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After exposing corruption in the city, Chitram Aravindhan (Siddharth) and his colleagues at The Barking Dogs YouTube channel are imprisoned. After their release, they realize that only Senapathi (Kamal Haasan) can tackle India’s corruption. Through the #ComeBackIndian campaign, they bring him back from Taipei, where he urges the youth to cleanse their families of bribery.
Story:
After exposing corruption in the city, Chitram Aravindhan (Siddharth) and his colleagues at The Barking Dogs YouTube channel are imprisoned. After their release, they realize that only Senapathi (Kamal Haasan) can tackle India’s corruption. Through the #ComeBackIndian campaign, they bring him back from Taipei, where he urges the youth to cleanse their families of bribery. The film explores whether the youth heed his call, if the police capture Senapathi, and if the country truly needs him.
Pros:
When the sequel was announced, many wondered how Shankar would bridge the 28-year gap between the original and the sequel while portraying Senapathi as an older man. Shankar skillfully connected the dots, convincingly depicting Senapathi as a 106-year-old, satisfying the audience. Kamal Haasan delivers a decent performance, entertaining with his signature expressions. Siddharth shines in emotional scenes, while Samuthirakani impresses despite limited screentime. Bobby Simha and the supporting cast also deliver satisfactory performances, contributing to the film’s overall appeal.
Cons:
While Shankar’s vision of bringing Senapathi back to a modern, advanced, yet corrupted India is intriguing, the execution ultimately falls short. The expected emotional drama, a hallmark of Shankar’s films, is notably absent. The screenplay is weak, especially in the second half, with emotional scenes lacking depth. Rakul Preet Singh, Priya Bhavani Shankar, SJ Suryah, and others have limited roles that leave little impact in this sequel, potentially resonating more in the next installment. Additionally, a significant drawback is the music; Anirudh’s lackluster score fails to elevate crucial moments, making many scenes feel flat and uninspired.
Technical Aspects:
Shankar deserves credit for reviving Senapathi to combat corruption in a modern context. However, the lack of compelling drama and a weak screenplay lead to a subpar experience. Anirudh’s music disappoints, failing to elevate the film. While Ravi Varman’s cinematography is adequate, a tighter edit by A Sreekar Prasad would have improved the pacing. Despite these issues, the production values are solid, showcasing quality in the film’s overall presentation.
Verdict:
Overall, “Bharateeyudu 2” is a slow but passable film. Compared to the original, it has notable drawbacks, suggesting Shankar missed the mark. Kamal Haasan delivers a decent performance, while Siddharth is satisfactory. However, the slow-paced screenplay, lack of emotional depth, and mediocre score are significant shortcomings. If you choose to watch it, it’s best to keep your expectations low for a more enjoyable experience.’
#Rating: 2.75/5
Director: S. Shankar
Starring: SJ Suryah, Rakul Preet Singh, Kamal Haasan, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Siddharth, Vivek, Gulshan Grover, Bobby Simha
Music Directors: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematographer: Ravi Varman
Editor: A. Sreekar Prasad
Producers: Subaskaran Allirajah, Udhayanidhi Stalin
