Last season, the brilliant Bhuvan Bam, as Vasant aka Vasya, learnt about his assassination through the notification Taaza Khabar. The latest instalment begins right from where it left off, and witnesses the lead actor getting killed. This leaves his friends and family devastated for a brief period. However, everything gets back to normal as soon as Bhuvan Bam’s character rises from the dead—reminiscent of an Ekta Kapoor-style daily soap twist. He had to do it to save himself and his dear ones. Along with updating all the key characters’ whereabouts, Taaza Khabar Season 2 introduces a new antagonist, Yusuf Akhtar, played by the talented Javed Jaffrey.
Despite being a continuation, the Himank Gaur directorial takes its own sweet time to establish how the story will unfold this time around. However, the plot gets a few crucial developments and new revelations that get it going. The writer duo Abbas Dalal and Hussain Dalal make sure to keep the viewers empathising with Vasya’s morally grey character. Meanwhile, Vasya’s chemistry with his parents and the sentimental angle of this nuclear family will make you tearful, if you have kept up with Bhuvan’s real-life updates. (Sadly, the YouTuber-actor lost both his parents to Covid-19). In the latest instalment, the versatile Bhuvan emerges as more mature and serious with his portrayal of Vasya. It’s more refined and crisp, setting him apart from his earlier performances, including Taaza Khabar Season 1 and Dhindhora.
Shriya Pilgaonkar stands out as another gem in the show, thanks to her ability to embody every character that she plays. Meanwhile, Deven Bhojani, Prathamesh Parab, Nitya Mathur, Atisha Naik, Tamanna Sharma and Vijay Nikam’s special characters make the Disney+ Hotstar series an engaging watch. The antagonists – Javed and Shilpa Shukla’s Yusuf Akhtar and Aapa – make an impactful duo of devils. The two make sure to keep the life of Vasya and the people around him always in horror. Along with these profound acts, Mahesh Manjrekar and Gauri Pradhan Tejwani also make notable appearances. Meanwhile, aspiring actor Rrama Sharma also plays a relatively small, but crucial character.
Verdict:
If you observe closely, a few snippets of BB Ki Vines also make appearances in the show. The hilarious punchlines will tickle you even when the plotline goes a bit haywire in the middle. Thankfully, after a lot of intense drama and a thrilling ride, the OTT show ends on a happy note. Meanwhile, Vasya’s ‘Taaza Khabar’ app gets a fresh update with a promise to return with yet another edition. With a few flaws and many delightful elements, Taaza Khabar Season 2 makes itself worthy of a one-time watch.
Taaza Khabar Season 2
Watch On:Disney+ Hotstar
Director:Himank Gaur
Writers:Abbas Dalal, Hussain Dalal
Cast:Bhuvan Bam, Javed Jaffrey, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Deven Bhojani, Prathamesh Parab, Shilpa Shukla
Rating:3.5 stars
