'Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive' review - Despite great performances, this film fails to live up to the standards of the prequel

Movie: Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive 

Cast: Manish Paul, Sikander Kher, Pradhuman Singh, Ali Zafar, Piyush Mishra, Sugandha Garg, Rahul Singh, Mia Uyeda

Director: Abhishek Sharma

Rating: ** 

What's it about: 

Bollywood has a fixation with sequels and turning a successful film into a franchise. Unfortunately, the odds of sequels and follow-ups working at the ticket window isn't quite bright. 2010's Tere Bin Laden follow-up proves that sometimes it's better to leave a successful film alone. Six years later, Tere Bin Laden returns with a new cast and some familiar faces. Manish Paul plays an aspiring filmmaker who gets caught in a tricky situation where he uses Osama look alike Paddy (Pradhuman Singh) to showcase his directorial skills. But there is more to the story than meets the eye. Sikander Kher plays a CIA agent who needs a video of the American's gunning down Osama to show his President (a Barack Obama impersonator). There are several things happening at the same time which bogs you down and makes you weary. Unlike the first film, Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive tries very hard to make you laugh, at times it work, but mostly it fails. 

What's hot: 

There is a lot riding for Manish Paul with this film and he delivers in every single frame. There is an instant likability towards Manish that works in his favour. His character is not only someone you could bump into, but also empathetic to a certain extent. The best thing about the film are the scenes between Manish and Sikander who gives a hilarious performance as the CIA officer. The prosthetic and makeup in the first half make him almost unrecognisable. His David Chadda - Bollywood producer act in the second half is funny as well. Writing is sharp and the dialogues are witty in places. Pradhuman Singh as Osama is as enjoyable as he was in the first part. 

What's not: 

While the first film had a unique concept and was simple in its narration, the second part looks contrived and is all over the place. There are times when you sort of lose track of what is happening on screen. Also, once the whole Osama murder act is established, the plot starts dragging. Ali Zafar's cameo seemed unnecessary and him showing off his toned torso didn't do much to revive the film. Making someone laugh is the most difficult thing especially when you rely on satire. 

What to do: 

If you are a Manish Paul fan then Tere Bin Laden: Dead or Alive won't disappoint, otherwise, you are better off revisiting the first part.