Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba: A Twisted Tale of Love and Deception

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (transl. Beautiful Beloved is Back) is a 2024 Indian Hindi-language romantic thriller that continues the chaotic, pulpy saga of love, betrayal, and murder introduced in its 2021 predecessor, Haseen Dillruba. Directed by Jayprad Desai and written by Kanika Dhillon, this Netflix original, released on August 9, 2024, dives deeper into the lives of Rani Kashyap (Taapsee Pannu) and Rishu Saxena (Vikrant Massey), with Sunny Kaushal joining the cast as the enigmatic Abhimanyu. While the film has garnered mixed reviews, its bold narrative and dramatic twists have kept audiences hooked. This article explores the film’s plot, performances, critical reception, and visual appeal, complete with images to capture its essence.

Plot Summary: A Tangled Web of Love and Crime

Set five years after the explosive events of Haseen Dillruba, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba finds Rani and Rishu hiding in Agra, evading the law after their murderous escapades in Jwalapur. Rani runs a beauty parlor, while Rishu, now using the alias Ravi and sporting a prosthetic hand, works as a delivery boy. The couple lives separately to avoid detection but stays connected via phone calls, plotting their escape to Thailand. Their plans are complicated by new romantic entanglements and a relentless cop, Montu (Jimmy Shergill), who is the uncle of Rani’s slain ex-lover, Neel, making the chase personal.

Rani attracts the attention of Abhimanyu, a seemingly mild-mannered physician with hidden motives, while Rishu fends off advances from his landlady, Poonam. As their schemes unravel, the film spirals into a series of dramatic twists, including betrayals, a crocodile-infested pond, and a climax that critics have called both audacious and polarizing. The narrative, inspired by the pulp fiction novels of Dinesh Pandit, leans heavily on melodrama and deception, keeping viewers guessing until the final frame.

Taapsee Pannu as Rani and Vikrant Massey as Rishu navigate their fugitive lives in Agra.

Stellar Performances: The Heart of the Thriller

The film’s cast delivers compelling performances that anchor its chaotic plot. Taapsee Pannu reprises her role as Rani with a magnetic screen presence, though some critics note her performance lacks the nuanced subtlety of the first film. Vikrant Massey shines as Rishu, bringing depth to a character torn between love and survival, his prosthetic hand serving as a constant reminder of past sacrifices. Sunny Kaushal surprises as Abhimanyu, transforming from a meek admirer to a cunning player in the game of deceit, earning praise for his layered portrayal. Jimmy Shergill, despite limited screen time, adds gravitas as the vengeful Montu, though his role feels underutilized.

The chemistry between Pannu and Massey remains a highlight, their toxic yet passionate dynamic driving the story forward. Kaushal’s addition injects fresh tension, creating a volatile love triangle that keeps audiences on edge.

Sunny Kaushal as Abhimanyu, whose quiet demeanor hides dangerous intentions.

Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag of Twists and Tropes

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba has elicited a spectrum of reactions from critics and audiences. Bollywood Hungama awarded it 3/5 stars, praising its entertaining scenes and twists but noting it falls short of the original’s grip. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express echoed this sentiment, giving it 3/5 and commending the lead trio’s performances while criticizing the film’s reliance on forced twists. On the harsher side, Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com rated it 2/5, citing a lack of “sizzle” and repetitive storytelling, while The Hindu called it a “damp squib” for its contrived narrative and shallow dialogue.

Social media reactions, particularly on Reddit and X, reflect similar polarization. Some viewers enjoyed the film’s pulpy, over-the-top vibe, with one X user calling it “Vicky Kaushal approved” and praising the lead trio’s acting. Others found it illogical, pointing to implausible plot points like surviving a crocodile attack or an overly convenient ending. Reddit users lamented the shift from the original’s focus on obsessive love to a generic thriller, with one calling it “totally crap illogical.” Despite the criticism, the film’s fast-paced twists and strong performances have made it a popular Friday night Netflix watch for many.

Visual and Technical Brilliance: Capturing Agra’s Essence

The film’s cinematography, a standout feature, vividly captures Agra’s bustling streets and scenic riversides, contrasting the characters’ inner turmoil with the city’s vibrant backdrop. The use of dramatic lighting and stylized slow-motion sequences, such as Rani and Rishu’s rain-soaked reunion, evokes classic Bollywood romance while maintaining a noir edge. References to the 1980 film Karz—notably the song “Ek Haseena Thi”—add a nostalgic touch, enhancing the pulp fiction aesthetic.

The soundtrack, while not as memorable as the original’s, complements the film’s mood with poetic dialogues and literary allusions to Dinesh Pandit’s novels. However, some critics argue the screenplay’s heavy-handed metaphors and rapid-fire twists sacrifice depth for shock value, making the 132-minute runtime feel unevenly paced.

Agra’s vibrant streets and rivers provide a striking setting for the film’s drama.

Why Watch Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba?

Despite its flaws, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba is a bold, unapologetic dive into the Hindi pulp fiction genre, offering a rollercoaster of emotions for fans of thrillers and melodramas. Its standout performances, particularly from Pannu, Massey, and Kaushal, make it a compelling watch, even if the plot occasionally stretches credulity. The film’s visual flair and nod to classic Bollywood tropes add to its charm, making it a worthy sequel for those who enjoyed the original’s dark, unhinged romance.

For viewers seeking a light, escapist watch, the film delivers with its mix of lust, jealousy, and murder, as noted by Common Sense Media. However, those expecting the psychological depth or narrative coherence of Haseen Dillruba may find it lacking. Ultimately, it’s a film that thrives on its chaotic energy and refuses to play it safe, for better or worse.

Conclusion: A Franchise Solidified

Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba cements the Haseen Dillruba series as a unique franchise in Indian cinema, blending pulp fiction with modern thriller elements. While it doesn’t surpass the original’s novelty, it succeeds in keeping audiences entertained with its high-stakes drama and stellar cast. As Taapsee Pannu herself noted in an interview, the film’s release alongside her other 2024 project, Khel Khel Mein, solidified her versatility and the franchise’s staying power. With fans already speculating about a potential third installment, Rani and Rishu’s saga shows no signs of slowing down.

Stream Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba on Netflix and dive into the scandalous world of Rani Kashyap—beautiful, dangerous, and back for more.