The Vigilante Returns: Indian 2 Review
Twenty-eight years after the blockbuster film Indian, director Shankar returns with its sequel, featuring Kamal Haasan as the iconic vigilante Senapathy. The sequel’s storyline picks up where the original left off, with Senapathy disappearing at the end of Indian. The need for his return arises, and this story is what Shankar takes us through in Indian 2.
The vigilante returns
The film introduces us to Chitra Aravindan, a young man who runs a YouTube channel called Barking Dogs with his friends. The channel focuses on creating satirical content, using RK Laxman’s Common Man character to expose corruption in society. When a young woman dies by suicide, allegedly due to corruption, the Barking Dogs team stages a protest demanding justice. This is where Disha, Chitra’s rich girlfriend, enters the scene, bailing them out and lecturing them on the powerlessness of individuals against corruption. Chitra decides that only Senapathy can bring about change and starts trending ‘Come Back Indian.’
A martial arts school in Taipei
The film’s plot takes us on a journey across India, showcasing Senapathy’s fight against corruption. However, the question remains – how relevant is this fight in today’s India? The film’s cinematography, use of AI, and prosthetic work are impressive, but the storyline lacks depth. Director Shankar’s vision seems limited to tackling corruption, which is just one of the many issues plaguing modern India.
A call for change
Senapathy’s character, once a symbol of hope, now seems like a caricature of his former self. His lengthy sermons on social and political issues come across as forced and lack the impact they had in the original film. The film’s use of social media as a tool for change is impressive, but it raises questions about the effectiveness of online activism in bringing about real change.
Fighting corruption, but at what cost?
In conclusion, Indian 2 is a visually striking film that falls short in its storytelling. Despite its impressive production values, the film’s message gets lost in its aimless meandering from one plot point to another. It’s a pity, because Senapathy’s return could have been so much more.
A missed opportunity
