De De Pyaar De 2 Review 2025: Unforgettable Love, Hilarious Laughter & Heartwarming Family Drama Unpacked

De De Pyaar De 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 Bollywood romantic-comedy De De Pyaar De. Directed by Anshul Sharma, with a script by Luv Ranjan and Tarun Jain, the film reunites much of the original’s lead cast and adds new dynamics, especially through R. Madhavan. Produced jointly by T-Series Films and Luv Films, it promises to deliver a fresh spin on its predecessor’s themes—love, age gap, family, and acceptance.

The film was released worldwide in theaters on 14 November 2025.
Over its opening weekend, it made strong box office numbers, indicating solid audience interest.
As many expected, it also stirred discussion about generational gaps, relationship norms, and the kind of comedy that Bollywood offers.

How This Film Came Into the Spotlight

To fully understand De De Pyaar De 2, it helps to recall what happened in the first film. The original De De Pyaar De (2019) starred Ajay Devgn as Ashish “Ashu” Mehra, a wealthy middle-aged NRI, and Rakul Preet Singh as Ayesha Khurana, a much younger woman. Their relationship raised eyebrows, especially from Ashish’s ex-wife and children; the film navigated family drama, age differences, and social judgments.

The sequel picks up from where the first film left off, but inverts some of the conflict: instead of Ashish’s family being the primary hurdle, now Ayesha’s family must come to terms with her relationship. Over time, as the first film became popular for its mature-but-comedic take on romance, a sequel was natural. The sequel was officially announced, and production began in Punjab and other locations.The change in director signals a refreshed vision.

De De Pyaar De 2 Story Overview

Here is a detailed breakdown of the story (without major spoilers) of De De Pyaar De 2:

Set-Up & Premise
The film resumes with Ashish Mehra (Ajay Devgn) and Ayesha Khurana (Rakul Preet Singh) deeply in love. But unlike the first movie—where the conflict was mostly internal and family-based on Ashish’s side—this time the central conflict revolves around Ayesha’s parents.

Her parents, Rakesh “Rajji” Khurana (played by R. Madhavan) and Anju Khurana (Gautami Kapoor), are progressive in their thinking. They believe in modern ideals: “age is just a number,” “love transcends generation,” etc.
The Times of India
But when they actually meet Ashish, who is nearly their age, their theoretical open-mindedness is put to the test.

Conflict & Comedy
The central dramatic and comedic tension comes from the awkwardness and hypocrisy of Ayesha’s parents. On one hand, they champion progressive views; on the other, they are deeply unsettled by their daughter dating someone who is practically in their age group. Complicating matters, there is another younger suitor in the picture—someone whom her parents hope will be more “suitable” for Ayesha. This sets the stage for farcical situations, emotional confrontations, and generational misunderstandings. Additionally, there is humor derived from Ashish negotiating not just love but parental approval, navigating dinner conversations, family gatherings, and the inevitable clash of values.

Character Arcs & Emotional Beats

• Ashish Mehra: He is older, confident (or trying to be), and deeply in love. His journey involves proving to Ayesha’s parents that he is serious, responsible, and worthy of their daughter—not just as her older boyfriend but as someone who could be part of their family.
• Ayesha Khurana: Confident, bubbly, and committed, she stands by Ashish, but she also has to balance her own desires with her family’s expectations. Her character is central in bridging the generational divide.
• Rakesh “Rajji” Khurana (Madhavan): The skeptical father. He believes in modernity but has hidden insecurities. The film explores his internal conflict: wanting to appear progressive while grappling with traditional instincts and his own fears.
• Anju Khurana (Gautami Kapoor): As Ayesha’s mother, she plays a more emotionally grounded role, trying to reason, mediate, and often smooth the friction.
• Supporting characters: There are several, including Meezaan Jafri (as a younger character, possibly a friend or suitor), Jaaved Jaaferi, and more, who bring comedic relief and help in escalating the situational comedy.

Climax & Resolution (Spoiler-Light)
The film builds toward a “last-act twist,” which many reviews mention as emotionally invested. The resolution likely involves a heartfelt confrontation, parental realization, and reconciliation—balancing comedic relief with genuine emotional moments. Though it’s a rom-com, it also attempts to comment on age, society, and authenticity in relationships.

Tone & Theme

• The tone is breezy, quirky, and vibrant, mixing humor with emotional sincerity.
• Major themes: age-gap romance, parental approval, hypocrisy of modern values, and generational conflict. The film also explores self-acceptance for the characters (especially Ashish) and family acceptance.
• The film doesn’t shy away from awkwardness; rather, it leans into it for humor and drama.

Acting & Characters

Here is a breakdown of the main cast, their roles, and their performances in De De Pyaar De 2:

• Ajay Devgn as Ashish “Ashu” Mehra
  Ajay Devgn reprises his role from the first film. As Ashish, he brings a mature, grounded presence. Devgn’s performance is steady — he plays a man who is comfortable in his skin but also conscious of his age and societal perceptions. According to reviews, his chemistry with Rakul is familiar, and though not wildly electric, it is convincing enough to carry the emotional weight of the story.
• Rakul Preet Singh as Ayesha Khurana
  Rakul returns as Ayesha. Her character is important, not just as a love interest but as a bridge between generations. She delivers on the lighter, bubbly moments well, though in more emotionally heavy scenes, some critics felt she struggled. Her determination to stand by Ashish is central to the film’s emotional core.
• R. Madhavan as Rakesh “Rajji” Khurana
  Madhavan is a key addition in the sequel. Playing Ayesha’s father, his role is both comedic and dramatic. While he is a seasoned actor, some reviews argue that his character feels “oddly misplaced” — seeing him as the father of a 20-something feels strange to some viewers.
• Yet, he brings credibility to the role. His internal conflict, expressions, and reactions to Ashish are often the source of the film’s most biting humor. In comedic sequences, he shines; in emotional ones, he adds depth.
• Gautami Kapoor as Anju Khurana
  Anju is Ayesha’s mother. Though not always in the spotlight, her role is crucial — she functions as the emotional mediator, the voice of reason, and sometimes the conscience in family arguments. According to reviews, she brings warmth and grounding to scenes involving family confrontation.
• Meezaan Jafri
  Meezaan plays a younger character (likely linked to Ayesha’s social circle or family). According to India Today’s review, he is “the delightful surprise package” — confident, stylish, and charming, especially in a song sequence.
• Jaaved Jaaferi
  He reprises his supportive-comedic role. Known for his humor, he brings energy and levity, helping balance the emotional moments with laughter.
• Other Cast
  While the core cast is central, there are other supporting actors (possibly including Ishita Dutta) who help flesh out family dynamics and add subplots.

Overall Acting Assessment: The performances are a mixed bag according to critics. Devgn is reliable, Madhavan brings fresh conflict, Rakul is charming but not always emotionally profound, and Meezaan stands out in his segments. The supporting cast does the job of providing comedic timing and emotional support.

Behind the Camera Direction, Writing & Creative Choices

• Director: Anshul Sharma
  Taking over from Akiv Ali (director of the first movie), Anshul Sharma brings a slightly different flavor to the sequel. The tone remains light, but Sharma leans more into generational comedy and family dynamics. His direction balances the rom-com moments with some heartfelt confrontations.
• Writers: Luv Ranjan and Tarun Jain
  The story is co-written by Luv Ranjan (who originated the first film) and Tarun Jain. Their writing aims to capture the humor of age-gap romance while exploring deeper themes like acceptance and hypocrisy. The screenplay uses situational comedy rather than slapstick excessively, which critics appreciate.
• Cinematography: Sudhir K. Chaudhary
  The visual look maintains a glossy, vibrant style reminiscent of the first installment. The settings (family homes, gatherings, London shots, etc.) reflect a modern yet intimate feel.
• Editing: Chetan M. Solanki
  Given the film’s 146-minute runtime, editing plays a critical role in keeping comedic timing tight and emotional beats effective. The pacing, according to some reviews, is uneven: while the first half is breezy, the second can feel heavy.
• Music:
  The soundtrack is quite varied:

• Songs by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jaani, Aditya Dev–Payal Dev, Avvy Sra, Sagar Bhatia.
• Background score by Hitesh Sonik.
• Lyrics by Kumaar, Sagar Bhatia, Jaani, Karan Aujla, Yo Yo Honey Singh.
• Key songs: Raat Bhar (first single), Jhoom Sharaabi (second), 3 Shaukk (third).

Among these, 3 Shaukk has drawn special attention for its Punjabi musical touch.

• Production Challenges:
  The film faced a hiccup during shooting: the first schedule in Patiala (Punjab) had to stop because director Anshul Sharma fell ill with dengue. The second schedule resumed later and wrapped up in February 2025.
• Producers:
  Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar (T-Series) and Luv Ranjan, Ankur Garg (Luv Films) are the key producers.

Music & Soundtrack

Music has always been an important part of Bollywood rom-coms, and De De Pyaar De 2 is no exception.

Songs:

• “Raat Bhar”: The first single released; romantic in tone, highlighting the intimacy and longing between Ashish and Ayesha.
• “Jhoom Sharaabi”: A song with celebratory, slightly boisterous energy — perfect for party or dance moments.
• “3 Shaukk”: Probably the most talked-about track. It features Punjabi influences and carries a strong rhythm, bringing both modern and traditional flavors together.

• Reception of Music:
  The music, especially 3 Shaukk, has been praised for its “Punjabi magic” and catchiness.The combination of Yo Yo Honey Singh, Jaani, and Karan Aujla in the songwriting adds a contemporary touch that resonates with younger audiences while maintaining mass appeal.
• Background Score:
  Hitesh Sonik’s background score supports both comedic and emotional scenes, helping the movie shift smoothly between fun, tension, and heartfelt moments.

Release & Box Office

• Release Date:
  The film was theatrically released on 14 November 2025.
• Distribution:
  Distributed by PVR Inox Pictures.

Box Office Performance:

• On its first day, the film reportedly earned an India net of ₹9.45 crore.
• On the second day, there was a 45-50% jump, bringing the two-day total to ₹23.22 crore net.
• These are strong numbers, especially for a non-holiday romantic comedy, suggesting positive word-of-mouth and audience pull.
• According to news reports, the first weekend performance and buzz was promising, fueling hopes that the film could cross ₹50 crore in the first week if its trajectory holds.

OTT (Streaming) Release:
After its theatrical run, De De Pyaar De 2 is expected to stream on Netflix, reportedly from January 2026.

What the Film Is Really Saying Themes & Deep Meanings

De De Pyaar De 2 is more than just a rom-com — it tries to comment on deeper societal issues while keeping things light.

• Age-Gap Relationships
  The film revisits the trope of a significant age gap in a romantic relationship. Unlike many films that glamorize youth, this one spotlights a middle-aged man in love with a younger woman—but flips the challenge: now it’s not just about society judging the couple, but the couple being judged by the younger generation’s parents.
• Hypocrisy of Modern Values
  A key tension arises from Ayesha’s parents, who claim to be modern and open-minded. But when faced with the reality of their daughter’s relationship, their ideals are put to the test. The film satirizes how people often say they are progressive, but their beliefs are fragile when challenged emotionally.
• Parental Approval & Family
  As with many Bollywood films, familial acceptance plays a big role. This time, it’s not just about parental disapproval but also about parents grappling with their image, prejudices, and insecurities.
• Self-Acceptance
  Ashish’s journey is also internal. He must reconcile his love for Ayesha with insecurities about aging, societal perception, and being “good enough” for her. His growth involves proving to himself (and others) that his love is genuine, mature, and rooted in more than infatuation.
• Love vs. Age
  The film explores whether love is truly “age-blind.” Through its humor and conflict, it asks: Do age differences really matter, or do people let age become an excuse for deeper fears?
• Generational Conflict
  Beyond just parents and children, the film delves into generational misunderstandings: how different age groups see love, commitment, and relationships in very different lights.

De De Pyaar De 2 Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Humor & Situational Comedy: The screenplay effectively mines comedy from inter-generational tensions.
• Strong Supporting Performances: Particularly, Meezaan Jafri and Jaaved Jaaferi bring energy, while Madhavan provides a solid anchor for conflict.
• Relatable Theme: Age-gap romance, parental approval, and family acceptance are universal, giving the film broad appeal.
• Music: The soundtrack is catchy, and songs like 3 Shaukk are likely to resonate with the youth.
• Production Value: Good cinematography, vibrant visuals, and a polished look make it visually pleasing.

Weaknesses:

• Casting Feels Awkward: Some critics feel that seeing Madhavan as the father of a young adult (20-something) is slightly jarring.
• Predictability: Certain plot beats, especially the climax or parental realization, may feel formulaic.
• Pacing Issues: The second half might drag or become melodramatic, potentially losing the lightness of the first half.
• Emotional Depth: While there are heartfelt moments, some reviews argue that the emotional arcs are not as deep or unexpected as they could be.
• Chemistry: The lead pair’s chemistry isn’t as electric or fresh as one might hope, especially compared to the first film.

Audience Reactions

• Box Office Reaction: The strong opening and the jump on the second day show that audiences responded well to the film.
• Word of Mouth: The surge in collections over the weekend suggests good word-of-mouth. Many early viewers are calling it a “feel-good family entertainer.”
• Online Communities: On Reddit, sentiment is mixed but leans toward positive for its entertainment value:
• Praise for its humor and light-heartedness.
• Criticism for its length, pacing, and “weak writing” in parts.
• Appreciation for specific performances, especially by Meezaan and Madhavan.
• Some feel that compared to the original film, the sequel doesn’t quite hit the same emotional highs but is still a “decent ride.”

Social Media / Promotional Buzz:
The trailer generated buzz for introducing Madhavan as a new dynamic in Ashish-Ayesha’s love story. Advance ticket sales reportedly saw a 75% jump, crossing ₹2.40 crore, which reflects audience excitement.

The motion poster release (which notably didn’t include Tabu, who was in the first movie) was also widely discussed.

Why This Movie Matters Impact & Relevance Today

• Sequel with a Twist: Unlike many sequels that simply replicate the original, De De Pyaar De 2 tries to flip the central conflict by focusing on the younger partner’s family rather than the older partner’s. This change makes it more than just a rehash—it adds fresh tension and commentary.
• Social Commentary: The film holds up a satirical mirror to modern liberal values, questioning whether progressive beliefs are deeply held or just surface-level when challenged.
• Broad Appeal: With themes of love, age, and family, it appeals to a wide demographic: older audiences who relate to Ashish, young people who relate to Ayesha, and middle-aged parents who may relate to Madhavan’s character.
• Music Influence: Through 3 Shaukk and its Punjabi flavor, the film could influence the trend of integrating contemporary Punjabi music into mainstream Bollywood rom-coms.
• Box Office Trend: If the film continues to perform well, it may encourage more sequels in similar “mature romance” genres—a relatively underexplored area in mainstream Bollywood rom-coms.

My Analysis & Verdict

In my view, De De Pyaar De 2 is a witty, feel-good romantic comedy that largely succeeds in offering both laughter and emotional moments. It doesn’t necessarily break new ground, but it doesn’t need to—its strength lies in delivering a familiar but nuanced story in a polished, entertaining package.

• The decision to shift the conflict to Ayesha’s family is smart: it feels fresh, and the generational tug-of-war is comic and sincere.
• Ajay Devgn continues to be a dependable lead; his portrayal of a mature lover is credible and grounded.
• R. Madhavan is a valuable addition: his performance brings complexity, though the age casting might feel slightly jarring to some.
• Meezaan Jafri is a surprise highlight, especially in the musical sequences.
• The music adds flavor and enhances both the romantic and energetic moments.
• On the downside, the pacing and predictability can drag the film down at times, and some emotional beats might feel surface-level.

If you like Bollywood rom-coms with a mix of heart and humor, and if stories about unconventional relationships appeal to you, De De Pyaar De 2 is definitely worth a watch. It’s not perfect, but it’s charming, entertaining, and likely to resonate with a broad audience.