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‘Gadar 2’ Review: Sunny Deol Is Back as Tara Singh in a Film That’s Basically Its Prequel

 

    



Low occupancy in Bengal, so what? Gadar 2 breaking record all over India:

Story: India's most loved family of Tara, Sakeena and Jeete; 22 years after its predecessor. Set against the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, Tara Singh, once again, will face every enemy to protect the honor of country and family.


Cast: 

  • Sunny Deol as Tara Singh
  • Ameesha Patel as Sakeena, Tara Singh's wife
  • Utkarsh Sharma as Charanjeet "Jeete" Singh, Tara and Sakeena's son
  • Manish Wadhwa as Major General Hamid Iqbal
  • Gaurav Chopra as Lieutenant Colonel Devendra Rawat
  • Simrat Kaur as Muskaan, Charanjeet's love interest
  • Luv Sinha as Farid, Muskaan's brother
  • Rohit Chaudhary as Major Malik
  • Madhumalti Kapoor as Tayiji
  • Rakesh Bedi as Kimtilal
  • Mushtaq Khan as Gulkhan
  • Dolly Bindra as Samira Khan, Gulkhan's Wife
  • Rajshree as Taya Daughter In Law
  • Naresh Sharma as Taya Son
  • Mushtaq Kak as Kurban Khan
  • Nilofar Gesawat as Kurban Khan's wife
  • Akash Dhar as Major Bhargav
  • Lubna Salim as Pak Mausi
  • Ehsan Khan as Abdul Ali
  • Anamika Singh as Fauziya
  • Abrar Zahoor as Anwar
  • Anil George as Qazi
  • Arjun Dwivedi as Jailor
  • Rajesh Khera as Col. Nazeer
  • Manoj Bakshi as Yahiya Khan
  • Aarya Sharma as General Rani
  • Rumi Khan as Col Farooqui
  • Muneesh Sappal as Pakistan Minister
  • Pramod Pandey as Rehmani
  • Amrish Puri as Ashraf Ali, Sakeena's father


Review: When 'Gadar 2' was officially announced in October 2021, the cinematic world was abuzz with discussions, debates, and a certain degree of apprehension. The question on everyone's minds was whether the sequel could match the lofty expectations and the iconic status set by its predecessor, 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' (2001). Intrigued by the anticipation, I decided to delve into the original film to uncover the essence that had captivated audiences years prior. What unfolded before my eyes was nothing short of astonishing. 'Gadar: Ek Prem Katha' was a cinematic marvel in every sense, a symphony of emotions and storytelling that left an indelible mark.


   



The essence of 'Gadar', meaning 'rebellion', had crystallized into a brand of its own over two decades. The narrative weaved the saga of Tara Singh, portrayed with remarkable depth by Sunny Deol, a patriotic Punjabi man whose physical prowess could rival that of even the mightiest. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of India's Partition in the 1940s, Tara's passionate love story with the enchanting Sakeena (Ameesha Patel), a Muslim woman, was entwined with the intricacies of communal strife. Amidst these challenges, their love endured, leading to a heart-rending separation that forced Tara into a perilous journey across the border to rescue Sakeena and reunite their family.


Fast-forward to 'Gadar 2', set 17 years later in 1971, and the legacy continues. It's a refreshing delight to witness the return of Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, rekindling their iconic roles with a chemistry that sends shivers down the spine. Even as the years have etched their presence, the two actors seamlessly pick up where they left off, creating an enchanting canvas of emotions. Notably, Utkarsh Sharma, who faced doubts ahead of his adult film debut, truly shines in this sequel, showcasing his undeniable talent when provided with the right material.


A key element that binds both films is the enchanting music by Mithoon. The nostalgic inclusion of classics like 'Udd Jaa Kaale Kaawa' and 'Main Nikla Gaddi Leke' bridges the gap between the old and the new, while fresh compositions like 'Khairiyat' and 'Dil Jhoom', soulfully rendered by Arijit Singh, ensure an enduring resonance that will echo for years to come.


However, as 'Gadar 2' progresses, the journey encounters turbulence in its second half. Much to my surprise and my close friend's, who shared the experience with me, certain scenes elicit laughter instead of the intended emotional response. The film transforms into a somewhat comical cat-and-mouse chase, with Tara and Jeete evading Pakistani officers and soldiers in a way that raises eyebrows. The soldiers, armed to the teeth and outnumbering our protagonists, inexplicably retreat at the mere sound of Sunny's iconic roar, a surreal spectacle that skates the thin line between drama and unintended humor. Even more amusing is Tara's uncanny ability to commandeer situations simply by his presence, whether it's intimidating soldiers or lifting objects of varying sizes, from a sarangi to a tank.


   



A notable subplot unfolds in the form of Jeete's love interest, Muskaan, portrayed by the ethereal Simratt Kaur in her debut role. However, the rushed and forced nature of their romance is evident. In a nostalgic nod to the era, Jeete dons the persona of Rajesh Khanna, a charismatic Bollywood icon, leading Muskaan to fall head over heels with minimal effort. Their love story is encapsulated within a single song, leaving one to ponder if mere mimicry could inspire such profound devotion.


As the narrative progresses, Manish Wadwa's portrayal of General Hamid Iqbal emerges as the antagonist, though not quite as imposing as the legendary Amrish Puri in the original film. Wadwa manages to carve his own menacing presence, infusing a palpable sense of disdain for his character.


    



One cannot help but express disappointment at Ameesha Patel's underutilization in 'Gadar 2'. Reduced to a background figure in the latter half, her character of Sakeena, once central in the 2001 film, seems relegated to a role of prayer and tears. Ameesha's portrayal, which once carried considerable weight, is constrained to a domestic role, a narrative choice that feels regressive.


Ultimately, 'Gadar 2' rightfully belongs to the inimitable Sunny Deol. With an effortless embodiment of Tara Singh's intricacies, Sunny weaves a tapestry of emotions that binds the audience to the film's overextended runtime. His prowess becomes the glue that sustains engagement, reminding us of his unwavering talent that has spanned four decades. While overshadowed by other industry luminaries at times, Sunny Deol remains an enduring superstar in his own right.


In conclusion, 'Gadar 2' may not attain the zenith achieved by its predecessor, yet it undeniably stands as a commendable film. The heartbeat of the narrative lies in its emotional depth, a facet that ensures viewers remain invested. Despite occasional narrative hiccups that might elicit headshakes, the soaring emotions within 'Gadar 2' keep hearts afloat, a testament to the enduring power of its storytelling.

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