Kahaani 2

Kaahani 2 is a thriller-drama with a strong message, and a story that is in no way connected to Kahaani. Starring Vidya Balan as Vidya Sinha / Durga Rani Singh - a mother in search of her kidnapped daughter Mini / a wanted fugitive, this 'who'dunnit decides to go the 'why' way by focusing on motives and identities (most of them at least), early on, and in detail.

Like its predecessor, here too the places - Chandannagar, Kalimpong, and Kolkata, end up having identities of their own and almost seem like protagonists in their own right, thanks to sound designer Anirban Sengupta and cinematographer Tapan Basu, who are superb when in comes to turning places cold, menacing, maddening, and authentic, all at the same time, and in succession. Clinton Cerejo's background score is dauntless in its effectiveness and acts as a catalyst to the duo's efforts.

This isn't a story where one gets to predict or ponder, because for a large part of the film we know who the antagonists are, and what drives them. This thus stops one from experiencing the thrill of guessing and / or deducing, and instead makes us take sides and hope for an ending that justifies that action. Hence, even though it is predictable to an extent, it is also real and grounded at all times, largely due to some excellent production design by Subrata Barik and Kaushik Das.

Yet, it is the relentless journey that glues the various elements of the story by Sujoy Ghosh and Suresh Nair together. Because, even though we know that not everything is what it seems, we are also inwardly hoping for things to go the way we expect them to.

Ignoring the convenient consequences of characters interrelated in this slice of 'scary' life tale, it is safe to say that the motives of each and every character, including the minor ones, are superbly drawn out. In the process we see actors once again become characters, who are restrained as well as resplendent.

The directorial prowess of Sujoy Ghosh is displayed effectively yet again, while an effortless Vidya Balan proves why she will continue to remain an actor to watch out for, always.

Jugal Hansraj (uncle), Tota Roy Chaudhury (lover), Amba Sanyal (grandmother) and Kharaj Mukherjee (inspector) shine in not so large but highly effective / important roles. Arjun Rampal manages to be easy on the eye and under control as far as his acting is concerned, thanks to a screenplay that ensures he is one of the most balanced characters. The child actresses playing 'Minu' are both equally effective, with the younger Naisha Khanna having a slight edge over Tunisha Sharma.

Overall, this '2' is a good 'Kaahani' and a great film that falls somewhat short of its predecessor, despite a brilliant first half, because it decides to both show as well as tell, leading to a somewhat underwhelming climax. Yet, it does enough to be guaranteed a place on any worthwhile list about the best Hindi films of 2016, and is undoubtedly, a must watch. Go for it!

Kahani 2 is NOT as gripping, thrilling and suspense-filled as Kahani. It is actually predictable, esp. in the second half. But it is certainly worth watching (just once only), but with the feeling that the film could have been presented in a more intense, thrilling and focused manner.

MERITS of Kahani 2

1 – The first-half is far more gripping than the second. The build-up is good and creates proper suspense in our minds.

2 – The film is based on the theme of double identity with the intention of keeping ones past a secret. Although this certainly is not a new theme but is thrilling enough to watch - provided it is presented in a focused and intense manner.

3 - Vidya Balan as Durga Rani Singh essays her role with ease and finesse (the great actresses that she is) – and without any make-up.

DEMERITS of Kahani 2

1 - As I mentioned it is predictable. You knew who the villains are.

2 - Towards the end things get a bit "filmy" which is totally unnecessary. This dilutes the tension and the gravity of the situation.

The shoot-out scene between the kidnapper and Vidya Balan is very filmy and old-fashioned. The same could have been executed with more tension and suspense. The casual talk – just after the blast in the house – between police officers (Arjun Rampal and his senior) about their possible promotions for having caught Vidya is totally flimsy. It just dilutes the gravity of the occasion.

3 – Kahani 2 is not as suspenseful as Kahani (which is surely is a path-breaking one in the Suspense genre).

4 – I detest the cheap and dirty locations in which some scenes are shot. The nursing home and the police station are shot in totally cheap, filthily maintained houses.

You will see out-dated switch boards of the 70s. Wall colours have peeled off. Walls are damaged. CRT monitor in police station.

I really wonder what made Sujoy Ghosh do this. Same was the case in Kahani. What was the need to be so "realistic" (If this is the reason)?

The only plausible reason could be to save money for the film. Otherwise, is there shortage of neat and clean houses for the film-makers to hire and shoot in?

5 – The way Vidya goes about dousing the house with Kerosene and the reactions of Kharaj Mukherjee (Arjun's senior) is slightly melodramatic. The same could have been shown in a more seriousness and intensity.

6 – In the role of a middle-class sub-Inspector Inderjeet Singh, Arjun Rampal is NOT the right choice. His urbanised upper-middle-class accent is just not suited for this role.

Sujoy should have hired someone who can speak Hindi with real accent like Mohan Bajpai, Rajkumar Yadav or Nawazuddin Siddique.

7 – Vidya's verbal thrashing of the child sexual abuser could have been more forceful and incisive.

She could have said: "If you are so sexually starved just go and sleep with a prostitute." & "You are a curse to humanity. You do not deserve to live in a civilized society."

8 - It is very strange to hear Gargi Bharadwaj, the hired killer, who is perhaps non-bengali, speaking a distinctive bengali accent - and which sounds totally ineffective and weak.

Kahaani 2, which appeared four years after the first film, is well below expectations. This film, which tells a totally different story, is trying to protect its excitement as it was in the first film. Some technical errors can be seen, but I liked the roles of Vidya Balan and other actors. Those who watch the first movie may give the second film a chance.

After Kahaani, the expectations for the sequel was sky high; and I would say Kahaani 2 will surely not dishearten you. The plot of the movie is the story of how Durga Rani Singh (Vidya Balan) saves a helpless child from her uncle who abuses her regularly, and later from a kidnapper which is intercepted by police. The movie will keep you thrilled from the very beginning itself with lots of twists and turns and finally a typical "Kahaani" type of twist in the end.The acting of all the actors are really good and Arjun Rampal has really nailed it as a cop. Vidya Balan's role as a typical Bengali woman was also good. I do not know why the opening of this movie was bad but I think it is really a good movie, a real treat for thriller movie lovers. Go to the theaters and watch it. I can assure you, your money will not be wasted.

Sujoy Ghosh failed to achieve the level of thriller of first one however it was worth watching Cine Maa​ for Vidya Balan​ and Arjun Rampal. Sujoy Ghosh successfully delivered Child Abuse issue with great message like we have seen glimpse in Highway movie from Alia Bhat. Script need little more surprise elements in second half as this one was totally predictable one. Supporting roles of Jugal Hansraj , Manini Chadha and cute Tunisha Sharma were good. Music is another weak point as you will badly miss Ekla Chalo Re type song from Big B.

If Kahaani​ was the mother of all stories then Kahaani 2​ is the child of Kahaani.