An Engaging Start, But Falls Short in the End
3/5
It’s engaging enough to keep you entertained, but ultimately, it doesn’t evolve into something memorable.
Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba Review
An Engaging Start, But Falls Short in the End
The film Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba takes an intriguing turn with the entry of Sunny Kaushal into the lives of Rani and Rishu, creating a love triangle that sets the tone for the drama.
What Works
The first half hooks you in with a strong build-up, leaving you eager to see how the story will unfold.
What Falls Flat
Unfortunately, the second half doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set by the first, struggling to resolve the complexities introduced.
The movie opens with a line that sets the stage: “Intezaar se dar nahi lagta, wo to akele kar sakte hain. Dar to mulakat se lagta hai.” (We’re not afraid of waiting, that we can do alone. But meetings, they scare us.) This marks the beginning of Taapsee Pannu’s journey as Rani Kashyap, who finds herself entangled with a new lover while still haunted by her past with Rishu Saxena—the man who went to extreme lengths for her, including chopping off his hand and covering up his cousin’s accidental death (events from the first film).
Rani, an ardent fan of suspense-crime novelist Dinesh Pandit, inspires Rishu to dive into these novels as well. They begin to shape their lives around the plots of these stories, from their first meeting to the love and betrayals that follow. Everything they do seems to be guided by the pages of Pandit’s books.
The plot of Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba really intensifies with Sunny Kaushal’s entrance, turning the love triangle into a tangled web that challenges the characters and the audience alike. However, the film’s strength lies in the intricate maze it creates—leaving the question of whether it can unravel itself convincingly.
Script Analysis
Kanika Dhillon crafts a story that captivates from the start, weaving a complex love triangle that keeps the viewer engaged. The first half delivers a compelling mystery, even if the outcome feels somewhat predictable. It’s a journey filled with passionate love that keeps you invested. But the momentum falters in the second half. As the characters follow the twisted paths of their favorite novelist, their lives spiral deeper into crime. Yet, despite the initial intrigue, the story struggles to maintain its grip, gasping for resolution as it reaches its climax.
Star Performance
Despite the uneven pacing, the performances are a saving grace. Taapsee Pannu, familiar with the nuances of her character, delivers a solid performance as Rani. Vikrant Massey shines as Rishu, transforming from a shy and reserved figure to someone raw and intense, holding your attention throughout. Sunny Kaushal’s portrayal of the psychotic new husband, however, feels like a missed opportunity—his role could have added more depth and tension to the story.
Direction & Music
Jaiprad Desai’s direction stumbles in trying to match the seamless suspense of the first film. While the use of the iconic song “Ek Haseena Thi, Ek Deewana Tha” adds a nice touch, other musical choices feel out of place. The storytelling, particularly in the second half, struggles with pacing and fails to deliver the sharp twists one expects from a thriller. The attempt to build suspense feels forced, and the narrative’s resolution lacks the punch needed to leave a lasting impression.
Final Verdict
Watching Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is like going on a Tinder date that starts off with promise but doesn’t quite lead anywhere meaningful. It’s engaging enough to keep you entertained, but ultimately, it doesn’t evolve into something memorable. It’s a decent watch with some flirtatious intrigue, but don’t expect anything too deep or lasting.
