“Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba,” released on August 9, 2024, on Netflix, directed by Jayprad Desai and written by Kanika Dhillon, is a Hindi-language romantic thriller that serves as a sequel to the 2021 sleeper hit “Haseen Dillruba.” Starring Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, and Sunny Kaushal, with Jimmy Sheirgill in a pivotal role, this follow-up picks up where its predecessor left off, diving deeper into the chaotic, pulpy world of Rani and Rishu. While it doesn’t quite recapture the original’s dark novelty, it delivers an above-average blend of suspense, romance, and over-the-top twists that keeps you hooked—if not entirely blown away.

The story resumes with Rani (Pannu) and Rishu (Massey), now living incognito in Agra after the first film’s murderous finale. Rani runs a beauty parlor, while Rishu, sporting a prosthetic hand and the alias Ravi, works as a delivery boy. Their plan? Flee to Thailand with fake passports to escape their past. But trouble brews when ACP Kishore Rawat (Aditya Srivastav) and his vengeful boss, Mrityunjay “Monty” Prasad (Sheirgill)—uncle of the slain Neel from part one—close in. Enter Abhimanyu (Kaushal), a smitten compounder whose puppy-dog devotion to Rani becomes both a lifeline and a complication. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game laced with deception, crocodiles (yes, really), and a barrage of plot twists that test the couple’s cunning and devotion.

The film’s strength lies in its relentless pacing and commitment to its pulpy roots. At 132 minutes, it zips along, piling on surprises that range from clever to downright absurd—like a climactic crocodile dodge that’s pure masala madness. Taapsee Pannu remains a magnetic Rani, her scheming charm and steely resolve anchoring the chaos. Sunny Kaushal is a standout addition, infusing Abhimanyu with a mix of innocence and intensity that spices up the dynamic. Vikrant Massey, though solid as the lovesick Rishu, feels slightly sidelined, his arc less impactful this time around. Jimmy Sheirgill’s Monty, while menacing, doesn’t get enough screen time to fully flex his fury.

Visually, Vishal Sinha’s cinematography captures Agra’s gritty allure, from rain-drenched streets to the Yamuna’s murky depths, while Sachet-Parampara’s score keeps the tension simmering. The script, however, is a mixed bag. Kanika Dhillon doubles down on the first film’s love for literary nods (via fictitious author Danish Pandit) and shock value, but the twists—while entertaining—sometimes strain credulity. The wall-scribbled clues and last-minute reveals feel more contrived than organic, and the dialogue lacks the sharp bite of its predecessor. The first half builds intrigue well, but the second veers into excess, sacrificing depth for spectacle.

“Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba” is above average for its genre—a twisty, flashy thriller that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s not as fresh or nuanced as “Haseen Dillruba,” and its excesses can grate, but it’s a fun, escapist romp if you’re willing to suspend disbelief. For fans of the original or lovers of unapologetic masala, it’s a solid weekend binge—just don’t expect it to linger long after the credits roll.

Rating: 3.5/5

A spirited sequel that’s more chaotic than cohesive, but it delivers enough thrills to rise above the pack.