On the whole, ‘Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba’ is an edgier sequel that builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor while being twisted, complex and fun.