Everyone loves Kapil Sharma – Beyond Bollywood

Though funny in parts, the Anukalp Goswami directorial shouldn’t be misconstrued as a symbol of India’s pluralism. The legendary Asrani leaves an indelible mark in what is likely his final film 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️ ( 2 / 5)

By Mayur Lookhar

Kis kisko pyaar karoon, kaise pyaar karoon, yeh bhi hai, woh bhi hai, arey hai.  The Mohammad Rafi classic aptly suits superstar Salman Khan, who is so spoilt for choices that he remains single at 60.

Story

In the reel world, Kapil Sharma’s Mohan faces this conundrum with his three wives, none of whom is aware of his bigamy. Despite three wives, Mohan aspires to wed Sania, the love of his life. How have we arrived at this situation? Best to watch the film. Let’s just say though his first two weddings took Mohan himself by surprise, but he volunteered to marry Jenny in a Goa church of his own will – despite meeting her for the first time five minutes earlier. Welcome to the world of writer, director Anukalp Goswami’s Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon.

Screenplay and direction

Goswami has been an integral part of Kapil Sharma’s success, as one of the key writers for his hit TV shows. He penned Kapil Sharma’s debut film Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (2015), which did well. Abbas-Mustan pass the director’s baton to Goswami for the second film. Having struggled thereafter, Sharma returns to a plot in the hope of reviving his Bollywood career. This is a franchise that rides on the theme of multiple marriages. We didn’t catch the first film, but the second one sticks to the bigamy theme too. The difference this time, though, is the choice of women who end up as his wives: Meera (Tridha Choudhary), a sanskari Hindu lady; Ruhi (Ayesha Khan), a Muslim; and Jenny (Parul Gulati), a Christian. There’s also his eternal love, Sania (Hira Warina), the one he still aspires to marry, who later ends up in a Sikh household. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Isai, sabhi hai meri lugai. Wow, this sounds like an idea straight out of the Manmohan Desai school of secular cinema. When the many truths tumble out, Mohan’s father, BK Sharma (Akhilendra Mishra), shouts, “Are you the Constitution of India, where there’s a place for everyone?

That moment reveals the film’s secular undertone, reminding us of India’s pluralism, but passing this message in the garb of multiple marriage isn’t progressive and only encourages bigamy. One many having four wives is bad PR for a nation of 140 million

If you can set this thought aside, then Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 offers more than its fair share of humour, comedy of errors, the kind that was popular in the years of yore.

Acting

An undisputed king of comedy on Hindi television, Kapil Sharma has found the going tough on the big screen. Underwhelming results have meant limited opportunities for Sharma, who perhaps opted to revisit the Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon formula out of desperation. Over the years, his TV shows have copped some criticism for sexism, classism, and body shaming, and a franchise like Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon with its bigamous story only gives further ammunition to his critics. They, however, are few, with Kapil Sharma being one of the few artists who enjoy pan-Indian popularity. Everyone loves Kapil Sharma, and hence this is what makes him ideal to play a Shiv or now Mohan. Sharma’s impeccable comic timing and quick repartees are a delight to watch, and he stays true to form.

The one man who truly epitomises India’s inclusive spirit is the late legend Asrani. He plays this Goan priest, a polyglot who speaks multiple Indian languages. If this is perhaps his last film, then the legend delivers a fitting, unforgettable swan song.

Women in such a film have little to do beyond falling in love with the hero. Tridha Choudhary and Parul Gulati have fine screen presence, but they deserve better scripts that do justice to their talents. Meanwhile, Hira Warina (earlier Warina Hussain) and Ayesha Khan, too, will have to bring more than just screen presence. And as for poor Manjot Singh, isn’t he tired of playing the Sikh bestie who conceals the protagonist’s secrets?

Music / Technical Aspects

Jeez, it’s hard to recollect the number of credits in music, but there’s not one track makes an impression. And there’s not much technical expertise on show either.

Final Word

At 142 minutes, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 doesn’t drag, thanks to its comedy-of-errors plot, with Mohan constantly on the run, trying to conceal his three marriages. It’s unabashedly old-school, the very definition of escapist cinema. Silly, yes, but it clearly has an audience; it’s just simple demand and supply.

Watch the video review below.