Raman Raghav 2.0

wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list (?)

quick review:

A creepy crawl under your skin that goes away because it tries to stay for too long.

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Director: Anurag Kashyap
Running time: 140 minutes
Genres: Noir, Thriller
More Movie Info

Raman Raghav 2.0 - Preview

(gulp) The teaser jolted me. Of course, in two seconds, the effect waned and it felt like a gimmick. And then came along the trailer. (gulp) (gulp) (gulp)

What spine-chilling 3 minutes! Though of course I was immediately distracted by OCD traits, hallucinations, grandiose delusions all together being termed as psychopath. Sure, a psychopath could suffer from one or all of the above. However, I cringe at the thought of someone looking at a person with the trait of wacking on alternate steps on a footpath and wondering if they are a psychopath or even worse call him/her – psycho.

Despite holding that big one against the trailer, I was completely taken in by the atmosphere, the dialogue, the implication of the dialogue and of course Nawazuddin Siddiqui. So much so that, a hope has risen that even the technical mental disorder will be explained well in the film. Yes, unlikely, but hey, hope is hope.

Again, another one that I won't be around for first day. Hopefully, I am a the fag end of a long, tiring Himalayan trek and will be back soon. Maybe I am currently disconnected from all things materialistic, and if I am not, I am sure I one of my top thoughts would be that June brought us 2 super thrillers.

(This preview was written in the third week of May and has been auto-published.)

- meeta, a part of the audience

The teaser was enough to bring an eerie discomfort you would associate with a well-made horror film. Unfortunately for the film and fortunately for the viewers you get comfortable with the discomfort.

If it were not for Nawazuddin Siddiqui's spine-chilling performance, Raman Raghav 2.0 wouldn't have had much of an impact. The story by itself barely has any material beyond its one-line plot. The big reveal would either be predicted by seasoned movie-goers or will seem too contrived when it comes about for those who didn't guess it before hand.

Either way, it holds no charm or shock despite the fact that the concept by itself is thought provoking. The “psycho” element in this psycho-thriller comes a little too late, even if it is not too little.

The rest of the film has no movement, neither is the slow pace arresting. Each sequence functions as an additional proof of how brutal Raman (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is. It is nerve-wrecking. It is scary. But it goes on for tad too long. Even so, for fans of the actor, the director or the genre, there is enough to keep you in your seats. You might or might not remember much after you leave it though.

- meeta, a part of the audience

3.6

27 reviewers(?) - 15 yays 9 so-so 3 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Raman Raghav 2.0 is layered, gripping from the word go, unnerving and, in a twisted way, hugely entertaining. It is also a stinging commentary on the times we live in. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...This is a classic Kashyap touch, as is the fourth-wall-breaking allusion to Vasanthabalan’s Angadi Theru, popping out of the mouth of a man least likely to have seen the film. But I laughed. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Manik Saggar, Desi Martini : ...After the failure of Bombay Velvet, the film has Anurag Kashyap returning to his preferred playfield. Creating a disturbing world full of bloody violence and twisted philosophy is something the auteur filmmaker loves doing. Yes, his stylish approach causes a bit of unneeded confusion in the story he’s trying to tell. But then again, that confusion is something he wants the viewer to feel. ... full review

Thumbs up, by HARSHADA REGE, DNA : ...Don't miss this scary and unapologetically sadistic movie where Nawaz is at his creepiest best. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Whether you like the frills or not, there’s no denying that RR2 is a film that haunts you. It has the ability to shock and disturb. It glorifies violence and murderers. And it can only be enjoyed if you can accept misogyny, death and gore as integral parts of reality. Otherwise, this movie can be quite the nerve-wracking experience. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...This film is certain to suit horror fans even though the blood and gore are minimal. The fear factor comes from the treatment and performances and that’s quite a potent combination. This may not be Anurag Kashyap’s most accomplished work yet but it certainly ranks as amongst his best. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...Those looking for a dark, de noire, and grisly time on screen with a twist in inhumanity powered by Nawazuddin Siddiqui's topnotch performance. RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0 makes the kill. Hit it.... full review

Thumbs up, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...This is no Bollywood-style revenge or angry man plot, it is just pure sadism. Ramanna is purest in his cruelty, and juxtaposed with Raghavan’s uncontrolled violence, he makes the film spine-chilling. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Ananya Bhattacharya, india today : ...The music of Raman Raghav 2.0 deserves a separate column. Kashyap has used Ram Sampath's work well. When you have Ramanna plotting someone's murder, you have a sitar sequence as the background score as opposed to the more 'traditional' screams-and-shouts... full review

Thumbs up, by jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...The final scene of the film when Ramanna and Raghavan talk to each other in an interrogation room and the consequences of the conversation will surely send a shiver up your spine. If you are a fan of Kashyap, you will enjoy this gritty fare..... full review

Thumbs up, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...For director Anurag Kashyap, this film falls into a comfort zone that he thrives on with devilish delight. While it strays away from stomach-churning gore, aside from a furtive glimpse of a corpse's rotten foot, for instance, the unseen is enough to ignite one's imagination. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Extending Kashyap's continuing probe into the horrors of dehumanisation, Raman Raghav 2.0 dives deeper into the cesspit than any of the director's earlier films - to deliver a dystopian study that is at once fascinating and nauseating. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...More than the story itself, it is the quirky telling that is the key. Structured around eight chapters, vividly shot in the slums, pulsating with raucous music, Raman Raghav 2.0 is a taut thriller, full of energy and brimming over with tension. It doesn’t flag even once and holds the viewer tightly in its grip. Such is the dizzying momentum and pace that you even stop caring about some missing pieces of the jigsaw that would have been niggling you. Clear-cut, uncomplicated Raman Raghav 2.0 takes you on an entertainment high. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Saumil Gandhi, Upper Stall : ... it is the visual force of Raman Raghav 2.0 that matters in getting a reaction from you, not so much the story. That being the purpose of the film, it is unnervingly successful.... full review

Thumbs up, Zee News : ...What adds to the viewing experience is Ram Sampath's frenzied and adrenaline-packed background score, which is efficiently layered by Aarti Bajaj's crisp editing. Overall, "Raman Raghav 2.0" is a cleverly crafted and compelling film.... full review

So-So, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, though RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0 promises to be an edgy thriller, the film fails to deliver. It is only Nawazuddin's brilliant performance that helps you sit through this 140 mins long film. ... full review

So-So, by Smita Vyas Kumar, Desi Martini : ... Let’s just say it not like an ice cream that you enjoy with every lick and slurp but a biryani that gives you a good satisfying burp after it’s over. ... full review

So-So, by Josh, fullhyd.com : ...You know who else didn't care for what the audience cared about? Ram Gopal Verma. He made whatever he felt like (and that's a perfectly acceptable decision, of course). People stopped caring altogether when he didn't even work on his craft. With you, though, we still appreciate the craft, but we're beginning to wonder whether you care about what we care about. Some of us will continue to watch your films for the sheer cinematic experience they tend to be, but with the rest, you're probably saying your goodbyes. ... full review

So-So, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...The film itself benefits from a propulsive music score (by Ram Sampat), some unexpected moments of humor, and an energy and pace that seldom dips. Kashyap is in good form, but ultimately Raman Raghav 2.0 doesn’t bring anything blazingly new or original to the serial killer genre. ... full review

So-So, koimoi : ...Watch or Not?: Nawazuddin brilliantly embodies Anurag’s vision of a modern day Raman Raghav. Watch it for his casual and terrifyingly believable performance. ... full review

So-So, by Shubha Shetty-Saha, MiD DAY : ...It is dark, very dark and deprived of even a shred of dignity. It makes you feel nauseated at the shocking spread of depravity served to you. But then again, it is unique storytelling. Go for it, if you have the suitable palate. ... full review

So-So, by Aseem Chhabra, Rediff : ...Kaushal displays a lot of brave acting, including a terrific confrontation scene with his father (Vipin Sharma in a brief appearance). There is real good cinema in that scene towards the end of the film, and also a reminder that Kashyap has a lot of talent. He just needs to stop making films that are very similar. ... full review

So-So, by Mohar Basu, Times of India : ...The biggest problem with Raman Raghav 2.0 is that it glorifies the gore. The climax monologue will run your patience thin. Can you buy the logic that killing for insanity is better than killing in the name of religion? It is crude, callous but in trying to whip up suspense, it loses sight of vulnerability. ... full review

So-So, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...While this is a compelling story, there are just too many loopholes in this thriller to keep it gripping throughout its runtime. For once, it seemed that Anurag Kashyap was more caught up with the stylistic elements than with the actual narrative in this story. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...For all its swagger, excellent performances by the two leads, an effective soundtrack, brisk editing—Kashyap is unarguably a skilled filmmaker-- Raman Raghav 2.0 is just plain vile. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rohit Bhatnagar, Deccan Chronicle : ...Raman Raghav 2.0 has only good performances to watch else the film is surely not worth your ticket price. Since there are multiple releases this Friday, pick this only if you are an ardent Nawazzudin Siddiqui or Vicky Kaushal fan, because the film holds no promise of entertaining you. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Merkwürdige Liebe , Desi Martini : ...Kashyap has now perfected the skill of portraying places and people that are practically the living embodiments of hell, but with a screenplay this shockingly misguided, there's little that stood a chance of saving this film.... full review

4.3

25 tweeters(?) - 19 yays 5 so-so 1 nays

waglenikhil: . Hats off @anuragkashyap72 for Raman Raghav 2.0. An exceptional movie. The way you interpret violence reminds me of Vijay Tendulkar.

vasuchaturvedi: So, Raman Raghav 2.0 was pretty good, worth checking out. The casting is spot on.

TheMantallBwoy: Whattay performance by @Nawazuddin_S and @vickykaushal09 in Raman Raghav 2.0. Brilliant.

sumitsinha_y2k: Raman Raghav 2.0 Simply brilliant piece of work.#ramanraghav2 .Anurag Kashyap sir you are great.

SRKalwayss: Watched Raman Raghav 2.0 clearly a winner @Nawazuddin_S was so splendid in his character .Must watch https://t.co/lOmOXPKgtM

SlimGrisson: Raman Raghav 2.0 - Tired genre cliches abound amidst moments of typical Kashyap brilliance. Convinced of one thing though.

Scraggly_Goatee: Raman Raghav 2.0- Nawaz at his best.

Ruffled_Hair: Raman raghav 2.0 is kinda masterpiece.

RishiCh04322561: Hi Last night watched raman raghav 2.0 nice

MridulMahan: Loved the ras...loved hating you #NawazuddinSiddiqui - thoroughly enjoyed Raman Raghav 2.0

MihirDarji2: All the hype and excitement for Raman Raghav 2.0 was worth it. All of it! Take a bow Nawaz, Anurag and Vicky.

ManishPajan: Raman Raghav 2.0 is vintage Anurag Kashyap. Dark mood, tight script, great characters, terrific casting, hard hitting dialogues. #win

jatin_006: Another gem from @anuragkashyap72 .Take a bow sir.Raman Raghav 2.0 is an amazing effort.

ihsrajar: Raman Raghav 2.0: GO WATCH!

iAnkurMishra: Raman Raghav 2.0 is dark, disturbing & thrilling love story between 2 serial killers. Return in form for Anurag Kashyap & Nawazuddin's best.

gradwolf: On Raman Raghav 2.0 that's worth more than a watch https://t.co/6yOSHUx8lL

Darshan_MUFC: Raman Raghav 2.0, what a movie!!

CinemaGlitz: #RamanRaghav2 Movie Review: 4/5 - A version which @anuragkashyap72 creeped everyone with unraveling @Nawazuddin_S. https://t.co/22BAWmofBn

akshayarya1985: Absolutely loved @sobhitaD in Raman Raghav 2.0 This girl is HOT and a terrific actor!

tweekrant: Raman Raghav 2.0 is good but the story has been complicated unnecessarily. Landmark film in Nawaz's career. Great actor.

PradiptaSarkar: I liked Raman Raghav 2.0, I really did. But for a predictable movie, boy did that take long to get over.

mainbhiengineer: Raman Raghav 2.0 is dark, disturbing & thrilling love story between 2 serial killers. Return in form for Anurag Kashyap & Nawazuddin's best

Kapo_Regime: Raman Raghav 2.0 excellent performance by Nawazuddin but weak direction. Never thought I would say this for a Kashyap's movie.

idrrajdeep: The maverick Kashyap's script fell short to match the superlative Nawaz.Raman Raghav 2.0 has moments but the impact is superficial.

avaneeshraju: After Udta Punjab, now,...Raman Raghav 2.0,....'Dark & Gory' ...director-film maker ? Disgusting !

3.0

1 readers - 0 yays 1 so-so 0 nays

So-So, by Hani Patel : 65

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: Loads and loads. The gruesome bits are not shown on screen, but the implication is violent enough
  • Language: Lots of abusive language
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A couple of making out and love-making scenes
  • Concept: That of a serial killer and his psyche
  • General Look and Feel: Dark, grim, gritty.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
3.5
Story:
2.5
Lead Actors:
4.0
Character Artists:
3.5
Dialogues:
3.5
Screenplay:
2.5

Raman Raghav 2.0 - Cast, crew, links

Running time:
140 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
Genres:

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