"Tanu Weds Manu: Returns" is a Bollywood romantic comedy film that was released in 2015. It is a sequel to the 2011 film "Tanu Weds Manu" and was directed by Aanand L. Rai.
The film continues the story of the lead characters, Tanu and Manu, who are now facing marital problems after several years of marriage. They decide to separate and try to move on with their lives. Tanu returns to her hometown in Uttar Pradesh, while Manu stays in Delhi.
While in Uttar Pradesh, Tanu meets her ex-boyfriend, Raja Awasthi, and starts to develop feelings for him again. Manu, on the other hand, meets a young woman named Kusum, who looks just like Tanu, and he starts to fall in love with her.
The film features Kangana Ranaut in a double role, playing both Tanu and Kusum, and R. Madhavan as Manu. It was a commercial and critical success, receiving positive reviews for its performances and screenplay.
As the story progresses, Tanu and Raja's relationship becomes complicated, as Raja is already married with children. Manu, on the other hand, faces opposition from Kusum's family, who disapprove of their relationship.
Meanwhile, Tanu and Manu's mutual friends, Pappi and Jassi, try to bring them back together, but their efforts are in vain. Tanu and Manu are both convinced that their marriage is over and that they should move on.
However, the two eventually realize that they still love each other and decide to give their marriage another chance. They reconcile and renew their vows in a touching ceremony.
The film was praised for its strong performances by Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan, as well as its portrayal of complex relationships and human emotions. It was also noted for its humor and witty dialogue.
"Tanu Weds Manu: Returns" was a box office success and one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2015. It received several awards and nominations, including two National Film Awards for Best Actress (Kangana Ranaut) and Best Dialogues.
The film's success also led to talks of a possible third installment, but as of now, no official announcement has been made.
Apart from Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan, the film also starred actors like Jimmy Sheirgill, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar, and Eijaz Khan in pivotal roles. The music for the film was composed by Krsna Solo and the lyrics were penned by Raj Shekhar.
"Tanu Weds Manu: Returns" was praised for its fresh and contemporary take on romantic comedies, and for its portrayal of women as complex, independent and empowered individuals. The film also highlighted the cultural differences between urban and rural India, and explored themes like marriage, love, and societal expectations.
"Tanu Weds Manu: Returns" was a well-received film that entertained audiences with its humor, music, and performances, while also providing a thought-provoking commentary on relationships and society.
In addition to the film's commercial and critical success, it also received widespread praise for its portrayal of women and feminism. Kangana Ranaut's characters, Tanu and Kusum, were seen as strong, independent women who challenged societal norms and expectations.
The film also highlighted the importance of consent in relationships, as Tanu and Manu's marital problems arose from their lack of communication and understanding.
Furthermore, "Tanu Weds Manu: Returns" explored the concept of love and how it evolves over time. The film showed how two people can fall in love again after facing challenges in their relationship and realizing their true feelings for each other.
In terms of technical aspects, the film's cinematography, editing, and direction were also praised. The film's vibrant and colorful visuals captured the essence of both rural and urban India, and the editing kept the pace of the film engaging and entertaining.
Overall, "Tanu Weds Manu: Returns" was a successful sequel that built upon the strengths of its predecessor while also exploring new themes and ideas. The film's fresh take on romantic comedies, its strong performances, and its commentary on relationships and society made it a memorable and impactful film.
Another aspect of the film that received praise was the supporting cast. Jimmy Sheirgill's performance as Raja Awasthi was well-received, as was Deepak Dobriyal's portrayal of Pappi, the loyal and humorous friend of Manu. Swara Bhaskar also impressed audiences with her performance as Tanu's best friend, Payal.
In addition to the film's positive reception in India, it was also well-received internationally, and was screened at several film festivals. Kangana Ranaut's performance earned her several awards and nominations, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
The film's success also had a positive impact on the careers of the film's lead actors and director. Aanand L. Rai went on to direct several successful films, including "Raanjhanaa" and "Zero". Kangana Ranaut continued to establish herself as one of the leading actors in Bollywood, and R. Madhavan went on to act in several successful films as well.
In conclusion, "Tanu Weds Manu: Returns" was a successful sequel that managed to surpass the expectations set by its predecessor. The film's strong performances, fresh take on romantic comedies, and commentary on relationships and society made it an impactful and memorable film.