Cast: Paresh Rawal, Meezaan Jaffrey, Shilpa Shetty, Pranitha Subhash, Ashutosh Rana

Director: Priyadarshan

Rating: **

Platform: Disney plus Hotstar

Priyadarshan is known for his uproarious and side-splittingly funny movies. After David Dhawan, his name is the most renowned one when it's about directing comedy flicks. Well, who can forget his directorial venture, Hera Pheri which is now considered a landmark in the history of Hindi cinema. His fans were eagerly waiting for his next comedy venture, Hungama 2, spiritual successor to the 2003 film Hungama. Loosely based on the director's own 1994 Malayalam film Minnaram, the film finally premiered on Disney plus Hotstar. With this review, let's know whether the sequel is worth a watch or better to skip this weekend.

Hungama 2 revolves around Aakash (Meezaan Jaffery) who is the son of a retired Col. Kapoor (Ashutosh Rana). He befriends his childhood friend Anjali (Shilpa Shetty), wife of Radhe Shyam (Paresh Rawal). Both Akash and Anjali work at the same place. Anjali's husband is quite a skeptical person as his wife is young and beautiful, always thinking of her affair with others. Akash's life changes when his old flame from college, Vaani, enters his life with a toddler. She alleged that Akash is the father of her child. He denies her claims vehemently and goes to great lengths to prove her wrong along with help of Anjali. But Radhe Shyam gets suspicious of their actions and goes paranoid about Akash having an illicit affair with his wife. Well, all these two points create confusion about whether the child Vani has brought is Akash's child or Tiwari's doubt is true? When these things come across, they go far away, but not in a simple way.

We have known Priyadarshan for his comedy films and it has always been difficult for other filmmakers to surpass the level of comedy confusion created by the director. But sadly, the sequel failed to create the magic. Well, it's not about the storyline but if a film is without comedy then it's nothing but a boring drama. Here also, Priyadarshan leaves his audience with shackling comedy. It is filled with the errors of comedy but laughing at scenes is nothing but just a hoax.

The screenplay by Yunus Sajawal is just a drama although it was promised that people will burst their laughter in each scene but after watching the sequel, you will surely be going to watch its first installment. Dialogues are written by Anukalp Goswami and Manisha Korde, they are far from the comedy, hence it turned out to be the sinking of a boat.

Talking about the performances, Meezaan Jaffery has done a fine job in the film, his expressions are marvelous. Whereas, Shilpa Shetty suits best in the role of a modern wife. On the other side, Ashutosh Rana, Paresh Rawal, Pranitha Subhash, Rajpal Jadav have done their respective jobs and look promising in the sequel. Whereas, Johnny Lever and Akshay Khanna have cameo roles. If we talk about the music, then the score by Ronnie Raphael has nothing new to serve. You can only enjoy Shilpa Shetty and Akshay Kumar's recreated song Churake Dil Mera 2.0 in the film.

Embracing all, Hungama 2 is nothing but just a non-serious drama without any slice of comedy. Only one thing, that grips the film, was the suspense which was revealed at the end of the film. Other than that, you can only enjoy actors' performances and a linear storyline. Long story short, the audience was waiting for the sequel and after such a long time, the makers' idea of releasing it on the OTT platform seems right after watching it. Just like its name, it was just a Hungama of the film, which keeps people await, rest, the film turned out to be below average with a boring storyline with zero comedy sequence. If you love to watch Priyadarshan's film, then don't expect this film to be like Hera Pheri, Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Chup Chup Ke, Dhol, Malamal weekly and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.