TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS MOVIE REVIEW

 

While the first part ended with Tanu and Manu uniting in matrimony after overcoming quite a few obstacles, the second part begins in London with the two staring at the crossroads after 4 long, tiring years of marriage. The opening sequence is a riot as the two are at a counselling center in London, just not able to tolerate each other anymore. 

 

They go their separate ways and soon contemplate divorce. The action then shifts to India, in Kanpur and Delhi respectively, as Tanu and Manu try to rediscover their cupid sparks. While Manu falls for Datto, a much younger lookalike of Tanu (Kangana in a delightful second role), Tanu gets back to her first flame Raja Awasthi (a mighty entertaining Jimmy Shergill). Whether the two reunite or do they move on, is the rest of this crisp tale which plays for just 2 hours sharp.

 

The first half is quite a ride and is packed with fun and entertainment. When we realize before the intermission that Raja Awasthi is at the receiving end of Manu for the second time, it is quite a revelation indeed. The second half goes through a low-key period, before settling for a predictable ending.

 

Kangana Ranaut takes over from where she left off in Queen and knocks us out with her performance in dual roles. Seems Indian filmmakers won't look beyond Kangana when it comes to strong-willed, independent, non-stereotypical and 'hatke' female leads. She doesn't conform to the typical unwritten rules of an Indian heroine and blazes her own trail. For her, the unexpected becomes the expected. With a boy-cut and protruding teeth for her second role, she is as cute as possible and the accent which she pulls off is remarkable. But her lines are quite difficult to interpret due to this quirky dialect.

 

Madhavan had admitted in interviews pre-release that Kangana would take over all the spotlight and that he doesn't have any qualms in playing second fiddle to her. He has done exactly that, and is also at the other end of quite a few sarcastic dialogues. He is a truly selfless and secure actor, and does contribute quite a bit to the film. He has completely gotten into the shoes of the understated yet bold Manu! 

 

Though the romance between Manu and Datto doesn't have a realistic vibe, Kangana takes over the show and arrests our attention.

 

There are memorable support characters played by some really enterprising actors such as Swara Bhaskar, Deepak Dobriyal, Eijaz Khan and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. Each of them has his / her moments and director Anand Rai is quite an expert when it comes to handling small-town charm and presenting earthy, relatable characters. Deepak single-handedly shoulders the comedy quotient of the film while Swara is one terrific actress who sadly doesn't get more scope in mainstream films.

 

The soundtrack of the film is a major highlight and though a couple of songs act as breathers towards the end, they are chartbuster material. Like the first part, the music is an ace for this film too.

 

After Tanu Weds Manu, Raanjhanaa and this, Rai proves that he definitely is a director with his own trademarks and templates. TWMR is worth a trip to the theaters. It will charm you over, with a well-packaged mix of entertainment, romance and emotions despite a few lulls.