Fahad Mustafa: The only saving grace of 'JPNA 2' trailer

KARACHI: After holding our breath for a glimpse of the Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa-starrer Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (JPNA 2) for so long, the trailer has finally been released.

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And as totally unexpected, it turns out to be quite underwhelming. While the 2015 original was a laugh riot in itself (despite all its faults) and I’m hoping this one is going to be a fun ride too, the trailer doesn’t exactly live up to the expectations.

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The power duo of Saeed and director Nadeem Beyg has always delivered in the past, entertaining the masses as well as raking in positive feedback from the critics (especially, their previous outing Punjab Nahi Jaungi).

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So, it’s almost fair that the expectations are high from the box office kings. Add the Na Maloom “fard” Mustafa and the expectations automatically multiply. Therefore, after all, Jawani Phir Nahi 2's trailer seems like a letdown.

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There are several issues with the trailer. Firstly, most of the comic dialogues feel forced and right out of a Yasir Nawaz film. Story writer (and co-star) Vasay Chaudhary seems out of form here, relying on tired, clichéd stereotypical and borderline cringe-worthy one liners in an attempt to be funny.

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Sure, the trailer makes us expect a better offering than most in the recent past but that’s because of the high production value and exotic locations, not Chaudhary’s writing.

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Judging by the trailer, the film involves a love triangle pitting Saeed and Mustafa against one another over Kubra Khan, almost mirroring their upcoming clash at Eidul Azha when the latter’s solo film Load Wedding will release against JPNA 2.

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It also includes a Pakistan and India angle (making use of well-known Indian actor Kanwaljit Singh), and all of this in the gift-wrap of the original’s signature holiday adventure formula.

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Of course, then there is Sara Loren’s micro-second appearance in the trailer, Mawra Hocane’s stunning entry (into the Jawani franchise and the trailer itself) and Mustafa’s strong presence.

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With all of this, it feels like too much is happening in the trailer. And that could have added weight to it if it were structured in a better way.

As of now, the much-hyped trailer comes off as an over-heated hotchpotch. Beyg wants to show off every trick to attract the audience but in process, gives out way too much.

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The trailer feels a minute too long and by the end of it, we pretty much know the entire story. Sure, it can be argued that the evolution of film trailers has changed the audience’s expectations of “what’s going to happen next?” to “how is it going to happen?” but it’s still a better bet not to reveal all your cards in one go.

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Even though the trailer might not have been as explosive as expected, it does give us one thing to look forward to: Mustafa sharing screen with Saeed. In fact, I think he might even overshadow Saeed in this sequel, considering how uninspired the latter looks in the trailer.

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From the trailer, Mustafa holds his own as the Punjab Nahi Jaungi actor's alleged rival as the two engage in war over box office collections… I mean Kubra Khan.

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Finally, the trailer ends with one genuinely funny moment when Saeed channels Shah Rukh Khan. “Ammi jaan kehti thi koi banda chota nahi hota, aur jis ke dil me pyaar ho, wo sikka khotta nahi hota,” he says, “but of course, ammi jaan didn’t know jack.”

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The almost three-minute-long trailer feels like a mixed bag. It has the potential to surprise and be a good one or fall flat. For now, it’s better to have faith in Beyg’s ability and look forward to the Saeed/Mustafa clash.

Watch the trailer here:


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