Taaza Khabar: Season 2 | Review, 5 things I liked and disliked about it

Cast & Crew:

Director – Himank Gaur
Writers – Abbas Dalal and Hussain Dalal
Bhuvan Bam as Vasant ‘Vasya’ Gawde
Jaaved Jaaferi as Yusuf Akhtar
Shriya Pilgaonkar as Madhubala ‘Madhu’
Deven Bhojani as Mehboob Bhai
Prathamesh Parab as Raja ‘Peter’ Chaturvedi
Shilpa Shukla as Rashma ‘Aapa’
Mahesh Manjrekar as Sajid ‘Kismat Bhai’ Sayyid

Plot:

Season 2 of Taaza Khabar kicks off right after the shocking events of the New Year’s Eve party. We’re brought back into the life of Vasant Gawde, a man gifted with a mysterious ‘Vardaan’—a power that lets him receive news before it happens, through his phone. The story takes a dark turn when Vasant receives a chilling notification: his own death.

Vasant confides in his friend Peter about the unsettling news. Peter advises him to make amends and do good before his time runs out. Vasant, taking this advice to heart, begins throwing money to the poor in his old neighbourhood. But this act of charity ends in tragedy—he gets shot. The twist here reveals that Yusuf Akhtar is behind the hit on Vasant.

As those close to Vasant mourn his death and try to move on, an unexpected incident shakes his family. Vasant’s father ends up in the hospital, and it’s here we discover Vasant’s surprising return. He faked his death and went into hiding to protect his loved ones from the dangers circling him.

From this point, the season dives deeper into Vasant’s tangled connections. His association with Kismat Bhai grows, and his rivalry with Yusuf Akhtar intensifies, as the latter hunts for Vasant’s life, wealth, and the elusive ‘Vardaan.’

Season 2 sets the stage for a thrilling continuation filled with suspense, betrayal, and the constant question of how Vasant can outwit those chasing him.

Review:

In Taaza Khabar Season 2, Bhuvan Bam elevates his performance, building on his OTT debut from the first season. His acting skills take centre stage, showing significant growth. While the rest of the cast continues to deliver solid performances, the addition of Jaaved Jaaferi as the villain, Yusuf Akhtar, injects fresh energy into both the storyline and the overall acting quality.

The season wastes no time getting started. From the opening minutes, the pacing is brisk, never letting up. The creators have crafted a screenplay that remains tight and fast-paced, ensuring there’s always something happening, leaving no room for dull moments. Every episode feels packed with action and suspense, keeping viewers on edge.

In comparison to the first season, Season 2 surpasses expectations. While the first season was excellent, the second one delivered an even more enjoyable experience. The acting, especially from Bhuvan Bam, has reached new heights. The entire cast raises the bar, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

Despite a modest budget, the production design remains a standout. Every scene is visually impressive, proving that a high-quality look doesn’t always require big spending. The set pieces and cinematography complement the gripping storyline, creating a polished product that rivals higher-budget shows.

Taaza Khabar Season 2 is a solid improvement over its predecessor, with better acting, tighter pacing, and strong visuals. The introduction of Jaaved Jaaferi as Yusuf Akhtar adds depth to the story, and Bhuvan Bam’s evolution as an actor is a highlight.

5 things I liked about Taaza Khabar Season 2:

1. One of the biggest surprises for me in Taaza Khabar Season 2 was the inclusion of Jaaved Jaaferi. Since I hadn’t followed any of the show’s promotions or marketing, his appearance caught me off guard in the best way possible. Jaaved’s character, Yusuf Akhtar, makes a powerful entrance at Vasant’s cremation, stepping out of the car to loud music. This moment instantly pulled me deeper into the storyline, marking a turning point in the season.
   Bhuvan Bam, following the success of the first season, appears more at ease in front of the camera this time around. His newfound comfort translates into a more natural performance, allowing him to show greater emotional depth and versatility. His portrayal in Season 2 truly showcases his range, reaching a wider audience and proving his growth as an actor.
2. Taaza Khabar Season 2 is packed with twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. From the unexpected return of Vasant to Yusuf’s ruthless killing of Kismat, every episode delivers a fresh surprise. The Taaza Khabar app update and the intense moment when Yusuf kills someone close to Vasant are just a few of the many plot points that make this season stand out.
3. What makes Season 2 even more gripping is its pacing. Every episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for more. The constant surprises and tension make it nearly impossible to stop watching, as the creators expertly build suspense, ensuring the audience stays hooked from start to finish. The writers of the series, Abbas and Hussain Dalal, showed an excellent talent for writing such catchy and interesting dialogues throughout the series. Although we can say that they can work on keeping a limit to adding curses and abuses throughout the screenplay and conversations, gone is the era in Indian OTT space where abuses were the selling point for a series. Considering the entire season, you will enjoy watching the series as the conversations won’t bore you at all.
4. The action in Taaza Khabar Season 2 came as a pleasant surprise. Bhuvan Bam, who isn’t known for action roles, handled the action sequences with ease. The choreography and CGI were on point, enhancing the intensity of the scenes. Jaaved Jaaferi, who has been in the industry for a long time, shines in his role as the menacing antagonist. His return to a main role, especially as a villain, was exciting to watch. One standout moment is when Vasant throws a knife at one of Yusuf’s goons, hitting him directly in the eye. The shot, which follows the knife mid-air until it sticks, was beautifully executed. It’s one of those moments where the combination of camera work and effects creates a scene that truly stands out on screen.
5. The open ending of Taaza Khabar Season 2 leaves plenty of room for speculation and excitement. The story could take several different directions from here. Bhuvan Bam might return to continue his character’s journey, or the creators could explore new storylines by introducing fresh characters and actors. The concept of the Taaza Khabar app and phone offers endless possibilities, setting the stage for new adventures in future seasons—or even a potential franchise. This intriguing conclusion keeps fans guessing, making the show’s future even more captivating.

Things I disliked about Taaza Khabar Season 2:

There are not many things I disliked about Season 2 of Taaza Khabar.

1. While Taaza Khabar Season 2 delivers on many fronts, there are a few scenes where the tone becomes overdramatic, and some performances feel a bit exaggerated. These moments stand out, especially considering the story’s gritty, street-level setting with its fictional twist. A more subtle and grounded approach would have better suited the show’s overall tone. This tendency isn’t exclusive to Taaza Khabar; it’s something that can be found throughout Indian cinema, even in otherwise brilliant films. Over-the-top moments often disrupt the flow, and it’s an aspect that Indian filmmakers need to move away from to elevate storytelling. Keeping the dialogue and scenarios more natural would add depth and realism to stories like Taaza Khabar.
2. While Taaza Khabar Season 2 is highly entertaining and keeps viewers engaged throughout, it falls short of being truly memorable. Despite its twists, strong performances, and tight pacing, it doesn’t leave a lasting impact like other series such as The Family Man. Though it’s fun to watch, it lacks that special element that cements its place in the audience’s mind.