Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Review: Smriti Irani's Tulsi Returns With Full Nostalgia Punch

News18

2 days ago

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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: The pilot begins with Smriti Irani introducing her on-screen family in her signature powerful style, instantly striking a nostalgic chord.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is back, and with just one episode, it has left us teary-eyed with nostalgia. Ekta Kapoor's decision to revive Tulsi and Mihir isn't just a casting move — it's an emotion that transports us straight to our childhood living rooms, where families used to gather around the TV at 10:30 PM sharp. From the iconic title track to the familiar family dynamics, everything feels like a warm hug from the past. In an age of fast-paced content, where crime dramas or thrillers rule OTT spaces, this reboot reminds us of a slower, emotionally rich era of storytelling – one that defined the golden age of Indian television.
Interestingly, Ekta Kapoor chose to keep the opening scene of her new show exactly the same as the iconic introductions she's known for in her earlier serials. Right from a Ganpathi idol to the dramatic camera angles and even the visual styling — nothing has changed. It's almost as if time stood still as Ekta decided to bring Tulsi back. The daily soap queen, who's often credited with shaping Indian television drama, didn't try to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, she leaned into the familiarity, perhaps intentionally, to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia among viewers.
The episode opens with Smriti Irani introducing her on-screen family in her signature powerful style, instantly striking a nostalgic chord. Accompanied by the iconic Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi title track, Smriti introduces everyone to her family including Mihir, Gayatri, Karan, Hemant and Daksha among others.
It is worth noting that as Ekta Kapoor reintroduces Tulsi and Mihir to the screen, she adds an emotional masterstroke — a beautifully edited video montage featuring their most iconic moments from the original series. This heartfelt compilation plays like a nostalgic rewind, capturing the essence of their enduring bond, dramatic highs, and tear-jerking lows. It's a deliberate and touching reminder of why these characters became household names in the first place.
Let's be honest—nothing has really changed in these 25 years. Tulsi remains exactly the same: the ever-sacrificing woman who prioritises everyone but herself. She ensures her husband gets his protein shake on time, keeps a watchful eye on the kitchen staff, and continues to carry the emotional and domestic burden of the entire household — without a thought for her own health or happiness. Her world still revolves around nurturing, feeding, and caring, as though she's frozen in time.
While Daksha (Ketki Dave) has clearly evolved with the times — more outspoken, more self-aware and even aware of what's happening in this world — Tulsi remains trapped in the same mold. And in 2025, that feels not just outdated, but disappointing. Tulsi, once hailed as the epitome of virtue, no longer reflects the aspirations of today's independent woman. Instead, she reminds us how far we still have to go in reshaping female representation on television.
Even the plot of the show, as revealed in episode one, fails to bring anything new for the audience. It follows a predictable and dated trajectory, with familiar tropes resurfacing. Gayatri feels threatened by Tulsi's central role in the family and accuses her of being arrogant, because of the unconditional love and respect she receives from her children.
In a classic soap opera move, she then instigates Hemant against Mihir and asks, 'Kyun saara business sirf Mihir sambhalta hai?" Gayatri doesn't waste time playing coy either. She then predicts a '*bahut bada toofan" in Tulsi's life. Her character arc is stamped with the age-old villainess template, offering no new depth, no grey shades and just the same old drama repackaged for 2025. Maybe, the makers should have tried to be a little creative with regard to the plot and should have tried to offer something new to the audience.
However, it will be interesting so see what will unfold in the upcoming episodes and how will Tulsi represent a strong woman.
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