Media Magick

Priyadarshan is an esteemed name in Bollywood. Priyadarshan has given some brilliant family-centric comedy-capers like Muskurahat, Hera Pheri, Hungama, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Bhagum Bhaag and Dhol; Hungama 2 is his 80th film as a director. With an ensemble cast that includes Paresh Rawal, Ashutosh Rana, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav and Shilpa Shetty, the expectations are bound to go high.

Trailer Hungama 2

For those who were thinking in their wildest imagination that Hungama 2 is a sequel or extension of Hungama that was released in 2003, there is a bummer, its not anything like that. The story of Hungama 2 is as different as the characters. Hungama 2 revolves around Aakash who is about to get married to a girl selected for him by his father (Ashutosh Rana) but as soon as the engagement date gets closer, in his life re-enters Vaani with a 3 years old daughter. Vaani discloses that Aakash ran away after making her pregnant 3 years ago. What happens next is the combination of comedy of errors, stupid schemes, confusion and ridiculous acts.

The weakest part of Hungama 2 is its script. With a huge list of brilliant comedians and actors no one is given with hilarious or power-packed dialogues. Sad to see Johnny Lever appear in just 2 to 3 scenes. The scene stealer is hands down Rajpal Yadav; two of his scenes post interval (one in the climax) are hilarious. As an actor, his conviction can be seen. Minus Johnny Lever and Rajpal Yadav from Hungama 2, it will be a dud.

Paresh Rawal is wasted he must have played such character umpteenth times, there is nothing new to offer. Same dialogue delivery, same kind of punches and same body language. It feels bad to see an actor like Ashutosh Rana, given with such a shallow character. A few of his scenes are saved by his performance but they are far and few. Shilpa Shetty, adds no weight or charm in the film. Meezaan Jafri sounded and acted like Ranbir Kapoor to the next level. I hope he gets to notice it, no one wants another Harman Baweja (if you know what I mean).

The music is unimpressive. Direction is strictly okay. Dialogues, mostly, disappoint. Jokes fall flat.
It’s hard to believe that Hungama 2 is by the same Priyadarshan who gave his audience some brilliant comic and serious films like Gardish, Viraasat and Aakrosh. The screenplay and story doesn’t engage, some parts of it also remind of Gulzar’s classic Parichay (1972); Rana playing similar character that Pran played and Johnny Lever playing Keshtu Mukherjee.

Watch Hungama 2 if you have ample time, it might be liked by a few but those who have not missed previous works of Priyadarshan and appreciated him for those will be disappointed. Hungama 2 comes nowhere close to Hungama.