Ayushmann Khurrana’s portrayal of a man dressed as a woman, dancing energetically to “Radhe Radhe” in Dream Girl, marked a defining moment in contemporary Bollywood. Mainstream cis-gendered actors break traditional norms, abandon their inherent masculinity to don a woman’s persona, and do so without ridicule is rare.
However, given Ayushmann’s bold history of choosing unconventional roles, from grappling with erectile dysfunction to playing a sperm donor or a gay individual supporting a transgender partner, his decision is fitting. Time after time, he has fearlessly navigated diverse terrains, confronting stereotypes and championing softer shades of masculinity.
In “Dream Girl 2,” Ayushmann revisits a narrative distinct from his typical cinema genre. Set in the rustic heart of India, this sequel, akin to its predecessor, is a pure commercial entertainer. But this iteration offers a fresh perspective. Instead of merely imitating a woman’s voice, Ayushmann’s character, Karam, assumes a woman’s identity throughout much of the film. He dazzles as a dancing sensation, donning sarees, lehengas, and other traditional attire in multiple song sequences. Even in seemingly absurd scenarios, Ayushmann masterfully maintains a balance between lightheartedness and genuine entertainment.
On the other hand, the film featuring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel has experienced a slight deceleration in momentum compared to its inaugural week. Yet, it boasts of the highest daily revenue among contemporaneous cinema showings. Early estimates indicate a Thursday collection of ₹8.2 crore, elevating its cumulative earnings to ₹418.90 crore. As the film steadily marches towards the ₹500 crore milestone, it’s evident that content-driven cinema, backed by stellar performances, continues to captivate audiences.