I have already seen the original 2021 Drishyam 2 hence while watching the Hindi remake, i knew what was coming. Still i watched it to see what changes the Hindi version makes to the original or is it just a blatant copy paste.
The answer is NO! It is not a blatant copy paste. Let me tell you in points about them:-
1. Having not seen the original Drishyam 1 but the Hindi drishyam 1, i didn't knew that Gaitonde's character is a unique addition to the Hindi version. This , even in Drishyam 2 is a masterstroke.
2. Gaitonde lives up to that hateful character he had from the 1st film. The Hindi version has slightly altered the police station interrogation scene in the 2nd half and this is where the Hindi version outclasses the Malayalam version and the difference was Gaitonde.
3. Akshay Khanna as the IG is another masterstroke addition who fills in the shoes of IGP Thomas . While Thomas was direct and strict, Akshay Khanna is sarcastic in his tone and has this evil way of talking that gives him his own identity. Another place where the Hindi version scores full marks. He's done a terrific job.
4. Another thing that gives the Hindi version it's own popularity is the famous "Satsang" confession. When again brought up here, the crowd roared ! Shows you how this Satsang thing has had its own fan following as compared to the confession in the Malayalam version.
5. The fact that certain scenes have been a little altered to avoid being called a blatant copy paste, for example the film begins with a person murdering another and then running in the jungles. The Malayalam version started straight from the running part without much showing the sequence why he was running.
6. The elder daughter's illness was better captured in the Malayalam version. The Hindi one just seems to add it for name sake.
7. The final climax courtroom scene was , imo, better executed in the Malayalam version. The Hindi one felt like it was rushing to the main points of the climax. Also that scene in the court where Vijay and the IG cross each other , this too was a little better in the Malayalam version where George kutty and Thomas crossed each other and that expression on Thomas's face was better.
8. Tabu and even Rajat Kapoor have nothing much to do as the spotlight are taken by Vijay, Akshaye and Gaitonde.
Overall, Drishyam 2 hindi is a very good remake of the original, just like Drishyam 1 was despite change in directors. It almost felt like Abhishek Pathak had the soul of Nishikant Kamat in him while making this film. At this point, we all can agree that the Hindi version has made an identity of its own , thanks to including new characters and property modifying certain scenes. A tight slap on the face of those who thought this was to be an ott film.
