Review of ‘Indian 2’ Movie: A Nostalgic Return to ‘Indian’

The movie hardly delves into his character, opting instead to use Senapathy for trivial comedic moments, such as imitating a cat.

While watching Indian 2, memories of Shankar’s finest work came flooding back, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The film’s initial moments showcase his enduring strengths, like the clever portrayal of a corrupt man shielded by cash or the representation of the common man as an animated figure. These elements remind us that Shankar’s brilliance remains relevant, making the unnecessary nods to his past work puzzling. Instead of building upon his legacy, the film risks diluting the authenticity of its world. Shankar’s best movies inspired hope for a better future, blending imaginative premises with compelling storytelling. Unfortunately, Indian 2 falls short of this standard, with excessive gimmicks overshadowing Senapathy’s character depth. The film fails to capture the essence of what made Shankar’s earlier works so impactful.

How does Senapathy feel about having to clean up his society again? The movie portrays him as somewhat amused by it all. When he arrives in India, the police nearly catch him, but he manages to escape, playfully meowing at them before leaving. Senapathy doesn’t seem to take pleasure in his actions; he does what he does because he believes it’s the only way. It’s a harsh approach, but considering his past in a time of war, his character is complex. The film lacks depth in detailing his background or family, focusing more on the societal issues at hand. The sudden idea of encouraging people to report on their loved ones could have been a central theme of the movie. Senapathy’s patriotism is evident, but the film misses exploring the complexities of human relationships and loyalties. The part where this theme is touched upon later in the movie stands out as the most compelling. Shankar’s original film deserved a sequel that delved into subtleties, but Indian 2 falls short of addressing whether an extremist can truly understand and inspire the nuances of his country’s people. The portrayal of Senapathy’s executions in this film comes across as overly simplistic and even comical, lacking the haunting depth of the first movie. The execution scenes aim for humor but miss the mark, with unrealistic and exaggerated portrayals that fail to resonate with the seriousness of the subject matter. Bobby Simha’s portrayal of Pramod also falls short of capturing the depth and complexity needed for such a role.

You know how sometimes a sequel is referred to as a ‘spiritual sequel’? Well, Indian 2 could be seen as a pretty disappointing follow-up. It seems like the movie doesn’t quite grasp the essence and power of the original film and its main character. It’s tough not to feel the frustration of the people in the movie as they throw things at the protagonist and shout, “Go back Indian!” Here are the details:

Movie: Indian 2

Director: Shankar

Starring: Kamal Haasan, Siddharth, Vivekh, Jagan, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Samuthirakani

Rating: 1.5/5 stars