Dream Girl 2, released on August 25, 2023, is a Hindi-language comedy-drama directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa and produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor under Balaji Motion Pictures. Serving as a spiritual sequel to the 2019 hit Dream Girl, the film continues the humorous journey of Karamveer Singh, portrayed by Ayushmann Khurrana, as he navigates the complexities of life through cross-dressing and impersonation.

Plot Overview

Set in the vibrant town of Mathura, the story follows Karamveer Singh, a young man burdened by his father’s debts. To alleviate their financial woes and win the approval of his love interest’s father, Karam adopts the persona of “Pooja,” leading to a series of comedic misadventures. His dual life spirals into chaos, affecting his personal relationships and societal standing, ultimately challenging him to reconcile his identities and confront the consequences of his actions.

Cast and Characters

• Ayushmann Khurrana as Karamveer Singh / Pooja
• Ananya Panday as Pari Srivastav
• Annu Kapoor as Jagjit Singh
• Paresh Rawal as Abu Saleem
• Rajpal Yadav as Shoukiya
• Vijay Raaz as Sona Bhai
• Asrani as Yusuf Ali
• Abhishek Banerjee as Shahrukh
• Manoj Joshi as Jaipal Srivastav

Production and Music

Filming commenced in August 2022 and concluded in March 2023. The cinematography was handled by C. K. Muraleedharan and Jitan Harmeet Singh, with editing by Hemal Kothari. The soundtrack features compositions by Meet Bros, Tanishk Bagchi, and Arko Pravo Mukherjee, while Hitesh Sonik provided the background score. Notable tracks include “Dil Ka Telephone 2.0,” “Naach,” and “Jamnapaar.”

Reception and Box Office Performance

Dream Girl 2 garnered mixed reviews from critics. While some praised Ayushmann Khurrana’s performance and the film’s comedic elements, others felt it lacked the originality and charm of its predecessor. Despite the divided critical opinion, the film was a commercial success, grossing approximately ₹140 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2023.

Availability

Following its theatrical run, Dream Girl 2 was released on Netflix on October 20, 2023, allowing a broader audience to enjoy the film’s humor and performances.

Conclusion

Dream Girl 2 offers a blend of comedy and drama, anchored by Ayushmann Khurrana’s dynamic portrayal of Karam/Pooja. While it may not surpass the novelty of the original, the sequel provides an entertaining experience with its humorous take on identity and societal expectations.