After months of anticipation, India’s Got Latent has returned with its second season, bringing Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari to the judges’ panel. While the premiere looked grander than ever, it failed to recreate the raw, unpredictable energy that turned the original show into an internet sensation.
Instead of the wild, no-rules comedy fans expected, Episode 1 delivered a polished, celebrity-driven experience that left many viewers asking the same question: Has India’s Got Latent become too safe?
A Grand Comeback With a Different Vibe
The production quality is undoubtedly better this season. The set is larger, the visuals are slicker, and the celebrity lineup adds star power. However, somewhere between the improved production and the promotional segments, the show’s signature chaos seems to have disappeared.
Samay Raina had previously joked during his comedy special, “Paise bohot kama liye, ab show banaunga.” Naturally, expectations were sky-high. But instead of an unfiltered comedy show, the premiere often felt like a launch event for Alia Bhatt and Sharvari’s upcoming film, Alpha.
The frequent brand integrations and promotional conversations took attention away from what originally made India’s Got Latent special—the contestants and spontaneous humour.
The Panel Looked More Careful Than Fearless
One noticeable change was the judges’ chemistry.
In previous seasons, conversations flowed naturally, jokes landed without hesitation, and nobody appeared worried about crossing a line. This time, the panel seemed unusually reserved.
Samay Raina, known for his fearless humour, also appeared to tone things down. The jokes came less frequently, and even when they did, they lacked the sharp unpredictability fans have come to expect.
Rather than creating moments that felt completely unscripted, the episode often came across as carefully controlled.
Sukrut Deo Brings Back the Classic Latent Energy
If one contestant reminded viewers of old-school India’s Got Latent, it was Sukrut Deo.
His performance as a drunkard instantly lifted the episode’s energy. With excellent comic timing, expressive body language, and complete commitment to the character, Sukrut delivered one of the evening’s most entertaining acts.
His stage presence created the kind of spontaneous laughter that had been missing throughout much of the episode.
Avinash Agarwal Steals the Show as Donald Trump
The undisputed highlight of Episode 1 was Avinash Agarwal, who appeared dressed as Donald Trump.
From the moment he walked on stage, his confidence and improvisation stood out. Instead of relying on rehearsed jokes, Avinash constantly reacted to what was happening around him, making his performance feel fresh and unpredictable.
His one-liners became some of the funniest moments of the night.
When Alia Bhatt paused while speaking, he immediately joked:
“Someone give her a script.”
Later, after she struggled to pop a party popper, he added:
“Someone call the action director.”
Another memorable moment came when Sharvari excitedly spoke to him in a high-pitched voice.
Without missing a beat, he responded in his Trump persona:
“Don’t shout. That’s why I don’t like when women get empowered.”
Love it or hate it, Avinash’s fearless improvisation perfectly captured the kind of comedy fans expect from India’s Got Latent.
Unsurprisingly, he walked away as the episode’s winner.
The Mahesh Bhatt Joke That Started a Conversation
One brief moment generated significant discussion online.
As Sukrut Deo entered the stage in his drunkard avatar, Samay Raina appeared to glance towards Alia Bhatt before making a joke referencing Mahesh Bhatt.
Although the joke itself wasn’t the issue, many viewers felt Samay’s hesitation symbolised the episode’s biggest problem.
For a show celebrated for taking risks, this moment made it seem like everyone was thinking twice before speaking.
That cautious approach stood in sharp contrast to the fearless atmosphere that built the show’s popularity.
Social Media Calls the Episode ‘Too Safe’
Soon after the episode aired, social media was flooded with mixed reactions.
Many viewers described the premiere as:
- “Too safe.”
- “Scripted.”
- “HR-approved.”
- “Missing the old Samay Raina energy.”
Several fans also felt that Alia Bhatt wasn’t the ideal fit for the show’s improvisational comedy format, while others believed the celebrity-heavy setup made the episode feel more like a promotional event than a comedy competition.
At the same time, many praised Sukrut Deo and Avinash Agarwal for delivering the strongest performances of the night.
Final Verdict: A Good Start, But Not a Great One
Episode 1 of India’s Got Latent 2 is entertaining, but it doesn’t quite capture the fearless spirit that made the original show a cult favourite.
The improved production, celebrity appearances, and polished presentation certainly make the show feel bigger. However, in becoming more mainstream, it seems to have sacrificed some of the spontaneity and unpredictability that fans loved.
Thankfully, the season has only just begun.
If future episodes shift the spotlight back to the contestants, reduce the promotional elements, and allow Samay Raina to embrace his trademark unfiltered humour, India’s Got Latent 2 still has every chance of living up to its massive expectations.
