critic's rating:  3.0/5

Cast: Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Taapsee Pannu and Anupam Kher
Director: David Dhawan

Quick take: Slapstick is still relevant

Rating: 3 stars

Remakes are almost certainly not as good as originals. Judwaa back in 1997 was pure guilty pleasure. The sequel (purportedly the remake) featuring Varun Dhawan, isn't the gold standard in David Dhawan mayhem, but it is still a fun film. Packed with gags nineteen to the dozen, this film proves that the Judwaa concept and comedy or errors never get old.

The story, like in the original Salman Khan starrer and of course Jackie Chan's Twin Dragons (1992) the movie that inspired Judwaa, deals with twins. They get separated at birth, but once they're reunited the confusion of identities causes havoc. Judwaa 2 is a sequel but it follows the Judwaa storyline and screenplay, making it a remake of sorts. Like its predecessor Judwaa 2 is a leave-your-brains-at-home kind of comedy. You can throw your head back, slap the chair arm mad laugh your guts out , as long as you don't ask any questions. The silly but engaging gags work out well.

The dialled up comedy is a bit loud at times, but more often than not, it is funny. Judwaa 2 takes everything that the original Judwaa did and makes it work with enthusiasm and verve. Any Malik's music has been updated with a few modern twists and it still works as much charm as it used to 20 years ago. 

Varun Dhawan is the star of this vehicle. He does the comedy and action with solid punch. Reprising Salman Khan's memorable antics from the original, he isn't always as convincing while portraying the contrasting characters. The simple Prem and the street-smart Raja. He’s great in the Raja role, but he's not as goofy and cute as Salman while playing Prem. But then the only reason why Judwaa 2 pulls all its punches is thanks to Varun's ability as an entertainer. He's in his element emulating his heroes like Salman and Shah Rukh Khan. Taapsee Pannu looks hotter than she has ever before. To top it up, she handles the comedy with élan too. Jacqueline Fernandez reprises the Karishma Kapoor effect with her high-energy comedy. She makes the physical comedy look effortless. Cameos by Anupam Kher and Upasna Singh make Judwaa 2's comedy as effective as it is.

One of the fun aspects of Judwaa 2 is that it takes David Dhawan's brand of cinema and presents it in the most unabashed fashion. There are constant references to the director's films like Partner, Raja Babu and many more. This film takes logic and throws it right out of the window. Then it serves up a bevy of mindless humour in the most convincing manner. Seeing the entire Judwaa narrative all over again isn't the most novel experience, but the slapstick gags still leave you with a few guffaws. This is popcorn entertainment at its mindless best.

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