Indian 2 is a showcase of what director Shankar is capable of still in creating a grand spectacle, and a treat for Kamal Haasan’s fans as he continues to be stunning as Senapati – the sequel however lacks excitement
writes Rajeshwari Kalyanam
How often one hoped for a super hero who would rid the world of evil – and save the world where youngsters kill themselves over not finding jobs and not being able to study for want of money. On the other hand are the rich who end up in jobs they are not qualified for, and the divide between the super rich and the poor widening like never before.
Indian 2 director Shankar brings back the vigilante Senapati after 28 years to fight corruption in his inimitable style. The sequel is surely an updated version but only in terms of film production, and a new age few elements-to go with the times – for example the media expanding to social media, Indian live streaming his messages using his mobile phone and clicking selfies, and corruption that was in lakhs couple of decades ago running into 100s of crores now.
In this world are four youngsters who run a YouTube channel – Barking Dogs to bring to light the wrongs of the society. Led by Chitra Aravindan (Siddharth, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Jagan, Sathish). They do political satire and parodies using animation with RK Laxman’s common man as their protagonist.
And when they realise that all they get in return for their effort is likes and views – without any positive change – they hope that Indian – the crusader against corruption, the freedom fighter and vigilante comes back – and they start a campaign #comebackIndian & soon it’s Trending…and one of their friends does spot Indian – the Senapati in Taepei.
What is he doing there. Well, he is doing what he always does – Hunting his criminal. Here is where you see Shankar at his best – he shot one of most amazing song sequences for Gulshan Grover who plays Amit Agarwal, the super rich business man who is absconding the country after taking indiscriminate loans from banks and announcing bankruptcy. If you are reminded of one Mr Vijay Mallya – you are not too far from what the director intended perhaps. If anything cover shoots and calendar girls are a giveaway
Shankar by the way roped in Miss Universe 2017 for the song that introduces Amit Agarwal.
And as expected Senapati kills the corrupt business man in Taipei and here on there are a bunch of his other unique style of killings using marma vidya employed to kill the corrupt rich for which he comes to India ofcourse much to the delight of millions waiting for him.
Hunting him down is CID officer Pramod (Bobby Simha) who is infact Krishna Swamy’s (the officer from Indian 1) son.
The premise is expected – the scale is more grand – director Shankar retains his eye for grandeur and this is visible in every frame. However, what’s missing is the excitement.
The killings are made to look too easy bordering on silly – the writing is too bland and Kamal Haasan’s screen presence and the stunt choreography does not save the film.
The film has its good moments and amazing performances. The social commentary is important and relatable. The star cast with the likes of Gulshan Grover, Nedumudi Venu, Samuthirakani, Rahul Preet, Vivek is impressive. Editing by A Sreekar Prasad is smooth and effective, cinematography is brilliant while music fails to make an impression like the film.
Indian 2 is a showcase of what director Shankar is capable of still and a treat for Kamal Haasan’s fans as he continues to be stunning as Senapati. But, ends up as one long visually grand yet bland introduction to Indian 3 with no standing on its own.
