When Haseen Dillruba premiered in 2021, it generated mixed reviews. The film introduced Bollywood to a new style of pulpy drama that some found refreshing while others struggled with its more controversial elements. Despite this, its engaging twists and impressive performances from Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, and Harshvardhan Rane turned it into a gripping whodunnit with a distinctive pulp flavor. Now, the sequel Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba has arrived, but while it retains some plot twists, it lacks the whodunnit intrigue and pulpiness of the original, becoming predictable over time and missing opportunities to fully capitalize on its big moments.

The film doesn’t pick up right where the previous installment ended. Instead, it begins midway through the story, set in a police station. From there, it delves into a flashback to explain the events leading up to the current situation before continuing the narrative. Rani Kashyap (Taapsee Pannu) is seen starting afresh, with her husband Rishu (Vikrant Massey) living nearby under a new identity. Their plan to escape and live happily ever after is thwarted by the arrival of Mrityunjay, also known as Montu (Jimmy Shergill).

Enter Abhimanyu (Sunny Kaushal), who is deeply in love with Rani—not in a lustful manner, but in a genuinely affectionate way. Rani devises a plan to involve him in the complex web of relationships, which inevitably adds to the existing complications. The film explores whether anyone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice for love, with the answers revealed as the story unfolds.

One of the standout features of Haseen Dillruba was its flamboyant characters, and director Jayprad Desai faced the challenge of maintaining this element. Scriptwriter Kanika Dhillon needed to introduce a character whose eccentricity matched that of Rani and Rishu. However, the sequel lacks the depth provided by the societal reflections seen in the first film, which included parents, friends, and other enriching characters. The sequel misses this aspect, with only Poonam focusing solely on her physical desires for Rishu.

Where the sequel lacks in complexity, it compensates with strong performances. Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey, who were excellent in the first film, continue to impress. Sunny Kaushal brings a new dynamic to the screen, balancing a seemingly innocent facade with an unsettling edge. His performance adds a unique flavor to the narrative.

Although Vikrant Massey’s role is less central in this installment, he delivers effortlessly, showcasing his talent. Taapsee Pannu remains the film’s core, making the most of her significant screen time and reaffirming her acting prowess. Jimmy Shergill, introduced as Neel’s (Harshvardhan Rane) uncle, plays Montu. While his attempt to portray a Bihari accent can be distracting and his character feels underdeveloped, Shergill does his best to fulfill his role.

Director Jayaprad Desai takes on the challenge of delivering a worthy sequel and succeeds in presenting a satisfactory continuation. The film’s extended climax might appeal to some viewers, but the script falls short of the unpredictable thrills of the original. The music by Sachet-Parampara, especially the integration of “Ek Haseena Thi,” and Vishal Sinha’s cinematography are notable highlights.

Overall, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba is an enjoyable watch, provided you don’t constantly compare it to its predecessor. If a third installment is on the horizon, there’s hope that it will bring back the edge and nuance that defined the first film.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.