With two firecrackers, Twinkle Khanna and Kajol, at the helm, I expected sparks to fly. What we got instead is a damp matchstick that’s just refusing to light, four episodes later. Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle promised the world and delivered well, ‘too much’ of the boring conversations.
The energy is off, the rhythm missing, and given the wit, charm, and energy these two women are known for — of course, outside this show — this might just go down as one of the most underwhelming talk shows in history.
Instead of bouncing off each other, the hosts keep stepping on each other’s lines like two people fighting for the last word at a PTA meeting. That’s not it. In so many instances, they were seen cutting off their guests as well.
The unscripted format might have looked fresh on paper, but it translated into chaos on screen. Kajol, known for her bubbly and animated presence, is the weakling of the show. Twinkle, on the other hand, spends most of the time trying to reel things back into sanity.
If I had to choose, just give Twinkle the mic and let Kajol take a backseat. The show would be salvageable that way.
According to senior journalist and author Yasser Usman, the problem runs deeper than mismatched personalities.
“Here, the two-anchor setup just doesn’t click. It’s surprising, given how perfect this pairing must’ve sounded on paper. Two fiery, witty women from within the industry, trading sharp banter. But somehow, the vibe just… fizzles. Kajol and Twinkle may shine solo, but together they lack the natural rhythm such a pairing demands,” Usman explained.
Even superstar appearances of Salman, Aamir, and Alia Bhatt couldn’t save the first two episodes from dragging. Episode three finally got a bit interesting, but Usman credits Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar’s effortless bro-energy.
Usman called Twinkle-Kajol’s dynamic “too much” and said it ends up “feeling mismatched and forced.”
“Add to that clunky pacing and dull filler games, and it’s clear they’re chasing a Koffee with Karan vibe but missing the magic entirely,” he added.
Crack the code?
Two Much has also joined the long list of women-run talk shows, like BFFs with Vogue hosted by Neha Dhupia, The Icons by Twinkle Khanna, and What Women Want hosted by Kareena Kapoor Khan, which have tanked over the years.
While each of these shows has enjoyed moments of visibility, none have managed to create a lasting brand identity or cultural impact. Despite the popularity of their hosts and the availability of high-profile guests, these shows have struggled to establish themselves as must-watch properties.
First, none of them seem to have cracked the code of a unique, consistent format. BFFs with Vogue was themed around fashion and gossip but stayed surface-level. What Women Want started as a radio show, and lost clarity once it moved online.
Most of these shows play it too safe. Over-curated, PR-friendly, and desperately inoffensive, they rarely surprise or challenge their guests. Instead of candid moments, viewers get well-rehearsed talking points wrapped in a glossy package.
Compare that to Koffee with Karan, the undeniable king of Indian talk shows. Karan Johar doesn’t just host the industry, he practically is the industry. His guest list, his comfort with stars, and his ability to push boundaries give the show a spicy edge others can’t replicate.
His format is tight, the games are cheeky, and the energy is polished yet unpredictable. It’s gossip with gloss, scandal with style.
Meanwhile, the women-led shows are still figuring out what they want to be — socially conscious? Sassy? Safe? Intellectual? Unfortunately, that lack of identity makes them forgettable.
And yet, it wasn’t always this way.
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Women-led hits
India’s most iconic talk shows were, in fact, hosted by women — Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan, led by Tabassum, and Rendezvous with Simi Garewal. These shows blended emotion, class, and candour long before going viral was a metric for success.
According to Usman, there were calm and unhurried conversations, and Simi’s signature poise made Bollywood’s most guarded stars open up.
“I think Rendezvous with Simi Garewal worked because it had heart. Simi wasn’t chasing ‘viral’ moments. She listened, she drew people out. That’s what gave the show its warmth and a sense of intimacy,” Usman said.
“No woman-hosted show since has captured that balance. The Kajol-Twinkle show seems caught up in forced banter and overproduced ‘fun’. Where Simi listens, Kajol and Twinkle are focusing on serving punchlines.”
If women-led talk shows want to move past filler games and formulaic formats, they’ll need to take real risks whether that means ditching the co-hosts, dropping the safety net, or just learning to shut up and listen. Until then, we’ll keep watching Koffee with Karan reruns for our dose of drama.
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(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)