Kamal Haasan Rescues an Ambitious Yet Flawed Sequel

Directed by Shankar, Indian 2 marks Kamal Haasan’s return as Senapathy, continuing the vigilante saga from the iconic 1996 film Indian. The sequel boasts a star-studded ensemble, including Rakul Preet Singh, Siddharth, Kajal Aggarwal, and others, supported by Anirudh Ravichander’s music and AR Rahman’s nostalgic themes from the original.

Plot Synopsis: Set in contemporary India, Indian 2 portrays a society grappling with deep-rooted corruption despite the efforts of modern-day activists. The narrative follows a group of young idealists led by the YouTube channel ‘Barking Dogs’, advocating for change with the hashtag #ComeBackIndian. As Senapathy reemerges, he embarks on a mission named Zero Tolerance to combat pervasive injustice.

Strengths: Kamal Haasan shines as Senapathy, blending martial arts prowess with moral authority to make a compelling case for societal reform. Siddharth impresses with a standout performance, complementing Haasan’s presence amidst the film’s socially relevant narrative. The movie effectively mirrors real-life issues, provoking introspection on systemic flaws and human contradictions.

Technically, Indian 2 excels with its grand visuals, VFX, and an evocative soundtrack by Anirudh Ravichander, although AR Rahman’s iconic themes evoke nostalgia more profoundly.

Weaknesses: Despite its lofty ambitions, Indian 2 falters due to a disjointed screenplay that struggles to sustain engagement. Director Shankar fails to capitalize on the vigilante theme, resulting in narrative inconsistencies and underdeveloped character arcs. The film’s dialogues lack the impact of its predecessor, failing to sustain the emotional resonance needed for a truly gripping sequel.

Performances: While Haasan delivers a commendable performance, other actors like Rakul Preet Singh and SJ Suryah fail to leave a lasting impression, with Priya Bhavani Shankar delivering a lacklustre portrayal. Despite their efforts, the ensemble cast fails to elevate the film beyond Haasan’s dominating presence.

Verdict: Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 is an ambitious effort marred by its uneven execution. Despite its flaws, the film offers moments of social relevance and nostalgia, promising potential for future instalments. Director Shankar adeptly explores themes of vigilantism and societal apathy, hinting at deeper narratives yet to be fully realized.

Indian 2 remains a watchable sequel for fans of socially conscious cinema, albeit with caveats. As it sets the stage for Indian 3: War Mode, viewers are advised to stay through the credits to glimpse what lies ahead.

Final Rating: 2.5/5