Movie Review: Ayushmann Khurrana Shines in Dream Girl 2, Balancing Audacity and Entertainment
Ayushmann Khurrana, known for embracing diverse roles, tackles another unique character in “Dream Girl 2,” directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa. Transitioning from being Bollywood’s poster boy to embodying “Pooja,” Ayushmann manages to walk the fine line of portraying this unconventional role without going overboard. While the outcome of this risky venture remains to be seen, “Dream Girl 2” delivers audacity, unapologetic humor, and entertainment. However, labeling it as mere slapstick or a mindless comedy might undermine the movie’s value, as intellect should be engaged even during laughter.
Raaj Shaandilyaa, the director who introduced us to Pooja in the first installment of “Dream Girl” (2019), takes a bolder approach this time around. In “Dream Girl 2,” Pooja returns in a more daring and unabashed incarnation, evolving from a voice on the telephone into a vibrant living woman. Despite Ayushmann’s efforts to infuse Pooja with charisma and sass, “Dream Girl 2” falls a bit short of hitting the mark.
The storyline, while well-intentioned, is laced with humor that evokes hearty laughter. The script features clever one-liners, witty jokes, and references to other films, alternating between hitting the mark and falling flat. Ananya’s exclamation, “Mujhe dancing, singing aur painting ka kitna shaunk hai” instantly brings to mind young Anjali from “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.” Another scene involving a character tossing a pregnancy test kit from a balcony harks back to Raj and Simran’s iconic moment with Babuji Amrish Puri.
In essence, “Dream Girl 2” showcases Ayushmann’s skill in handling a complex role while introducing audacious humor and boldness. The film succeeds in generating laughter and delivering well-intentioned entertainment, even if it occasionally stumbles in its execution. As with any comedy, intellectual engagement is essential to fully appreciate the movie’s nuances and subtleties, ensuring that laughter is not merely mindless but enriched with insight.
