De De Pyaar De 2 Review: Madhavan's Heartwarming Performance Steals the Spotlight
Five years after the original film challenged Bollywood conventions, De De Pyaar De 2 returns to continue exploring the complexities of May-December relationships. The sequel, directed by Anshul Sharma and written by Luv Ranjan, picks up exactly where the 2019 film left off, bringing fresh perspectives and emotional depth to the unconventional love story.
The Story Continues: Modern Love Meets Traditional Values
The film resumes the journey of Ashish Mehra (Ajay Devgn), the fifty-plus businessman, and his much younger partner Ayesha (Rakul Preet Singh). This time, the narrative shifts focus to Ayesha's parents, particularly her father Rajji Khurana, portrayed brilliantly by R Madhavan. The story explores how modern, liberal parents grapple with accepting a son-in-law who belongs to their own age group.
The central conflict revolves around the inevitable family drama that ensues when Ayesha's parents discover her relationship with Ashish. Despite their claims of being progressive, Rajji and Mrs. K (played by Gautami Kapoor) struggle to embrace a prospective son-in-law who could easily be their contemporary. The film spends nearly two-and-a-half hours navigating this emotional minefield, filled with both comedic and dramatic moments.
Standout Performances and Character Arcs
While Ajay Devgn reprises his role as the serious, somewhat subdued Ashish, it's R Madhavan who truly shines in this installment. His portrayal of a protective father evolving from patriarchal instincts to genuine acceptance forms the emotional core of the film. This performance echoes his scene-stealing role in 'Shaitaan,' where he previously shared screen space with Devgn.
The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative. Jaaved Jafferi returns as Ashish's friend and therapist, providing comic relief and practical advice. Meezaan Jafferi makes a notable appearance as a green-flag character, while Ishita Dutta and Tarun Gahlot play supportive family members. Veteran actress Suhasini Mulay brings warmth as the grandmother with an impeccable memory.
Evolution of Luv Ranjan's Storytelling
The film marks a significant evolution in co-producer Luv Ranjan's writing style. Moving beyond the 'boys-will-be-boys' mentality of his earlier works like the Pyaar Ka Punchnama series, Ranjan now presents more mature male characters. The narrative celebrates the birth of baby girls, emphasizes women's happiness, and shows men actively supporting their partners' aspirations.
However, the film isn't without its flaws. The setting often feels like an extended sit-com, with the primary house location clearly appearing as a set. The runtime tests audience patience, making viewers wonder if the progressive messaging needed such lengthy exposition. The absence of Tabu, who added significant depth to the first film, is particularly felt.
Final Verdict: Progressive Themes Amid Conventional Execution
De De Pyaar De 2 earns 2.5 out of 5 stars for its genuine attempt to normalize age-gap relationships in mainstream cinema. While the film stumbles in execution and pacing, it succeeds in presenting important conversations about modern relationships and parental acceptance.
The real triumph lies in Madhavan's performance, which beautifully captures the journey from protective patriarchy to empowered parenting. His character's ultimate acceptance that his daughter Simran must live her own life and make her own mistakes represents true 'adulting' in contemporary Indian society.
The film leaves viewers contemplating an even bolder question: What if the genders were reversed, with an older woman and younger man? That, perhaps, would represent the next frontier in Bollywood's exploration of unconventional relationships.
