Tanu Weds Manu Returns Movie Review

Starring: Kangana Ranaut, R Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Deepak Dobriyal, Mohammad Zeeshan Ayub, Rajesh Sharma, Swara Bhaskar

Directed by: Anand L Rai

Written by: Himanshu Sharma

Produced By: Sunil A Lulla, Krishika Lulla

Banner: Eros International

‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ engages you right from its opening credits. To the nostalgic tune of ‘Sun Saiba Sun’ from ‘Raam Teri Ganga Maili’, a radiant couple, very much in love tie the knot, even as an authentic, small town wedding plays out on screen. Kids scoop up ice cream with bare hands & the father of the bride does an awkward dance. Four years later, the couple is seen walking into the Twickenham facility for the mentally challenged seeking counseling. This is a plot flaw, for in Britain, marriage counseling is not offered at mental institutions. But you barely notice it. The couple’s argument before a panel of frustrated doctors immediately establishes the conflict- feisty, opinionated Tanu cant adjust to a dreary, IT wife like existence in suburbia even as Manu cannot provide constant excitement. Four years on, she dislikes him enough to let him be temporarily locked up at the mental institution! With all her extremities intact, Tanu returns.

This film is an ode to cinematic authenticity in its milieu. In Kangana’s double role, it redefines the use of this technique in Hindi film- both girls are similar yet so very different. Kangana proves that she is the finest acting talent among leading women in Hindi films. And in it’s quirky, earthy, heart on the sleeve swagger & style, ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ in a thoroughly entertaining, enjoyable experience.

Both Tanu & Manu return to India; both seek love again. Both file for divorce in a battle of egos. Tanu flippantly flirts with a once bitten, but not shy Awasthi (Jimmy Shergill) & a madcap lawyer, played by Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub with flair. Manu, on the other hand, falls for his wife’s lookalike, a college going state level Haryanvi athelete, Datto (Kangana Ranaut); and proposes marriage. What follow are numerous twists and turns- each focused on marrying someone or leaving someone- amidst this crazy bunch of typical North Indian characters. Tanu’s best friend, Payal (Swara Bhaskar) also enters the mix with her husband, and the plot thickens.

In it’s second half, ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ has obvious plot flaws, and a couple of unnecessary songs. Yet it leaves little room for you to analyze what is happening and why. Its characters are engaged in constant tussles & little dramas, each one more hilarious than the other.

Kangana Ranaut has delivered a masterful performance in this film. Often, in purely commercial movies, good acting goes unsung. Not just Kangana- Jimmy Shergill, Mohammad Ayub, Rajesh Sharma, K K Raina- each performance fits in beautifully. Deepak Dobriyal could have toned down the OTT avatar a bit.

But the final toast has to be raised to its director, Anand L Rai and writer, Himanshu Sharma. The film’s narrative engages colors, textures, moods, mannerisms & quirky behavior traits of each character in a completely authentic backdrop of small town North India; where drama & romance are worn on the sleeve. He adds subtle touches- like a nagging wife or an IT nerd- to make his filmy film quite real. Of course, this makes the return trip of a mismatched couple, all the more enjoyable.

‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ is definitely recommended to everyone; it entertains you & makes you laugh out loud.

Ticket Price value: 85 Percent