Review: 'Yaariyan 2' offers a heartwarming tale of love, sibling-bond & betrayal

Yaariyan 2

It was in 2014 that the film 'Yaariyan' hit the big screens and was helmed by Divya Khosla Kumar. Now years later we have the sequel to the film, which is also a stand alone movie and touted to be the remake of the Malayalam movie 'The Bangalore Days', which is quite iconic. With a bunch of new faces and a few already attached with the franchise like Divya Khosla Kumar, let's see what does 'Yaariyan 2' has to offer to the audiences.  

Plot and Screenplay

Adapted from the acclaimed Malayalam film 'Bangalore Days,' 'Yaariyan 2' unfolds the intricate lives of three cousins: Laadli Chhiber( Divya Khosla Kumar), Shikhar Randhawa (Meezaan Jafri), and Bajju (Pearl V Puri). These characters embark on a new chapter in their lives as they make the life-altering decision to relocate to the bustling city of Mumbai.

Laadli Chhiber finds herself entangled in a loveless marriage, bound to Abhay Singh Katyal (Yash Daasguptaa). Shikhar's life takes a different trajectory as he emerges as a daring bike racer, hailing from a fractured family and confronting a lifetime ban on racing. Meanwhile, Bajju finds himself trapped in the relentless demands of a corporate job. 

The narrative of the film gracefully navigates the complex web of interpersonal dilemmas faced by these characters. Love, relationships, and career aspirations intersect, creating a tapestry of emotions.

The screenplay exhibits a certain intricacy as numerous subplots interweave with one another, resulting in a complex narrative structure. However, this complexity occasionally gives rise to a sense of clutter within the storyline. Regrettably, a few of these subplots remain unresolved, leaving viewers with a sense of incompleteness and a perception of unfinished editing.

The Performances

Pearl V Puri, in his debut role as Bajju, exudes innocence and sweetness, delivering a decent performance. Meezaan, on the other hand, brings a robust and compelling presence to the screen. His chemistry with Divya and Pearl shines brilliantly within the script, and his motorcycle stunts add an exciting dimension to the viewing experience. Yash Dasgupta graces the screen with his dapper appearance and embodies a calm and composed character, effectively meeting the requirements of his role.

Throughout the film, Divya maintains a captivating presence on the screen. While there remains room for growth and refinement, her performance effectively supports the overall narrative.

A Musical Journey

The film's narrative takes the audience on a musical odyssey, with songs making their presence felt approximately every 10-15 minutes. While some of these songs resonate well, enhancing the storyline and leaving a lasting impact, there are instances where a few tracks come across as overly pronounced and somewhat disconnected from the core plot. Notably, the film includes several remakes, and the transitions, as seen in tracks like 'Rabba' and 'Mere Sohneya'.

The Verdict

While the film boasts a heartwarming narrative with a strong bond between the characters, it's essential to note that certain subplots within the story remain unresolved, giving rise to a sense of fragmentation in the overall presentation.

Rating

*** (3/5) stars