Qismat 2 review: This drama of pining lovers is a snoozefest

As the lockdown restrictions are being eased, we are seeing several Punjabi films hit the screens. Expectations have been riding high with the release of the Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta film especially after the success of its predecessor, Qismat (2018). Written and directed by Jagdeep Sidhu, the film features Tania and the singer Jaani.

The love story of Shiv (Virk) and Bani (Mehta) is carried forward in the sequel to the first part of the romantic drama. Although the sequel features an entirely new story, certain strands from Qismat find their way into this film.

Shiv and Bani are college students and the former is a badminton player who wishes to excel in the sport, even though his father would like him to get a job and help with their dire financial situation. Bani helps Shiv understand that instead of getting a low-level job now, he can study hard and make something of his life. She also teaches him the meaning of friendship. Shiv falls in love with her but despite his dedication to her, she decides not to go against her family and gets married to Kaabil (Jaani). Shiv, meanwhile, continues to pine for her. A few years later, an unexpected turn of events reunites the duo. 

Although the film begins on a promising note, Qismat 2 quickly becomes a regular college romance with a very long-drawn courtship. The story plods on in the first half, which is a flashback, and the music is done with a heavy hand, presumably to bide the time. The second half brings us to the present where Shiv comes face to face with Bani again and their story continues.

There are several light-hearted moments mainly thanks to Shiv’s two friends, who provide comic relief in the first half. But much of the film is intended to be a passionate, emotional drama. However, the slow pace and meandering screenplay fail to captivate us. In addition, Qismat 2 does not engage us emotionally and even in the sorrowful moments, one is left feeling detached and frankly, uninterested.

Virk’s forte is clearly comedy and he is all at sea in this emotional drama, unable to muster up the performance that is expected of him. In contrast, the performances of the women are much better. Mehta is reasonably good in her portrayal of a woman trying to parse her emotions and figure out how she feels. But the one who breathes life into this otherwise uninspiring film is Tania. Playing a fun, bubbly student, she draws us into her character. It’s a pity she does not have much to do.

The soundtrack by B Praak and lyrics by Jaani is fairly good, with the Sufi number 'Kis Morh Te' sung by B Praak and Jyoti Nooran standing out.

This is the second film starring Ammy Virk to be released after the lockdown, after the romantic comedy Puaada.