ABCD 2 Review: Watch it only if you want to enjoy some cool dance numbers!

Film: ABCD 2

Director: Remo D’Souza

Cast: Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Prabhu Dheva, Lauren Gottlieb, Dharmesh Yelande, Punit Pathak, Raghav Juyal

Rating: **1/2

What's it about: 

ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) is our version of the American smash hit dance franchise Step Up! While the latter has managed to have a series of sequels to its credit, the former has just put out its second part directed by Remo D'souza starring Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead. The success of the first part was enough a reason for the makers to go ahead with a sequel. The story of ABCD 2 has no remote connection with its predecessor. This time the plot revolves around deceit, patriotism, camaraderie and sportsmanship. Varun (Suru) and Vinnie (Shraddha) are part of a dance troupe that is blacklisted from all competitions after they are caught duplicating an entire act from a Filipino group. Out to get a second chance, they meet Vishnu (Prabhu Dheva), hoping he is their ticket to Vegas which is the venue for  the World Hip Hop Championship. The focus is on putting together some mind boggling dance numbers while adding a touch of emotion and drama through alternate tracks. 

What's Good: 

ABCD 2 sets to achieve a benchmark in showcasing the best footwork and dancing skills of the greatest performers in showbiz. And there it succeeds. Varun Dhawan can dance! He's a natural for this part and is confident dancer. He fits into the character so naturally that you'd think that the role was written only for him. Shraddha Kapoor gives her all to the dance acts but her co-star (who is a professional dancer) Lauren Gottlieb outshines her. Although, her attempt is applaud worthy. While Varun and Shraddha are the poster stars who give ABCD 2 its star value, the real showmen of the film are the supporting cast comprising of an eclectic mix of some familiar and not some familiar faces. The crowd favourites Punit Pathak and Dharmesh Yelande are back and in top form. While Varun and Shraddha might be in the centre of most dance formations, you can't help but take your eyes off those in the second and back rows. Full credit to Remo for picking some of the best dancers in the country to be a part of ABCD 2! Humor comes in form of some cheeky banter between Prabhu Dheva and the troupe early on. Both Bezubaan Phir Se and Vande Mataram stand out as the best choreographed tracks in the film. 

What's not:

ABCD 2 is a dance film, but it could have been more than that. The plot and the storyline serve as fillers between these loosely put together dance acts. Varun's track with his mother is random, perhaps written merely to give the Chunar song a valid placement in the opening. Also Prabhu Dheva's poorly scripted back story about his wife and son hold no place in the movie. Also why does every dance movie have to forcefully weave bits of patriotism in it? Why can't we have a film that doesn't have someone fluttering a tri-colour or reminding us that the underdogs always win! While the first half is easy on the senses, there are too many dance acts post interval which gets a tad tedious.  Some acts look similar and lose their novelty when they come in short successions. Also the editor seems to have danced the night away instead of trimming the film and giving it a much needed early wrap. 3D serves its purpose in the opening title credits and a few scenes, but isn't really an asset that works in favour of the film. 

What to do:

ABCD 2 might work for you if you just want to enjoy some cool dance numbers. There is little in the film apart for that to entertain you.