2 States

2 States is a 2014 Indian romantic comedy-drama film, directed by Abhishek Varman and based on the novel of the same name by Chetan Bhagat. The film stars Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor as the lead couple, Ananya Swaminathan and Krish Malhotra, two young people who fall in love in the United States but struggle to get their families to accept their relationship due to their vastly different cultural backgrounds. The story begins in the United States, where Ananya, a Tamilian from Chennai, and Krish, a Punjabi from Delhi, meet while attending a New York City college. Despite their initial reservations, they start dating, and eventually fall deeply in love with each other. However, as they navigate their relationship, they face the daunting task of convincing their respective parents to accept their union. Ananya's parents, Manju and Amar Swaminathan, are strict Tamil Brahmins who value tradition and cultural heritage above all else. They have high expectations from their daughter, and want her to marry someone from their own community, preferably a doctor or an engineer. Krish's parents, P.K. and Kavita Malhotra, on the other hand, are liberal Punjabis who own a successful business in Delhi. They are open-minded and accepting, but still expect Krish to marry a girl from a respectable family. As Ananya and Krish try to convince their parents to accept their relationship, they face numerous challenges. Ananya's parents are skeptical of Krish's intentions, and question his loyalty and commitment to their culture. Krish's parents, on the other hand, are concerned about Ananya's compatibility with their family's values and traditions. The two lovers attempt to win over the hearts of their parents through various means, including meeting each other's families and participating in cultural events. Ananya tries to learn Punjabi language and culture to win over Krish's family, while Krish attempts to understand and appreciate Ananya's Tamil heritage. As the story unfolds, Ananya and Krish experience a series of humorous misunderstandings and cultural faux pas, which further complicate their relationships with their parents. For instance, Ananya accidentally insults Krish's sister, while Krish offends Ananya's mother with his misinformed knowledge of Tamil culture. Despite the obstacles they face, Ananya and Krish remain committed to each other, and their love only grows stronger as they work towards convincing their parents to accept their relationship. The film's second half is filled with intense emotional drama, as Ananya and Krish's families engage in a series of heated arguments and debates about their union. In the midst of this chaos, Ananya and Krish must confront their own insecurities and doubts about their relationship. Ananya struggles to reconcile her love for Krish with her loyalty to her family's traditions, while Krish questions his ability to adapt to Ananya's cultural background. Ultimately, the film reaches a satisfying conclusion when Ananya and Krish's families come to terms with their relationship. Ananya's parents learn to appreciate Krish's love and commitment to their daughter, while Krish's parents accept Ananya's unique cultural background and traditions. The film ends with a heartwarming moment of acceptance and forgiveness, as the two families come together to celebrate Ananya and Krish's wedding. Through its nuanced portrayal of intercultural relationships and family dynamics, 2 States offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of love and identity in contemporary India. The film's witty dialogue, colorful characters, and engaging storyline make it a delightful watch, and its emotional depth and sensitivity will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.