Sudhir Ransing's Review: Indian 2
Indian 2, directed by Shankar, was highly anticipated as the sequel to the 1996 classic Indian, but it unfortunately fails to live up to its predecessor. Despite the hype and the star power of Kamal Haasan, the film ends up being a disappointing mess.
The plot picks up with Senapathy (Kamal Haasan), the vigilante who eradicates corruption, but this time around, the story feels stale and uninspired. The script is all over the place, trying to juggle too many subplots and characters, resulting in a convoluted and confusing narrative. The film lacks the sharp focus and engaging storytelling that made the original a standout.
Kamal Haasan's performance as Senapathy is earnest, but even his talent can't salvage the poorly written script. The supporting cast, including Kajal Aggarwal, Siddharth, and Rakul Preet Singh, are given little to do and their characters are underdeveloped, making them forgettable. There is no real chemistry or connection between the characters, which makes it hard to care about their fates.
Visually, Indian 2 relies heavily on Shankar's trademark grandiosity, but the over-the-top special effects and elaborate sets can't mask the film's fundamental flaws. The action sequences, while technically impressive, feel hollow and lack the excitement and intensity of the original. The excessive use of CGI becomes distracting and takes away from the authenticity of the scenes.
Anirudh Ravichander's music is one of the few redeeming aspects of the film, but even the catchy tunes can't save it from its shortcomings. The background score often feels intrusive and fails to enhance the emotional impact of the scenes.
One of the biggest issues with Indian 2 is its pacing. The film is excessively long, dragging on for nearly three hours with numerous unnecessary scenes that add little to the story. The editing is poor, and the film could have benefited from a tighter and more focused narrative.
Overall, Indian 2 is a major letdown. It lacks the charm, wit, and compelling storytelling of the original, making it a tedious and forgettable experience. Despite the best efforts of Kamal Haasan and Shankar's visual flair, the film ultimately falls flat and fails to capture the magic of its predecessor. Fans of the original will likely be disappointed by this lackluster sequel.