Suneel Darshan’s Andaaz 2 has arrived in cinemas, carrying forward the legacy of the original Andaaz (2003). However, rather than functioning strictly as a sequel, it stands more firmly as an independent film. Let’s delve into what Andaaz 2 has to offer.
Sangeet, pyaar, dosti, parivaar, and vyaapar, all these elements blend together in this movie. The musical tone is set right from the start with an opening number. We are introduced to budding singer Aarav (Aayush Kumar), alongside his friends Ehsan (Parmarth Singh) and Tony (Shrikant Maski), who are striving to carve a niche in the music world. The plot takes a turn with the entry of Aalisha (Akaisha), whom Aarav falls for, following a quirky twist involving the theft of her mobile phone.
Back home, Aarav’s guitar is dismissed as a useless ‘tuntuna’ by his father, Vikas (Sanjay Mehndiratta). His mother, Sulekha (Neetu Pandey), finds herself caught in the crossfire between the two men in her life. Comparisons with the well-settled jamaai, Somesh (Raj Dobariya), only add to Vikas’ frustrations. Aarav’s sister, Seema (Puja Shamra), much like their mother, plays the role of an occasional balancer.
Aarav’s musical journey gains momentum when he catches the eye of businesswoman Priyanka (Natasha Fernandes), who runs a music label and is clearly enamoured by him. She offers him an exclusive contract, one that could catapult his band to success. Suddenly, Aarav finds himself not only at the crossroads of a promising career but also between two women: Aalisha and Priyanka. However, there is more beneath the surface: an unseen thread that connects all three.
Before reaching the halfway mark (and even beyond), Andaaz 2 offers some soulful tracks, thanks to composer Nadeem (of Nadeem-Shravan fame) and lyricist Sameer. The film keeps viewers invested, especially as it shapes into a compelling love triangle. But soon, the narrative loses its footing. In trying to justify all five thematic pillars, sangeet, pyaar, dosti, parivaar, and vyaapar, the film overextends itself, attempting to appeal to a wide spectrum of audiences. Just as too many cooks spoil the broth, here too, multiple subplots dilute the emotional core. A tighter focus on the inner struggles of the three young protagonists would have yielded far more impact.
As the film progresses, narrative loopholes start emerging. The villainy of Yeda Anna (Jeetu Verma), the romantic bonding of Aarav and Aalisha, Priyanka’s efforts to win over Aarav, Vikas’ sudden illness and rushed treatment, all these threads become entangled, only to be conveniently resolved or forgotten. For instance, Aarav is asked to arrange a large sum for his father’s treatment within 24 hours, only for this urgency to vanish. Ehsan sells his garage in a heartbeat, but the deal is inexplicably cancelled just as swiftly. Meanwhile, the beti-jamaai duo, absent during a supposed life-and-death crisis, later re-emerge as the family’s saviours.
Yet, Andaaz 2 has its shining moments. Despite being newcomers, the lead actors show promise. Aayush and Akaisha may lack experience, but under Suneel Darshan’s seasoned direction, they manage to make their presence felt in several scenes. Natasha, who was launched by Darshan in Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha (2017), shows growth as a performer and delivers a poised act, even with limited screen time.
In a musical drama, songs are expected to carry weight, and here, they mostly do. Among the supporting cast, Puja and Neetu stand out, benefitting from meatier roles. Dolly Bindra appears in a somewhat unnecessary track, yet manages to leave a mark with her signature flair.
Shot entirely in Gujarat, Andaaz 2 seeks to bridge the charm of old-school love stories with the aspirations of today’s youth. To an extent, it succeeds. With a pacier rhythm, sharper focus on the love triangle, and a more cohesive climax, its andaaz could have been far more compelling.
Directorially, Suneel Darshan deserves credit for delivering a sincere effort, one that attempts to touch hearts across generations. His command over music and romantic elements serves the film well. In the end, Andaaz 2 is a film for those who enjoy simple, heartfelt narratives that wear their emotions openly and honestly.
Stars: * * ½
