“De De Pyaar De 2” arrives as a sequel to the 2019 romantic comedy, attempting to replicate its predecessor’s charm with a larger scale and new cast members. However, this follow-up delivers an uneven experience, bookended by strong comedic moments but losing its way in a meandering second half. The film, released on November 14, 2025, struggles to surpass the original, earning a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars.
The story picks up directly from the conclusion of “De De Pyaar De.” Ayesha, played by Rakul Preet Singh, has met Ashish’s family. Now, it is Ashish’s turn to meet Ayesha’s family in Chandigarh. Her family consists of her father, portrayed by R Madhavan, her mother, Gautami Kapoor, her sister-in-law, Ishita Dutta, and her brother, Tarun Gehlot. The central conflict revolves around the 28-year-old Ayesha introducing her 52-year-old boyfriend Ashish to her relatives, and their reaction to the significant age gap.
For its initial half, the film manages to be an engaging romantic-comedy. The first act is consistently funny and promises a lighthearted experience. This momentum, however, dissipates as the narrative progresses into the second half. Forced emotional sequences and a noticeable deviation from the core plot make the film feel stretched and, at times, tedious.
R Madhavan emerges as the true standout, overshadowing lead actor Ajay Devgn and the rest of the ensemble. Whether in comedic scenes, as a stern father, or in poignant emotional moments, Madhavan’s performance connects deeply with the audience. His ability to convey every emotion convincingly, alongside his cool salt-and-pepper look, solidifies his powerful presence on screen.
Ajay Devgn, despite being the film’s central figure, delivers a performance characterized by minimal dialogue, especially until the final 15 minutes. He largely relies on his established expressive acting, a style he has maintained throughout his extensive career. While he fits the requirements of his role, his subdued presence allows other actors to shine more brightly.
Conversely, Rakul Preet Singh proves to be the weakest link in the cast. While she was appreciated for her role in the first film, her solo female lead performance here is disappointing. She appears comfortable in lighthearted and modern scenes, but struggles significantly with emotional depth and impactful dialogue. Her attempts at conveying strong emotions often result in overacting, detracting from the seriousness of key moments.
Meezaan Jafri enters in the second half, primarily tasked with charming the heroine, a task he executes competently. His role involves displaying various talents, from playing the guitar and showcasing his physique to riding horses and appearing in a towel. His pairing with Rakul is adequate, and his comedic expressions towards the end are satisfactory. Supporting actors Jaaved Jafri, Gautami Kapoor, and Ishita Dutta fulfill their roles honestly.
Director Anshul Sharma, in his new role, delivers a mixed bag. The pacing often feels rushed in the first half, while the second half could have benefited from tighter editing. There are noticeable continuity issues, such as characters quickly traveling between London and Chandigarh. While some scenes lack a strong emotional connection, the overall direction remains competent.
The music of “De De Pyaar De” was well-received, with songs like “Chale Aana” becoming popular. The sequel, however, only features two memorable tracks, “3 Shauk” and “Jhoom Barabar,” that are likely to resonate at parties. The film’s sad song is forgettable, and a song intended to highlight the father-daughter relationship fails to leave a lasting impact.
The film’s strengths lie in its engaging beginning and humorous first half. A surprising twist in the climax adds an element of intrigue, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Apart from Rakul Preet Singh, the cast generally delivers commendable performances. However, Rakul Preet’s inconsistent acting, particularly in emotional scenes, undermines critical plot points. The second half feels prolonged and tedious, indicating a need for more rigorous editing.
Despite its flaws, “De De Pyaar De 2” is presented as a family-friendly entertainer. Those looking for a lighthearted option for a weekend watch, especially if they enjoyed the original, might find it an acceptable diversion.