De De Pyaar De 2 Delivers Mixed Results
The much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 romantic comedy De De Pyaar De has arrived in theaters, but Anshul Sharma's follow-up film proves to be a hit-and-miss affair according to critics. Released on November 15, 2025, the movie continues the story of Ashish and Ayesha but struggles to maintain consistent comedic momentum.
Plot Overview and Character Dynamics
For those who missed the original film, De De Pyaar De 2 opens with a handy montage summarizing the first installment's events. The story follows Ashish (Ajay Devgn), a 50-year-old man who fell in love with 26-year-old Ayesha (Rakul Preet Singh) in London. The sequel reverses the dynamic from the first film - instead of Ashish introducing Ayesha to his family, the couple must now seek blessings from her parents.
The new setup shows initial promise as Ayesha's parents, Rakesh (R. Madhavan) and Anju (Gautami Kapoor), describe themselves as modern and progressive. However, their confidence shatters when they meet Ashish and realize the significant age gap. The film cleverly explores the discomfort through awkward moments, including Anju accidentally calling Ashish beta and Ashish struggling with appropriate terms of address.
Performance Analysis and Comic Timing
Where the film stumbles most noticeably is in Ajay Devgn's performance. Critics note that while Devgn was never considered a great comic actor compared to the natural ease of Akshay Kumar, he previously threw himself into comedic roles with adequate results. In this sequel, however, his comedy has lost its edge, and he appears a beat behind other cast members, draining energy from scenes that require heightened comic timing.
Devgn's character insists on complete honesty with his future in-laws, a premise with solid comic potential that the actor fails to fully exploit. Meanwhile, R. Madhavan and Gautami Kapoor prove effective as a tag team, delivering lines with speed and precision. Rakul Preet Singh shines in her character's combativeness, though she struggles with the dramatic turns later in the film.
The supporting cast provides some highlights, with Ishita Dutta delivering a loud and funny performance as Rakesh and Anju's pregnant daughter-in-law. The true comic standout emerges in the second half with Jaaved Jaaferi as Ashish's friend, whose presence elevates the material and demonstrates what skilled comic acting looks like.
Screenwriting and Narrative Structure
Screenwriters Luv Ranjan (who also produces) and Tarun Jain deliver moments of genuine humor, particularly in sketch-like sequences such as a scene featuring Suhasini Mulay as a grandmother with terrifyingly accurate memory. However, the film suffers from trying to top the iconic rants written for Kartik Aryan in earlier Ranjan films.
The narrative relies on silly stock situations that struggle to support the dramatic weight forced upon them in the final act. The film dedicates approximately thirty minutes to unconvincing emotional drama before a late burst of comedy brings the story to its conclusion.
A subplot involving Meezaan Jafri as Aditya, Ayesha's childhood friend secretly brought in by her father to break up the relationship, adds some appeal. Jafri creates a charming himbo character reminiscent of self-important Disney princes.
Final Verdict and Franchise Future
De De Pyaar De 2 ultimately feels like a thin and unambitious comedy that fails to build on the foundation of its predecessor. The film's occasional funny moments aren't enough to compensate for its narrative weaknesses and the lead actor's subdued performance.
If this marks the end of the franchise, critics suggest it might be for the best. The sequel demonstrates that nearly fifteen years into his career, Luv Ranjan remains a fitfully funny writer still working with basic comedic situations that can't always support their dramatic conclusions.
The film is now playing in theaters nationwide, offering Bollywood fans a mixed bag of laughter and disappointment in equal measure.
