‘Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba’ Review: A Thrilling Romantic Sequel with a Mixed Bag of Results
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/9th August 2024
If you’re a fan of romantic thrillers, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba is a film that should be on your radar. Now streaming on Netflix, this film serves as a prequel to the 2021 hit Haseen Dillruba, offering a captivating mix of romance and suspense. While the first half of the movie excels in building suspense and intrigue, the latter part of the film struggles to maintain the same level of engagement.
The film opens with a memorable quote by Taapsee Pannu’s character, Rani Kashyap, setting the tone for the psychological drama that follows. Despite being involved with a new lover, Rani remains haunted by her past relationship with Rishu Saxena, who is now infamous for his extreme actions, including self-mutilation and arson. The narrative weaves through Rani’s obsession with the renowned suspense-crime novelist Dinesh Pandit, whose works profoundly influence both her and Rishu.
As Rani and Rishu’s relationship evolves, they model their lives after the twists and turns found in Pandit’s novels. Their love and betrayal become a real-life echo of the fictional stories they admire. However, the plot takes a new direction with the entry of Sunny Kaushal, whose character adds unexpected depth to the existing love triangle. This new dynamic initially seems promising, but the film struggles to maintain its momentum as it progresses.
The script, penned by Kanika Dhillon, begins with a strong and engaging setup. The introduction of the love triangle and its intricate layers capture the audience’s attention effectively. The first half of the film offers a compelling whodunnit experience, even though the ending may seem somewhat predictable. Dhillon’s storytelling skill shines as she navigates the complexities of passionate love and betrayal.
Unfortunately, the film’s second half does not quite live up to the promise of its opening. As the characters continue to follow the clues from Pandit’s novels, their lives spiral into deeper chaos, leading to criminal activities. Despite the initial excitement, the narrative struggles to reach a satisfying climax. The second half feels less dynamic and fails to sustain the gripping tension established earlier.
On the performance front, the film benefits greatly from its talented cast. Taapsee Pannu delivers a strong performance as Rani Kashyap, bringing depth and authenticity to her role. Vikrant Massey impresses with his portrayal of Rishu, showcasing a remarkable transformation from a timid character to a more intense and muscular persona. However, the film’s second half could have been enhanced with a more compelling performance from Sunny Kaushal, whose role as Rani’s new husband lacks the necessary impact to elevate the story.
Overall, Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba offers an engaging watch with its intriguing first half and strong performances. While the film’s latter half may fall short of expectations, the combination of romance and suspense, coupled with a talented cast, makes it a worthwhile viewing experience.
