De De Pyaar De 2 Movie Review: Does This Sequel Live Up to the Original?
A Family Entertainer That Balances Laughs with Heartfelt Moments
When the first De De Pyaar De hit theaters in 2019, it brought a refreshing take on age-gap romances wrapped in comedy. Now, six years later, the sequel arrives with promises of more laughs, more chaos, and a deeper dive into family dynamics. But does it deliver? Let’s find out.
Quick Rating: ★★★½ (3.5 out of 5)
If you’re looking for a light-hearted family outing with genuine emotional moments, this one’s worth your time—even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor.
What’s the Story About?
The sequel picks up where we left off. Ashish Mehra, played by Ajay Devgn, is now comfortably settled into his relationship with the much-younger Ayesha, brought to life by Rakul Preet Singh. This time around, the couple faces a new challenge: winning over Ayesha’s progressive yet protective Punjabi family in Chandigarh.
What begins as a typical “meet the parents” scenario quickly transforms into something more complex. The film flips the script from the original’s “meet the ex-family” setup to a “win over the girlfriend’s clan” narrative. At the center of this chaos stands Ayesha’s father, Rajji—portrayed brilliantly by R. Madhavan—who becomes both the film’s comedic highlight and its emotional core.
Director Anshul Sharma, working with a screenplay by Luv Ranjan and Tarun Jain, crafts a story that explores the clash between modern love and traditional family values. The wedding setting provides the perfect backdrop for generational conflicts, cultural mishaps, and those awkwardly relatable family moments we’ve all experienced.
The Performances: Who Steals the Show?
R. Madhavan: The Undisputed Star
Let’s address the elephant in the room—this is Madhavan’s film. As Rajji, he delivers a masterclass in restrained intensity and impeccable comic timing. He plays a liberal patriarch who champions progressive values until his own daughter’s unconventional romance challenges his beliefs. Every scene he’s in crackles with energy, whether he’s delivering sharp-witted one-liners or navigating the emotional complexities of being a protective father.
His chemistry with Ajay Devgn, particularly in their face-offs, provides some of the film’s most memorable moments. It’s reminiscent of their previous collaboration in Shaitaan, but here the dynamic feels fresher and more nuanced.
Rakul Preet Singh: Finally Getting Her Due
Rakul delivers what might be her most complete Hindi film performance to date. She brings infectious energy to Ayesha, perfectly balancing sass with vulnerability. Her natural chemistry with Devgn makes their age-gap romance believable rather than cringe-worthy. She’s not just eye candy here—she’s a fully realized character navigating the complicated terrain between love and family loyalty.
Ajay Devgn: The Cool, Calm Anchor
Devgn does what he does best—underplays everything. As the self-aware older lover, he relies on subtle expressions and measured reactions rather than over-the-top comedy. While his screen time feels limited until the finale, he wisely lets his co-stars shine. It’s a confident performance that knows when to step back and when to command attention.
Supporting Cast: Adding the Spice
Jaaved Jaaferi and Meezaan Jaaferi provide zingy comic relief as meddling family members. They don’t overstay their welcome and know exactly how to deliver a punchline without hamming it up.
What Works: The Highs
A Perfect Blend of Humor and Heart
The first half is genuinely entertaining. Sharp dialogues, generational clashes, and family set-pieces create a riot of laughs. Watching a fifty-something man awkwardly navigate Punjabi wedding festivities provides consistent amusement without resorting to cheap jokes.
But here’s where the film surprises—it doesn’t stay superficial. The second half shifts gears, diving into mature territory. The climax, in particular, offers genuine emotional weight and avoids the predictable resolutions typical of the genre. The film tackles age-gap relationships and parental protectiveness with unexpected honesty, making it relatable without becoming preachy.
Music That Enhances Rather Than Interrupts
Vishal-Shekhar’s soundtrack deserves praise for integrating seamlessly into the narrative. Songs like 3 Shaukeen and Jhoom Sharabi don’t feel like forced breaks—they enhance the festive atmosphere. The father-son dance-off sequence is particularly delightful, adding flavor without disrupting the flow.
Technical Excellence
The cinematography captures Chandigarh’s warmth beautifully, making you feel like you’re part of the wedding celebrations. Luv Ranjan’s writing shows evolution—it’s more polished and family-friendly compared to his earlier, raunchier work. The film looks expensive without being gaudy, and the production design authentically recreates Punjabi wedding chaos.
What Doesn’t Work: The Lows
Pacing Problems in the Middle
Here’s the biggest issue—the mid-section drags. What should be a crisp 20-minute conflict stretches into repetitive family confrontations that feel like watching an extended sitcom episode. Some arguments loop back on themselves, testing your patience when the film should be building momentum.
A Predictable Formula
If you loved the original for its bold, unconventional approach, this sequel plays it safer. Age jokes land exactly where you expect them to. Family dynamics follow familiar patterns. While there are surprises in the climax, the journey there doesn’t offer enough fresh material to keep seasoned rom-com viewers on their toes.
The Finale Overstays Its Welcome
The climax, though emotionally satisfying, could have been tighter. What works as a twisty, moving resolution gets diluted by unnecessary extensions. A sharper edit would have amplified the emotional impact instead of letting it sprawl.
How’s It Performing at the Box Office?
The film opened to ₹8.5 crore nett on day one—decent numbers, though below the original’s mark. However, positive word-of-mouth has been building momentum over the weekend. Early reports suggest families are embracing it, which could give it solid legs at the box office. Streaming rumors point to a Netflix release soon, making it accessible for those who prefer watching at home.
Should You Watch It?
Watch It If You:
- Enjoy light-hearted romantic comedies with family drama
- Appreciate strong performances, especially character-driven roles
- Want a break from intense, dark cinema
- Love Punjabi wedding vibes and festive atmospheres
- Are fans of the original and curious about where the story goes
Skip It If You:
- Expect edge-of-your-seat thrills or groundbreaking storytelling
- Find age-gap romances uncomfortable regardless of treatment
- Have limited patience for repetitive family conflict scenes
- Prefer tightly-paced films without any dragging moments
The Final Verdict
De De Pyaar De 2 isn’t trying to revolutionize Bollywood rom-coms. Instead, it’s content being a warm, chaotic celebration of messy families and second chances at love. Think of it as comfort food cinema—familiar flavors prepared well enough to satisfy without necessarily wowing you.
R. Madhavan’s towering performance alone makes this worth a theater visit. Combined with Rakul’s career-best work and the film’s genuine emotional honesty about modern relationships, you get an entertainer that’s more substantial than its breezy surface suggests.
Is it perfect? No. The pacing issues and predictable beats prevent it from greatness. But it’s earnest, heartfelt, and genuinely funny in stretches—qualities increasingly rare in modern commercial cinema.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performances: 4.5/5
- Story & Screenplay: 3/5
- Direction: 3.5/5
- Music: 4/5
- Overall Entertainment: 3.5/5
Our Recommendation
Grab some popcorn, bring your family, and prepare for a pleasant afternoon at the movies. De De Pyaar De 2 delivers exactly what it promises—paisa vasool entertainment with heart. It’s not the film of the year, but it might just be the perfect palate cleanser after a week of stress.
Best watched: In theaters with family or friends
Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes
Language: Hindi
Certificate: UA
Have you watched De De Pyaar De 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did Madhavan steal the show for you too, or did another performance stand out?
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