INDIAN 2 (2024)

Critic 323

Director: S. Shankar
Written by: S. Shankar, Jeyamohan, Kabilan Vairamuthu
Produced by: Lyca Productions
Casts: Kamal Haasan, Siddharth, Vivek, Bobby Simha, Rakul Preet Singh, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Nedumudi Venu, Delhi Ganesh
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
Language: Tamil
Genre: Action, Thriller

SYNOPSIS:
"Indian 2" continues the journey of the vigilant Senapathy (Kamal Haasan), fighting against corruption, this time targeting the newer generations involved in higher echelons of power and digital crime.

REVIEW:

"Indian," released in 1996, was a cinematic sensation, effectively introducing the vigilante theme into Indian cinema—a genre that director S. Shankar has mastered over the years. After several setbacks including the pandemic, the tragic loss of crew members, and financial hurdles, Shankar and Kamal Haasan reunite to bring "Indian 2," marking a monumental effort spanning nearly 7 years.

The film sets up a solid premise: Senapathy, aging yet unwavering, dives back into his crusade against corruption, now amplified by the digital age's complexities. The narrative, however, slowly dilutes as the screenplay incorporates elements like the fantastical Varma martial art, which, while imaginative, disrupts the film’s serious tone by turning one character into a horse and unlocking another's opposite gender hormones—elements that hinder the overall impact of the film's message. Logic takes a backseat in this film and every set piece of action feels overstuffed and tiring. 

The subplot involving social media enthusiasts trying to reform society starts relevantly but soon becomes repetitive, diminishing the freshness of the narrative. Anirudh Ravichander's musical score, typically a highlight, strikes as strictly average here, with songs that fail to resonate deeply or add to the film's atmosphere.

Stunts, though over the top, fit within Shankar's exaggerated cinematic world, and the visuals by Ravi Varman are striking, particularly in the "Calendar" song. Performances are a mixed bag: Kamal Haasan, in a labor of love, delivers earnestly, yet his heavy makeup often detracts from the character’s authenticity. Siddharth and Vivek offer commendable support, though other cast members, including Bobby Simha in a clichéd cop role, provide little beyond generic performances.

The film’s grandeur and Shankar’s meticulous production cannot mask the screenplay's weaknesses and the missing sharpness that writer Sujatha brought to the original. Despite its ambitious scope, "Indian 2" struggles to deliver the emotional and intellectual resonance expected from such a storied collaboration.

VERDICT:
Despite its solid premise, 'Indian 2' feels emotionally detached and grandiose, lacking the original's visceral punch and leaving a sense of incompleteness.

CELLULOID METER: 2.5/5