Dream Girl 2: Ayushmann Khurrana’s Hilarious Encore Strikes the Big Screen
Ayushmann Khurrana, renowned for his eclectic and unconventional film choices, returns with yet another rib-tickling comedy. The much-anticipated Dream Girl 2, released on August 25, marks the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Dream Girl, where Khurrana portrayed a telephone operator adept at mimicking a woman’s voice. This time around, he elevates the act by embodying Pooja, a woman who enters wedlock with the son of a wealthy tycoon (Paresh Rawal), aiming to alleviate financial turmoil.
Guided by the directorial finesse of Raaj Shaandilyaa, the film crafts a situational comedy, delving into the realm of gender fluidity and cross-dressing. Khurrana’s magnetic performance is complemented by Ananya Panday as his girlfriend Pari and Annu Kapoor reprising his role as the father. The cinematic canvas further showcases veteran talents like Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, and Abhishek Bannerjee, enriching the ensemble cast.
Dream Girl 2 has ignited a spectrum of reactions among critics and audiences, resulting in a medley of reviews. Khurrana’s portrayal of Pooja and his seamless transition from Karam to Pooja garnered applause, while the film’s commendable attempt to shatter stereotypes and depict harmonious coexistence among people of different faiths received appreciation. Conversely, detractors lambasted the movie for its perceived garishness, lack of originality, and outdated narrative. Critics pinpointed script weaknesses, sluggish pacing, and recycled humor reminiscent of the 1990s.
The film’s box office reception encountered a dual challenge, with the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns impacting footfalls. Over its opening weekend, Dream Girl 2 garnered an approximate collection of Rs 15 crore, a figure trailing behind Khurrana’s earlier hits like Bala and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. Nonetheless, the film’s creators remain optimistic that as more theaters reopen and audiences venture out, its traction will amplify in the forthcoming days.
Dream Girl 2 emerges as a showcase of Khurrana’s versatility and audacious spirit as an actor. Once again, he reinforces his prowess in embracing diverse roles with finesse and conviction. Be it a sperm donor, a bald protagonist, a gay character, or a woman, Khurrana consistently bewitches viewers with his charm and proficiency. While Dream Girl 2 may not ascend to the zenith of his filmography, it undeniably beckons his aficionados and enthusiasts of lighthearted comedies to partake in the viewing experience.
