Keyur Seta
Mumbai, 19 Nov 2016 9:26 IST
The predictable saga goes on for close to two-and-a-half hours and fails to move you.
Film: Tum Bin 2 (U/A)
Mainstream Hindi cinema discovered the benefits of sequels or franchises roughly a decade ago. Since then, the trend has only gained momentum. But, as in the West, few sequels have lived up to the goodness of the first film. Munna Bhai, Dhoom, Koi Mil Gaya, Golmaal, Housefull and Tanu Weds Manu are the only successful franchises so far. Director Anubhav Sinha ensures that Tum Bin doesn’t enter this list.
The story revolves around the love story of Taran (Neha Sharma) and Amar (Aashim Gulati). The two are NRIs staying in Edinburgh, Scotland. Taran stays with her father (Kanwaljit Singh) and two sisters. Before getting married, Taran and Amar go on a trip to a mountainous region. Crazy about skiing, Amar excitedly goes for an adventure atop a peak. He meets with an accident and goes missing.
Rescue teams look for Amar in vain. The devastated Taran waits for his return. But after a futile search lasting months, Amar is pronounced dead. Taran and the rest are left with no option but to accept the bitter truth and get on with their lives.
At this moment, Shekhar (Aditya Seal), son of Taran’s father’s friend, enters the scene. He is a jovial young man who wins everyone’s heart. But will he succeed in winning Taran’s?
I assure you, dear reader, that you can easily add to the above synopsis without even watching the film. And that is Tum Bin 2's biggest problem. The story is as predictable as Arvind Kejriwal’s reaction to every decision by Narendra Modi. Yet, there have been many instances in the past where the screenplay and direction have made even a predictable film enjoyable. Unfortunately, even that does not happen here.
After the initial half hour, the narrative picks up momentum. Shekhar’s entry and his sweet bond with Taran and her family are moving. The relationship between both parties is developed smartly. However, there ends your period of enjoyment.
Aside from the predictability, the biggest issue with the film is how unconvincing the most important twist in the storyline is. There is one surprise in store though in the pre-climax, which gives you a jolt. But its treatment and outcome leave a lot to be desired. The film's length of 147 minutes adds to the viewer's woes.
Being a sequel of a musical, it was necessary for Tum Bin 2 to have songs of an impressive quality. Indeed, every track is soothing, but there is not a single hit number. ‘Ishq Mubarak’ is the best song in the album.
The camerawork is pretty average despite the locations being beautiful. The performances of the two male leads pull the film further down. Aashim Gulati is a miscast. He struggles to emote. Aditya Seal lacks the charm needed for a character who makes everyone fall in love with him. Neha Sharma is way ahead of both of them. After Youngistaan (2014), she comes up with another decent act. Kanwaljit Singh, who is seen on the big screen after a long time, is mature, as his role demands. The actresses playing Taran’s sisters are the best of the lot.
Overall, Tum Bin 2 suffers from being predictable and unmoving.
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Producer: T-Series
Cast: Neha Sharma, Aditya Seal, Aashim Gulati, Kanwaljit Singh
Writer: Anubhav Sinha
Music: Ankit Tiwari and Nikhil-Vinay
Genre: Romance
Runtime: 147 minutes