Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2: A Visually Stunning yet Flawed Sequel

The much-awaited sequel to the 1996 Tamil classic Indian has finally arrived, and it’s a mixed bag. Indian 2 boasts impressive visuals, lavish sets, and cutting-edge technology, but it falls short in terms of storytelling and emotional resonance.

A still from the film

The original Indian was a game-changer in many ways, with its powerful storytelling, memorable dialogues, and Kamal Haasan’s iconic performance as Senapathy. The sequel, directed by Shankar, had big shoes to fill, and unfortunately, it doesn’t quite live up to the expectations.

What’s striking about Indian 2 is its visual grandeur. The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning landscapes and meticulously designed sets. The use of AI and other technologies is also impressive, making it a treat for the eyes. However, the story meanders aimlessly, with Senapathy’s vigilantism spread across India, taking on corrupt individuals and institutions.

“What’s missing is a strong story.” - A sentiment echoed by many fans of the original.

In the first half, the film struggles to find its footing, with lengthy dialogues that feel more like sermons than conversations. Senapathy’s character, once a symbol of resistance and justice, now feels like a caricature of his former self. The film’s attempt to tackle various social and political issues falls flat, making it feel like a series of disconnected scenes stitched together.

The only redeeming aspect of Indian 2 is its second half, where the story finally takes shape, thanks to the characters of Aarthi (Priya Bhavani Shankar) and Chitra (Siddharth). Their backstories and family dynamics bring an emotional depth to the film that was sorely missing otherwise.

Kamal Haasan delivers a strong performance, as always, but it’s Siddharth who surprises with his meaty role in the film. The supporting cast, including Rakul Preet Singh and Priya Bhavani Shankar, also shine in their limited screen time.

A poignant moment from the film

The absence of writer Sujatha is deeply felt, as his masterful storytelling and dialogue writing are sorely missed. Even AR Rahman’s iconic soundtrack from the original Indian is hard to recreate, with Anirudh’s score failing to leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, Indian 2 is a visually stunning film that fails to live up to its full potential. With a weak storyline and underwhelming character development, it’s a sequel that doesn’t quite do justice to the original.

Senapathy’s iconic look in Indian 2

Fans of the original Indian will likely be disappointed, but Kamal Haasan’s die-hard fans might still find some solace in his performance. For the rest, Indian 2 is a missed opportunity to create something truly special.