Kahaani 2
wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
Sure, Kahaani 2 has good performances and a great underlying message to the story. But, unfortunately it isn't a tight thriller nor does it have an unpredictable story.
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Kahaani 2 - Preview
Without a doubt Kahaani 2 is the most exciting sequel in this current shower of sequels. It's the fourth in 3 weeks out of which one was alright and the other two were outright bad – as films, not just as sequels. Since disappointment is typical for sequels, we have to tone the expectation down a notch.
It is difficult to do so though after the rise in curiosity with the trailer. However, I have to shake the feeling of Jazbaa out before walking into Kahaani 2.
Fortunately, we aren't going to be too surprised on the acting front, right? Oh wait, there's Arjun Rampal. But hey, even so, Vidya Balan has the potential to compensate for any and all other shortcomings on the acting front.
With all that's going against Kahaani 2 – the sequel syndrome, the [Jazbaa] story template, the possibility of supporting actors failing to do well – the film has enough to look forward to mainly because the story much meatier than the usual. Here's hoping it is so.
Music Reviews:
Milliblog - "http://milliblog.com/2016/11/20/kahaani-2-music-review-hindi-clinton-cerejo/"
- meeta, a part of the audience
As suspected, the thriller bit is toned down a lot in Kahaani 2's story. This is despite the pulsating air the film carries about it. Even for a simple thing like a missed morning alarm (at the beginning of the film), the background music runs as if it is building up to the final stages of the big reveal. Yet, despite all the prompting by the music, the story doesn't make the heart race because what comes about is more or less expected. This predictability doesn't work for any story, even less so for a thriller.
...the two big reveals are totally predictable - the worst that can happen to a thriller.
Sure, it wants to create awareness about an important issue. While it may feel like the issue is weaved into the story, whenever characters go into “talking about it” mode, it becomes evident that they are talking to us as the audience and not to each other. Having said that, one scene between Vidya Balan and little Naisha Khanna had me stunned. I couldn't move because the direct attack on the topic was unexpected and liberating. Even tied in with this video we made a few years ago. (Warning: Content of this video might give the movie away.) It is one of those movie moments that will stick.
Of course, if it were not for Vidya Balan who spoke as naturally as any responsible mother would to an appropriately repressed Naisha Khanna, the scene wouldn't have been half as effective. But, that Naisha Khanna, the child actor, had to do such a scene where she confesses something that hopefully hasn't happened to her in real life - again raises a question about the ethics of child actors and the roles they play in some movies.
I was waiting for the day I could use a word other than “furniture” for Arjun Rampal's act. Even if his personality is too polished for the gritty surroundings of a run-down police station, his facial expressions have moved to the next level. It is time now for body language and voice modulation to play a role too. I am sure with company like Vidya Balan, it is only a matter of time. Same goes for Manini Chadha. Vidya Balan herself makes being worried look like such an easy thing to do. She teases the audience exactly like the writer-director wanted her character to – building the suspense and suspect just right. The casting of the “villain” is spot on. Especially considering its consistency with the point the film wants to make.
However, the two big reveals are totally predictable - the worst that can happen to a thriller. Beyond that then, the voiceover and flashback methods used to show the audience what happened is rather painful. This is where the baggage of the director's last film's success weighs in. You don't expect the extent to which these routes are taken. You don't expect there to be any real-life self-referencing in a film by Sujoy Ghosh, even if it's subtle. And thus you end up cringing a little more than you would when it comes about in a film where you expect it.
Even so, Kahaani 2 isn't pulled down by expectations as much as it is by some lackluster writing. There are no real twists to speak of and the most of the other part of the story feels like an “awareness campaign” rather than scenes in a film.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ... I don’t think I’ve seen another genre film that revels so in its heroine’s ordinariness – except, of course, when she’s being extraordinary.... full review
Thumbs up, Bollywood Hungama : ...The film's cinematography (Tapan Basu) is outstanding. The way in which he has shot the locations are extremely top-notch. The camerawork, along with the colour tone are superlatively shot. The film's editing (Namrata Rao) is outstanding. The film’s timeline of around 2 hours works extremely in the favour of the film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Ameet Bhuvan, Desi Martini : ...And a lot of this is because of Vidya and her powering through a character that demands her to be frumpy vulnerable and manic at the same time. Aiding her brilliantly are familiar faces from the first Kahani and a surprisingly effective Arjun Tampa shunning all trappings of stardom he otherwise has. ... full review
Thumbs up, by SmitavKumar , Desi Martini : ... Kahani 2 is a decent watch. There isn’t much mystery but the quick action makes up for that. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the first one and so will disappoint you if you compare it to that. But go with a bit of short term memory loss on that account and you will enjoy this kahani. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rahul Deo Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...Take a bow Sujoy Ghosh my Christmas will be bright just for this one from you. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Zinia Bandyopadhyay , Desi Martini : ...There is also a very important issue that the film deals with. This movie is definitely one of the best thrillers made this year, and you should not miss this one! ... full review
Thumbs up, by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Gulf News : ...Arjun Rampal as a middle-level police officer is thoroughly engaging. He’s on Balan’s trail, and his quest to find the truth about her past is played out handsomely. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...With Vidya’s stellar performance, Arjun’s strong support, Sujoy’s bold story and an engaging screenplay, Kahaani 2 is a must watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, Indicine : ...Conclusion: If Kahaani 2 is judged separately without comparing it to 2012’s Kahaani, it is a solid thriller movie in its own right. And that is how it should be ideally judged. But, comparisons are bound to arise and unfortunately it doesn’t leave the same lingering satisfaction and awe like the first movie. It delivers good on its promise of keeping the audience hooked, and Sujoy Ghosh handles the subject matter very delicately with a fine eye for detail. If you like your slow burning whodunits then Kahaani 2 is a good watch. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...You can tell there's much at stake for her here. And? Well, devastated, pared down to the skin, she totally frickin' champions this robust part. Arjun Rampal as the under-stated cop is surprisingly competent as well. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ...The movie lacks Kahaani’s balance of thrills and humour, but it has the same spirit of righteous anger and faith in a female actor’s ability to take charge of a situation. Ghosh shopped the script to other actors before going back to Balan, and the movie is the better for it.... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Kahaani 2 also has such a mother, who awakens her inner hero to fight the world and save her child. The film definitely has an emotional connect, and works as a thriller too. You soak up the glorious atmospherics, while teetering at the edge of your seat in trepidation. Kahaani 2 is a consistently riveting film and Vidya Balan one hell of a performer. What a welcome addition to the legion of films toasting heroic mothers! ... full review
Thumbs up, by Meena Iyer, Times of India : ...Shot majorly at night and on real locations, the film has the authentic texture. If you fell in love with Kolkata in the 2012 outing, you will love Kalimpong here. The background score gives stomach-knots (as it must) and the camera work is good. ... full review
So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...In all, disappointing as a sequel KAHAANI 2 can still be rated as a barely one time watch because it talks about a sensitive issue and thankfully doesn’t bore you with a well-paced narration and the first half making a decent impact. Yet the film fails to prove as any above average crime thriller due to its casual and illogical writing in terms of mystery or suspense. ... full review
So-So, by Gaurang Chauhan, Bollywood Life : ...Go for Vidya Balan and Arjun Rampal’s performances. And it’s taut narrative by Sujoy Ghosh. This will surely keep you hooked. I am going with 3 stars. ... full review
So-So, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...All in all, Kahaani 2 is definitely below expectations, and will only excite you if you’re a Vidya Balan fan, or if you watch it as a standalone mystery, unlike the nail biting prequel, Kahaani. ... full review
So-So, by Tushar P. Joshi, DNA : ...Kahaani 2 has a rock solid performance from Vidya Balan. But is that enough to quench the thirst of a thrill seeking audience ? The answer is as dark as the films premise. ... full review
So-So, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...All-in-all, Kahaani 2 is a good watch. But it isn't as riveting as the Kahaani. Sujoy didn't tie the loose end as dexterously as he did in the original but overall its still paisa vasool... ... full review
So-So, by Ajay Kumar R, fullhyd.com : ...While Kahaani 2 isn't a sequel to Kahaani, it sets certain expectations by using the name, and that makes its failure in making a lasting impression or rendering a chilling experience for lovers of twists, turns and mind-numbing thrills stark. You can still watch it for Balan and Khanna, and for the message. ... full review
So-So, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...Technically, it's a well crafted movie where Tapan Basu's cinematography sets the right mood. Clinton Cerejo's songs are functional and the art work is adequate. Background score is alright. ... full review
So-So, by Ananya Bhattacharyal, india today : ...Want to watch Kahaani 2? Make sure you don't for a moment think of Kahaani. A decent one-time watch if you're able to.... full review
So-So, koimoi : ...Kahaani 2 is an excellently crafted thriller, which is bogged down by the curse of the second half. It’s nonetheless a good weekend watch. 3 out of 5 stars for this one. ... full review
So-So, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...Compared to the vivid Kahaani, this film has a blanched look, perhaps in keeping with its dark subject matter. It’s a frenetic 130 minutes, but I never really felt for Vidya Sinha the way I did for Vidya Bagchi. Perhaps I was just too caught up waiting for Ghosh to fool me twice. ... full review
So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Nevertheless, Kahaani 2 is still way better than the run of the mill fare being dished out and if a good thriller is your cup of tea, this film could be a good option. ... full review
So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...This one lacks jolts, ability to go beyond the obvious and offers a denouement that is not exactly satisfying. But it's watchable because it holds your attention throughout and keeps you hopeful about an unannounced turn of events that may spring out of thin air any moment. Sadly, it doesn't. ... full review
So-So, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...As far as thrillers go, Kahaani 2 isn't the last word. But it certainly isn't the same old story. Its understated style and riveting core make it well worth a watch. ... full review
So-So, by Manavi Kapur, Rediff : ...While Ghosh has been clear that Kahaani 2 is not a sequel but a film from the same thriller brand, Kahaani 2 only succeeds when viewed in isolation from its formidable predecessor. ... full review
So-So, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...That is perhaps what we should remember while eagerly waiting for cleverness and sleight of hand from Ghosh's lovely, well-acted but vacant film. ... full review
So-So, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...Again, just as in Kahaani, things veer out of control in the second half. After setting things up well, Ghosh flounders in tying up all the loose ends. The finale gets sloppy and the overarching issue, handled sensitively in the first half, gets almost lost in the settling of scores and a race to punishment. Also, the urgency to explain every detail to the audience takes the intrigue away, especially if you’d have seen it coming. Some things are better left unsaid. ... full review
So-So, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...‘Kahaani 2’ is definitely watchable, but it lacks the shock and awe of its prequel. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vertticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Clinton Cerejo’s music gently wafts around the film and then ends with a bang: the neatly orchestrated, energetic rendition of Rabindranath Tagore’s Anandaloke mangalaloke accompanying the end credits is so haunting that I stuck around for the very last word to disappear from the screen. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Suhani Singh, india today : ...Lacking the pace of the first half, Kahaani wavers in the second even after its leading lady gets to her feet. Kahaani 2 has a story worth telling and a heroine worth rooting for but sadly it doesn't match up to the thrills of its predecessor.... full review
Thumbs down, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...You come away from the film not hating it entirely, but not in love with it either. And that 'okayness' the 'averageness' of the film is its true crime. ... full review
TuneIn_Arijit: पल पल मे suspense. Kahaani 2 is awesome. Fantastic act by @vidya_balan @rampalarjun . Superb screenplay, story and direction by Sujoy Ghosh
tripathiankit67: Kahaani 2 review: Engaging thriller spoiled by loopholes https://t.co/39EORhb7IN
TheAnujRadia: **MOVIE REVIEW** "Kahaani 2 is one of the finest thrillers in contemporary Hindi Cinema." Read here about Vidya... https://t.co/Zae5Or4pmP
tamal_med: Finally watched Kahaani 2. Thrilling! Mesmerizing! @vidya_balan @sujoy_g thanks for shooting in my city, Chandannagar. Blessed!
spinwheelstudio: Kahaani 2 Movie Review: Vidya Balan Is Compelling, Arjun Rampal Effective https://t.co/KMLn7geqO8
shikipediaa: #MovieReview: #Kahaani2DurgaRaniSingh “Kahaani 2” is good as a standalone movie and… https://t.co/BkyFE8I0XR https://t.co/iwvHrLISuy
shefali_g: Kahaani-2, Vidya Balan is amazing as always! (@ City Pride in Pune, Maharashtra) https://t.co/9LqaqQJYHW
sheelkabra1: how many of you'll watch Kahaani 2.. i loved the movie though #Kahaani2 #Kahaani2InCinemasNow @Nikunj_Malik
SansaniSurag: #Kahaani2 Superb>@vidya_balan but incredible>@rampalarjun steal d show! Thanks @sujoy_g for another winning thriller https://t.co/ACMiT64lOh
robersonlorrain: #NayiSoch Kahaani 2 will break your heart, and grip your senses https://t.co/3ZBXM2L8mM https://t.co/ELz5fJASSo
parmar_sarthak: I watched Kahaani 2 Today! It was a Great movie! I loved it very much. (1/2) @vidya_balan @sujoy_g @rampalarjun @Kahaani2Movie
nowme_datta: Kahaani 2 was a decent watch. I thought the build up in the first half was particularly good. Well acted too.
MissRahulDravid: Between #DearZindagi & #Kahaani2, I'd prefer Kahaani 2. @rampalarjun did fab!!!
ManjeetDreams: Kahaani 2 Amazing Film... Must Watch Definitely Vidya Balan is a Hero of Kahaani 1 But Arjun Rampal is a Hero of... https://t.co/OrVDyhsXcL
localitynews1: #ArjunRampal: #Kahaani2 was worth it.Visit https://t.co/9cYSvCglhV https://t.co/JuDA0ZAhf9
juhiek: Just watched Kahaani 2-such a hard hitting subject dealt with very well.@sujoy_g Brilliant performances by @vidya_balan @rampalarjun
hiyer: The Vidya Balan starrer ‘Kahaani 2’ is a bold film that finally addresses the issue of child sex abuse. https://t.co/9NrZeS3NdF
harsimran_chugh: Guys please watch Kahaani 2. It's amazing. Vidya is killer, Arjun is a hot killer and the cute little girl.
Fashiongaze1: Vidya Balan at her best in "Kahani 2" https://t.co/ouVOMFAGCe
FaruKazi: Saw 'Kahaani 2' today at the new Inox Insignia. They've just renamed the Metro Ebony lounge minus the service & yes, the film's a good watch
CrypticPotion: Kahaani 2 must watch!! Vidya Balan at her best!
BohemianRevolt: Kahaani 2 was powerful.
bielayusoff: Kahaani 2. Didn't have e subtitle. Frustrated. This movie so good. Critical thinking.
ananya116: My review of #Kahaani2: @vidya_balan, @rampalarjun shine in @sujoy_g's film. Watch: https://t.co/EUH4xqq7hr
agnic_7: watched "Kahaani 2" @vidya_balan u are just awesome; nd so is Arjun sir nd that small kid too. a complete thriller… https://t.co/F1kYc3A0Ql
abhisek_s: Kahaani 2 is dark and gripping.
AbhinavSisodia: Some good movies with my #CineworldUnlimited - Moana, Dear Zindagi, and Kahaani 2
vivek17b: If you look beyond the silliness of the second half, Kahaani 2 is such an enjoyable film. Balan is back and how!
Salil5555: Kahaani 2 3/5 https://t.co/BSzBu9OIWr https://t.co/B49BPDOOPv
RedAlbiceleste: Kahaani 2 is a decent attempt. Predictable events in second half disappointed me. But the first half was very gripping and actors did well!
Rajyasree: Wondering what to expect from Kahaani 2? Here's my review. Beautiful Bengal, great acting, but that's not enough. https://t.co/HCVWXcLBjh
MeeklyDumbfound: Kahaani 2, two and half stars...
MaskedRiot: Saw Kahaani 2. The film's not bad. It lacks the thrill and suspense of part 1 and is predictable for most part, but pretty good like that.
manbhan05: Watched kahaani 2. 1st half was better than 2nd. Though best was the NATIONAL ANTHEM before the movie. #NationalAnthem #goosebumps
boyplunger1978: Kahaani 2 was just ok. Not my choice...
auldtimer: Kahaani 2 is an enjoyable film but not as gripping a tale as 1
Addiey_: I liked Kahaani the first more than Kahaani 2. The twists this time are tad too predictable.
SudarshanEMA: Can't figure if Kahaani 2 or Bengal, what's more depressing!!
sidtap: Kahaani 2 was a disappointment. Terrible second half. @sujoy_g.
seemajohri6: Kahaani 2 is definitely below expectations, and will only excite you if you're a Vidya Balan fan.
sandeepsabnani: Kahaani 2 is #meh. Go watch Kahaani again and you'll feel happier.
Pinging18: Kahaani 2 review: Predictable plot,not enough thrill https://t.co/MrZlCE9XlY | https://t.co/ePXzO0pa12 https://t.co/vbVEPm1oED
ojhavikash: Saw kahaani 2.. its totally bakwas ...
Nivivacious: Kahaani 2 (second half) was such a let down!
Iam_Vaishnav: #QuickMovieReview KAHAANI 2: Not upto the mark. As a sequel you have to come up with a better story and screenplay. Not Recommended
garbagemindd: Movie Review: Kahaani 2 Is Darker And Creepier, But The Kahaani Mein Twist Is Missing https://t.co/aIvXiZvC7p https://t.co/EWBOID0gtp
agrlatestnews: Kahaani 2 attempts to make the horrors of child sexual abuse its central theme; sadly, it falls short
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: A few fist fights, murders and attempt to murders.
- Language: Save for one abusive dialogue, clean
- Nudity & Sexual content: Two scenes where sex is implied. Pedophilia is one of the strong themes.
- Concept: A guardian trying to save the ward, at all costs. Also, is on an awareness campaign about child sex abuse.
- General Look and Feel: Set in a gritty, small town in West Bengal, Kahaani 2 has a pulsating thriller air about it.
![[Twitter account of Kahaani 2]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
![[YouTube channel of Kahaani 2]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of Kahaani 2]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of Kahaani 2]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (3)
Overall it was a one time watch. That too for Vidya Balan.
Very few Hindi film thrillers have been executed superbly as was Kahaani. It was a sleeper hit to say the least - but it is a gem of a film to watch and rewatch.
Fast forward to Kahaani 2, the franchise. And the least that can be said about K2 the better.
The social message that K2 promotes is praiseworthy. But a good message does not equate to a good film making. If the film making (story included) is very weak and contrived then the message does not reach far, which is precisely what happens to K2.
For anyone who had seen the social media video [comment partially deleted because it might give movie away] (the video is embedded in Meetu's review above), K2 is just a 2hour + version of the same video.
Vidya Balan making a comeback after a hiatus of few years does not make any real impact. Arjun Ramphal might have appeared a too much glossy choice for the role of a semi-urban public services servant. But he does manage to fit into the role of a small town police officer relegated to doing petty cases - credit to him.
The film, in my belief, goes down the drain due to an extremely weak writing. Also, I believe that Indians are yet to accept [comment partially deleted because it might give movie away] as a crime - despite many films (past and present) making a case that it is widespread in the Indian society.
All in all, K2 is an also ran, nothing much to write about its performance.
@Fan Thank you for all your comments across films.
Just wanted to point out that video is not about "sex education".
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