Dream Girl 2

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*Dream Girl 2* (2023) is a chaotic and overstuffed comedy that tries to build on the success of its predecessor but ultimately falters under the weight of an overly complicated plot and confused direction. The film follows Karam Singh (Ayushmann Khurrana), a jobless performer in Mathura who, in a bid to win the love of aspiring lawyer Pari (Ananya Panday), must find a job, renovate his family home, and accumulate 25 lakhs in six months. Meanwhile, Karam’s best friend Smiley (Manjot Singh) concocts a plan to get Karam, disguised as a woman named Pooja, married to Shahrukh (Abhishek Banerjee), a man who stands to inherit 50 lakhs.

The plot quickly spirals into a web of convoluted relationships and absurd situations, including a love triangle involving Karam’s father (Annu Kapoor), a nightclub owner (Vijay Raaz), and a bunch of quirky secondary characters, including a bar dancer, a family feud, and a complicated marriage proposal. The script juggles too many storylines, and the constant shifts in character dynamics feel forced and confusing, leading to a loss of the original film's charm.

Director Raaj Shaandilyaa struggles to keep up with the madness, and while the film attempts to touch on themes like gender fluidity and societal expectations, these moments feel more like token gestures than meaningful commentary. The film tries to capitalize on the humor derived from Karam’s gender-shifting antics, but it quickly becomes repetitive and tiresome.

Despite the muddled script, the film boasts a strong ensemble cast. Ayushmann Khurrana once again proves his versatility and commitment to his role, diving deep into his character's struggles with heartfelt conviction. The supporting cast, including Paresh Rawal, Vijay Raaz, and Seema Pahwa, deliver solid comic performances, but even their efforts can't overcome the lack of coherence in the writing. Ananya Panday’s role is fairly shallow, offering little beyond her pretty looks.

*Dream Girl 2* is a film best suited for those who enjoy mindless comedy and don't mind leaving their brains at the door. While Khurrana's performance shines, the film struggles under the weight of a convoluted plot and a script that never quite delivers. It's a passable watch if you're in the mood for something light, but don't expect much beyond that.