Welcome Back Review : The Bhais Are Back!

In 2007, Anees Bazmee has brought Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor andNana Patekar together for a laugh riot named Welcome and ever since the film released, fans of the film (myself included), had been waiting for the sequel Welcome Back, which finally released today.

However, with all due respect, the sequel, despite trying hard doesn’t match up to the charm of the prequel...

This time too, Majnu Bhai (Anil Kapoor) and Uday Shetty (Nana Patekar), who have ostensibly mended their ways, are searching for a 'shareef ladka' for their step-sister Ranjana (Shruti Haasan) and by a twist of fate, the lass ends up falling for atapori Ajju bhai (John Abraham), who turns out to be the stepson of the much-harassed Dr. Ghungroo (Paresh Rawal).

Meanwhile, the two rogues Majnu and Uday are also trying to impress a pretty young woman Rajkumari (Ankita Srivasta), who claims to be a princess. To make matters complicated, dreaded don Wanted Bhai (Naseeruddin Shah) has a son Honey (Shiney Ahuja) has lost his heart to Ranjana, setting the stage of craziness galore.

John Abraham is terribly miscast as the local tapori and despite the stubble and the slicked hair, he doesn’t impress much though he does put in an honest effort. Shruti Haasan is pretty enough while Ankita is not. Dimple Kapadia and Shiney Ahuja don’t get to do much and Naseeruddin hams like there is no tomorrow. Finally, it is Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar, who remind you why the prequel was a hit. The three actors totally own the film and provide much of the laughter.

The three actors slip in their respective characters quite easily and one feels like greeting an old friend when they appear on screen. Kapoor is the go-to guy for taporiroles and we sincerely hope we see him in such roles more often. Nana is delightful as Uday Shetty, who wears his heart on his sleeve and lets everyone know it.

No doubt that the film is fun enough, but this reviewer could not help noticing that it lacked the charm of the original. The makers have spent a bomb on the locations and vehicles (lots of sports cars and choppers), but it comes across an attempt to divert your attention from the fact that the sequel is not as good as the prequel.

The music is totally forgettable and the second half seems to drag on and on. Over-the-top action sequences and a stretched climax scene prove to be the film’s undoing, though some genuinely funny scenes and dialogues salvage the situation.

Go for this one only if you missed the lovable bhais Majnu and Uday all these years after Welcome released.