Uma História 2

Kahaani 2 is what they call a spiritual sequel. Here too we have a leading lady named Vidya and that's probably where the connection between the first and the second film rests. But the film is really enjoyable - a tense thriller and even more tense psychological drama, the story of which unfolds in pieces with nice twists and turns and great suspense. Now, right, the entire child abuse track is not given enough depth and is even quite simplistically handled, but then the film makes up for it with great suspense. Sujoy Ghosh shows to have quite a knack for this kind of cinema and his skill shows at all levels even if the film could have been better.

As expected, Vidya Balan is brilliant playing a woman who finds purpose in life and turns her biggest weakness into her prime strength. She is consistently in sync with her character and her involvement is very convincing. She is totally matched by Arjun Rampal, who is more of a supporting actor on paper but in actual fact he is as much a hero in this film as his female counterpart. The film ends on a nice note and it reveals the film's smart writing leading to a very good film. The film might not enjoy the aesthetic and cinematographic brilliance of its prequel but it's enjoyable from start to end and is altogether a good watch.

Sujoy Ghosh failed to achieve the level of thriller of first one however it was worth watching Cine Maa​ for Vidya Balan​ and Arjun Rampal. Sujoy Ghosh successfully delivered Child Abuse issue with great message like we have seen glimpse in Highway movie from Alia Bhat. Script need little more surprise elements in second half as this one was totally predictable one. Supporting roles of Jugal Hansraj , Manini Chadha and cute Tunisha Sharma were good. Music is another weak point as you will badly miss Ekla Chalo Re type song from Big B.

If Kahaani​ was the mother of all stories then Kahaani 2​ is the child of Kahaani.

Kahani 2 is NOT as gripping, thrilling and suspense-filled as Kahani. It is actually predictable, esp. in the second half. But it is certainly worth watching (just once only), but with the feeling that the film could have been presented in a more intense, thrilling and focused manner.

MERITS of Kahani 2

1 – The first-half is far more gripping than the second. The build-up is good and creates proper suspense in our minds.

2 – The film is based on the theme of double identity with the intention of keeping ones past a secret. Although this certainly is not a new theme but is thrilling enough to watch - provided it is presented in a focused and intense manner.

3 - Vidya Balan as Durga Rani Singh essays her role with ease and finesse (the great actresses that she is) – and without any make-up.

DEMERITS of Kahani 2

1 - As I mentioned it is predictable. You knew who the villains are.

2 - Towards the end things get a bit "filmy" which is totally unnecessary. This dilutes the tension and the gravity of the situation.

The shoot-out scene between the kidnapper and Vidya Balan is very filmy and old-fashioned. The same could have been executed with more tension and suspense. The casual talk – just after the blast in the house – between police officers (Arjun Rampal and his senior) about their possible promotions for having caught Vidya is totally flimsy. It just dilutes the gravity of the occasion.

3 – Kahani 2 is not as suspenseful as Kahani (which is surely is a path-breaking one in the Suspense genre).

4 – I detest the cheap and dirty locations in which some scenes are shot. The nursing home and the police station are shot in totally cheap, filthily maintained houses.

You will see out-dated switch boards of the 70s. Wall colours have peeled off. Walls are damaged. CRT monitor in police station.

I really wonder what made Sujoy Ghosh do this. Same was the case in Kahani. What was the need to be so "realistic" (If this is the reason)?

The only plausible reason could be to save money for the film. Otherwise, is there shortage of neat and clean houses for the film-makers to hire and shoot in?

5 – The way Vidya goes about dousing the house with Kerosene and the reactions of Kharaj Mukherjee (Arjun's senior) is slightly melodramatic. The same could have been shown in a more seriousness and intensity.

6 – In the role of a middle-class sub-Inspector Inderjeet Singh, Arjun Rampal is NOT the right choice. His urbanised upper-middle-class accent is just not suited for this role.

Sujoy should have hired someone who can speak Hindi with real accent like Mohan Bajpai, Rajkumar Yadav or Nawazuddin Siddique.

7 – Vidya's verbal thrashing of the child sexual abuser could have been more forceful and incisive.

She could have said: "If you are so sexually starved just go and sleep with a prostitute." & "You are a curse to humanity. You do not deserve to live in a civilized society."

8 - It is very strange to hear Gargi Bharadwaj, the hired killer, who is perhaps non-bengali, speaking a distinctive bengali accent - and which sounds totally ineffective and weak.

Though it has no link with Kahaani 1 though the linkage creates expectations. Story is well run though it lacks any suspense. The story is told strongly with no turns and twists which cannot be foreseen as the writer himself reveals how the plot will flow.

Sujoy Ghosh and Vidya Balan repeat the magic. Vidya Balan merges with her role effortlessly like her other high performance roles.

Arjun Rampal fits in well in his role as sub inspector though he did not have much to do.

Its Vidya Balan movie all in all.

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Kahaani 2, which appeared four years after the first film, is well below expectations. This film, which tells a totally different story, is trying to protect its excitement as it was in the first film. Some technical errors can be seen, but I liked the roles of Vidya Balan and other actors. Those who watch the first movie may give the second film a chance.