Hungama 2
RATING
Introduction
Onto the next new release of the weekend and I have just finished watching Hungama 2 on Hotstar VIP. This film marks the return of Priyadarshan in the Hindi Film Industry after years. The stalwart who had earlier given as gems like Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiya and Hungama and someone whose movies we all grew up on, was making a comeback, so naturally there was excitement. But once the trailer was out, it was unfunny and seemed like a pale shadow of the first part. But knowing the prowess of Priyadarshan, some part in me had hope that this film will still be good. Was it worth your time, stay tuned.
Story & Screenplay
Allegedly based on the 1994 Malayalam film Minnaram(I haven’t seen it and hence have no reference of it), Hungama 2 follows the story of a young woman who along with her child lands up at a mansion of a well to do family, one of whom is supposedly the father of her child. The story is alright, potentially the one to create confusion and chaos which is required in comic capers like these. But the screenplay is terribly outdated and stuck in the 90s. In times of the OTT, with people getting to watch fresh and new content, films like these would never work. Yes, we have grown up on films like these but the times have changed. Although a clean comedy, the screenplay barely makes you chuckle leave alone laugh which was synonynous with the Priyadarshan movies from the early 2000s. Right from the opening scene, the actors try to ham their way(much on them later) and desperately make you laugh but to no avail. While the first half is watchable, the problem is the grip on the narrative is loose and so you are disconnected in the second half upto a point where you don’t really care where the drama is headed. The mystery element could have been written and executed better too. To be fair, there are fleeting moments of the genius of Priyadarshan. But those moments are few and far between, culminating into an end which is dull and uninspiring. It pains to say that the screenplay was outdated, it may have worked in the mid 2000s but not in 2021.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are usually a USP for any Priyadarshan movie. The use of idioms is what you usually associate the films with. Some of the most epic dialogues from 2000s are meme materials today, that is how well they wete written back in the day. Sadly, here the dialogues are borderline corny and just about average. The music is uninspiring with the remake of Chura Ke Dil Mera also falling flat. Needless to say, the direction of Priyadarshan wasn’t great either. And I say this with a very heavy heart, almost putting my childhood memories on stake!
Performances
The performances include actors over compensating. Actors like Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal and Manoj Joshi who have been regulars in Priyadarshan movies really try hard to make you smile through their antics and it is somewhat Rajpal Yadav who makes it work, relatively so. Pranitha as Vaani has done a decently good job here. Shilpa Shetty Kundra has little to do here in the most underwritten role of the film, although she does what was expected of her. Meezaan Jaafri also overcompensates though I feel he is one actor who can potentially do well if given the right script. Having said that, he gives strong Ranbir Kapoor vibes here throughout. It was only Ashutosh Rana who I felt was in total control even while hamming. I really enjoyed his performance and he somewhat made the drama watchable.
Conclusion
Hungama 2 is a film that reminds you that you are way past your childhood. It pains me to say that it is outdated. Available on Disney Plus Hotstar VIP.