I hear people and critics saying that the sequel is a notch above the first part but I disagree. The simple reason being that the sequel is totally dependent on the 1st part as it is a sequel in the truest form. The characters are what they are because of the 1st part. The dialogues are what they are because of the 1st part. So one can never say that the 1st part was inferior in comparison. Yes Tanu weds Manu returns is brilliant but Tanu weds Manu was equally magnificent.
speaking of well-written and well-constructed bollywood romantic comedies, i think Anand L. Rai's tanu weds manu returns has to be the last truly glorious one. the experience remains as fresh and engaging as it was when i watched it all those years ago, and its comical exploration of modern relationships, although from a very traditional hindi cinema perspective, does not feel dated or contrived enough to pinpoint. as a direct sequel, it is both better than the first film and ensures that you don't have to sit through that mediocrity to enjoy this to the fullest.