Celebrating 10 Years of “2 States”: A Tale of Love, Culture, and Family. “2 States”, the endearing romantic comedy-drama, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. As we commemorate a decade since its release, let’s delve into the heartwarming journey of Krish and Ananya, two souls who dared to bridge cultural chasms for love.
The Plot:
Krish Malhotra, a brilliant engineering graduate from IIT Delhi, embarks on an MBA journey at IIM Ahmedabad. His family, hailing from New Delhi, is steeped in Punjabi traditions. Krish’s mother, Kavita, grapples with her troubled relationship with his alcoholic father, Vikram Malhotra.
Enter Ananya Swaminathan, Krish’s classmate. Ananya belongs to a conservative Tamil Brahmin family. Despite being an economics topper, she stumbles when her professor poses a simple question. Krish, recognizing her brilliance, offers academic assistance. Their friendship blossoms into love, and they spend 22 blissful months together on the IIM campus.
Krish harbors a secret passion for writing, yearning to pursue it as a career. As they face job interviews, Krish proposes to Ananya, who joyfully accepts. Krish lands a position at Yes Bank, while Ananya secures a role at Sunsilk. Their love story seems perfect, but the real challenge lies ahead—convincing their families, who staunchly oppose inter-caste marriages.
The Cultural Clash:
Krish and Ananya’s love transcends geographical boundaries. Their families, however, are rooted in different states of India—Punjab and Tamil Nadu. The clash of cultures, traditions, and expectations threatens to tear them apart. The film beautifully portrays the complexities of familial bonds and societal norms.
Stellar Performances:
Arjun Kapoor as Krish brings vulnerability and determination to the character. His chemistry with Alia Bhatt (Ananya) is palpable.
Amrita Singh (Kavita) and Ronit Roy (Vikram) deliver powerful
performances as Krish’s parents: Revathi and Shiv Kumar Subramaniam shine as Ananya’s parents, representing Tamil Brahmin values.
Soulful Music:The film’s soundtrack, composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, strikes a chord with listeners. Songs like “Locha-E-Ulfat” and “Mast Magan” evoke emotions and enhance the narrative.
Critical and Commercial Success:
“2 States” resonated with audiences across generations. Praised for its relatability, humor, and heartfelt moments, it grossed ₹175 crore worldwide. The film’s success catapulted Arjun Kapoor into stardom, making it his biggest hit to date.
Awards and Accolades:
At the 60th Filmfare Awards, “2 States” received eight nominations, including Best Film and Best Director (Abhishek Varman). It clinched two awards: Best Music Director (Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy) and Best Debut Director (Varman).
A Decade of Love:
As we celebrate Celebrating 10 Years of 2 states, let’s raise a toast to Krish and Ananya—their love story reminds us that love knows no boundaries, be it cultural or geographical. Here’s to a decade of laughter, tears, and heartwarming moments!