Tanu Weds Manu Returns and surely returns with a bang! Unlike most sequel movies, the film breaks the notion of sequels being disappointing as compared to the pilot movie. Tanu Weds Manu Returns, doesn’t only live up to the prequel but has a lot more added flavor with Kangana’s two distinctly different characters (Tanuja and Datto), Tanu’s long list of lovers, Datto’s rustic roots and much more.

The film beautifully speaks about the story after “…and they happily lived ever after”. Relationships and people evolve. Some people learn to grow old together while some give up on the way. The movie speaks about how opposites may attract but what happens once the attraction is done and over with. It is very interestingly dealt with along with the right amounts of humor that makes the movie a light watch despite the subject being fairly grave.

Kangana Ranaut’s two super-contrasting looks that have been much spoken about are a delight to watch. She has proved, yet again, that she is more than willing to experiment with her characters in the film and certainly gives it her best. The movie clearly demonstrates her growth as an actor. Madhavan brings the stability to the film with his charm and his calm appearance. Deepak Dobriyal is most-definitely the show stealer as Pappi – Manoj’s best friend. And Jimmy Shergill, adds some additional zest to the already perky cast. Overall, all the characters in the movie are exquisitely chalked out and executed.

Anand L Rai, once again, does a marvelous job with the treatment of the film. The story telling is elegant and humorous at the same time and keeps you hooked on to the movie despite the easy story-line. He not only establishes the North Indian connect of the film really well but goes further to bring out the rustic flavors of India too (and brilliantly!). The music of the film is extremely well-done and is in complete sync with the paradox used through the film. Village sequences paired with terms like “swagger”, a suave Tanuja Trivedi paired up with lyrics like “ghani baavdi ho gayi” enhance the feel of the film really well.

I would say, no conditions apply this time, Tanu Weds Manu Returns is a must watch for one and all with the right blend of humor, emotions and the easy way of story telling Rai has employed.

Special mention : I was quite happy to see the short but strong message for women in India and women empowerment that Datto’s brother speaks about when they get to her villages.