The favourite scenes from Haseen Dillruba are the first meeting between Rani and Rishu, Rani’s disastrous first cup of tea at her in-laws’ home, her confession about Neel, Rishu’s failed confrontation, and the quiet stretch where the two try to rebuild their marriage. Here is why each scene works, with mild spoilers only.
Haseen Dillruba premiered on Netflix on 2 July 2021. Vinil Mathew directed it from a script by Kanika Dhillon. Taapsee Pannu plays Rani, a bold small-town woman who loves pulp crime novels, and Vikrant Massey plays Rishu, the shy engineer she marries. Harshvardhan Rane plays Neel, Rishu’s cousin, whose arrival upsets the marriage.
The film opens with an explosion at the couple’s house and a police inquiry. Rani is the main suspect, and the story unfolds in flashbacks as she tells her version. It is a crime thriller on the surface and a strange love story underneath.
Where to watch Haseen Dillruba and its sequel
Both films stream on Netflix. The sequel, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, released on 9 August 2024. Jayprad Desai directed it, Kanika Dhillon wrote it again, and Sunny Kaushal and Jimmy Sheirgill joined the cast. Vikrant Massey has since won the National Film Award for Best Actor for 12th Fail, which he shared with Shah Rukh Khan at the 71st National Film Awards in 2025. For more, see our Bollywood section.
5 favourite scenes from Haseen Dillruba
Scene 1: Rani and Rishu’s first meeting
Rishu’s family visits Rani’s home for the arranged marriage meeting, and the two exchange their first awkward glances. Rani is confident and looking for a man like the heroes in her novels. Rishu is nervous, polite and clearly already in love.
Why it works: The scene sets up the whole film in a few minutes. You understand that these two want very different things from marriage, and that the gap between them will drive the story.
Scene 2: The first cup of tea at the in-laws’
On her first morning in Rishu’s house, Rani is expected to make tea for the family. She has no idea how the household likes it, and the result is a small domestic disaster that the family pretends not to notice.
Why it works: It is funny and very relatable for anyone who has watched a new bride being judged on her kitchen skills. It also shows that Rani is not the traditional daughter-in-law the family hoped for, and she does not pretend to be.
Scene 3: Rani’s confession about Neel
After Neel’s visit, Rani tells Rishu about what happened between her and his cousin. Rishu does not shout or break things. He listens, goes quiet and walks away.
Why it works: Vikrant Massey does a lot with very little here. The calm reaction is more unsettling than any outburst, and it is the point where the film shifts from comedy to something darker.
Scene 4: Rishu goes to confront Neel
Heartbroken, Rishu travels to confront Neel and ends up getting beaten. Afterwards, the two men talk, and Neel shows how little he thinks of what happened.
Why it works: It strips Rishu of the hero moment he wants. The film keeps refusing to give its characters the endings they expect, which is what makes the final act land.
Scene 5: Trying to start over
Rani starts making an effort with small gestures, like running after Rishu with the wallet he forgot. The scenes are shot in warm, brown tones, and for a while the marriage looks like it might work.
Why it works: After all the tension, this stretch gives the audience a breather and makes you care about the couple. It also makes the twists that follow hit harder.
Why Haseen Dillruba still has fans
Kanika Dhillon’s script borrows the style of the cheap crime novels Rani reads, with obsession, betrayal and a mystery at the centre. The film treats those ingredients seriously, which gives it a pulpy, slightly over-the-top charm.
The lead pair is the other reason. Taapsee Pannu plays Rani as someone who is never apologetic, and Vikrant Massey’s change from a shy husband to something more intense is the most talked-about part of the film. Their chemistry is why Netflix brought both back for the sequel.
Reviews were mixed when it released, but it found a strong audience on streaming, and the film is still a common pick in lists of Hindi thrillers. Browse more in our movies and reviews sections.
What to watch after Haseen Dillruba
- Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (2024), Netflix: The direct sequel picks up Rani and Rishu’s story in a new city, with Sunny Kaushal as a new admirer and Jimmy Sheirgill as a tough police officer.
- Jaane Jaan (2023), Netflix: Sujoy Ghosh’s adaptation of The Devotion of Suspect X, with Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma, is another dark story of love and crime.
- 12th Fail (2023), JioHotstar: A very different film, but the best showcase of Vikrant Massey’s range, and the role that won him the National Award.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Haseen Dillruba?
Haseen Dillruba and its sequel, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, both stream on Netflix.
Who directed Haseen Dillruba?
Vinil Mathew directed the 2021 film. Kanika Dhillon wrote it.
Is there a sequel to Haseen Dillruba?
Yes. Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba released on Netflix on 9 August 2024, directed by Jayprad Desai.
Who plays Neel in Haseen Dillruba?
Harshvardhan Rane plays Neel, Rishu’s cousin.
Sources: Haseen Dillruba on Wikipedia, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba on Wikipedia, The Hollywood Reporter India on the National Awards.
