The charming innocence of the key characters in Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016) was the prime reason behind its success. The film created a parallel world where even the most cynical characters appeared funny. They didn’t know what was happening, yet they whole-heartedly participated in it.

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It a tale of two Happys (Sonakshi Sinha and Diana Penty) who land in Shanghai (China) at the same time. The original Happy (Penty) has a history with a prominent Pakistani politician, played by Abhay Deol in the first film. So, a Chinese businessman Adnan Chow (Denzil Smith) wants to kidnap her to pressurize the Pakistan government for money. He abducts the other Happy (Sinha) instead. After this, half of Amritsar lands in Shanghai and creates mayhem on its roads.

The sequel, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, takes a cue from there, but actors seem much more confident as if they know what the future has in store for them. The bigger canvas and addition of new actors add value to the film, but overall, the fun quotient has been diluted. That doesn’t mean Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi wouldn’t be able to entertain you at all. It has its own moments, thanks to actors like Jimmy Shergill and Piyush Mishra. The tone is breezy for the most part. It lags slightly in a couple of scenes. Sonakshi is in good form, displaying the spark she had in Dabangg. Diana has little screen time but she is pleasant and charming. Ali is good, Jassi is a discovery and Aparshakti is cute. The innumerable Chinese 'Changs' who show up in this roller coaster ride are good.

Along with director Mudassar Aziz, producer Aanand gives the audience a simple entertainer with some funny dialogue. The supporting cast truly complements the leads in an entertaining way, making you realize that far too much importance is given to starched 'super' stars. Repeat: watch out for Jimmy and Piyush. They are the backbone of this franchise.