Yaariyan 2 Review:
When it comes to Bollywood, remakes and adaptations are nothing new. From classic international films to regional Indian hits, the industry often draws inspiration from various sources to create its own version of a compelling story. One such instance is “Yaariyan 2,” a film directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, which appears to be a remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film “Bangalore Days.” In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of “Yaariyan 2” and explore how it compares to its source material.
The Plot: Cousins in a New City
“Yaariyan 2” revolves around three cousins, Laadli Chibber (played by Divya Khosla Kumar), Shikhar Randhawa (Meezaan Jafri), and Bajrang Das Khatri (Pearl V Puri). These cousins share a deep and loving relationship. However, life takes them to Mumbai, where they face a myriad of challenges.
Laadli marries Abhay (Yash Das Gupta) to fulfill her mother’s wishes, but the marriage doesn’t turn out as expected. Bajrang moves to Mumbai for career opportunities and finds himself heartbroken, while Shikhar, a former bike racer, faces a ban on his racing career, leading to a pessimistic outlook on life. The film explores how these three cousins navigate their altered lives and search for happiness in a new city.
Yaariyan 2 Review: A Familiar Storyline
The film’s storyline is reminiscent of “Bangalore Days,” a Malayalam classic that also follows the lives of three cousins facing ups and downs. The similarities between the two films are hard to ignore, with characters in both versions experiencing similar challenges and pursuing comparable professions.
While Meezaan Jafri, who plays Shikhar, claims that “Yaariyan 2” is entirely different from “Bangalore Days,” it’s challenging to overlook the parallels. In fact, the film’s lack of originality has been a topic of discussion among critics and audiences.
The Good and the Bad
“Yaariyan 2” has its heart in the right place. The story is meaningful and touches on relatable conflicts. The songs are a highlight, offering an enjoyable auditory experience. However, there are notable shortcomings in the film that hinder its potential.
The movie’s length, especially in the second half, feels like a bit of a slog. A more concise edit could have greatly improved the viewing experience. The screenplay appears scattered, and the dialogues often miss the mark, failing to engage the audience effectively.
In terms of performances, Divya Khosla Kumar portrays Laadli Chibber decently in her timid character, while Meezaan Jafri as Shikhar Randhawa delivers a good and dependable performance. Pearl V Puri stands out as Bajrang Das Khatri, offering a commendable portrayal with genuine vulnerability in heartbreak sequences. Yash Das Gupta plays Abhay Singh Katyal with restraint, and Anaswara Rajan’s Ikrooh Awasthi is sweet and endearing. The return of Warina Hussain to the screen is also noted and appreciated.
A Missed Opportunity
“Yaariyan 2” could have been an enjoyable Bollywood film with its filmy charm and captivating songs. However, its extended length in the second half, a few subpar performances, and dialogue issues hold it back from reaching its full potential. Nevertheless, for those who enjoy the Bollywood brand of cinematic drama and flair, “Yaariyan 2” still has its moments and could be a decent watch.
In Conclusion
Bollywood’s inclination to adapt and remake stories is a double-edged sword. While it allows audiences to experience beloved tales through a different lens, it also opens the door to scrutiny and comparison with the original source material. “Yaariyan 2” is no exception, drawing clear inspiration from “Bangalore Days” and eliciting mixed reactions.
The film’s heart and its noteworthy aspects, such as the songs and certain performances, make it worth considering for those who appreciate the Bollywood style. However, its pacing issues and the undeniable influence of its source material leave room for improvement. “Yaariyan 2” ultimately reminds us that while remakes can introduce a fresh audience to an engaging story, they must also stand on their own merits to be truly successful in the eyes of both critics and moviegoers.
As we continue to witness the evolution of Bollywood and its ever-changing narrative landscape, it’s clear that the allure of remakes and adaptations will persist, offering a blend of familiarity and novelty to an audience hungry for compelling stories.
