BOTTOM LINE
Satisfying Mythological Ride
OUR RATING
3/5
CENSOR
‘U/A’Certified, 2h 25m.
What Is the Film About?
Karthikeya 2, an adventure thriller’s core story, is centered around Sri Krishna’s anklet. What is its history? Where is it now? Who are after it, and how Dr Karthikeya inadvertently finds him deeply involved in mystery related to it is the movie’s basic plot.
Performances
Nikhil has been doing movies selectively and giving his best to them for the last few years. It is no different with Karthikeya 2. The actor comes up with a neat act devoid of typical heroism. He delivers according to the context without going overboard anywhere. There are also no commercial trappings which makes the job much more focused and intense. The quality makes this role stand out in his films even though there are no massive ‘performance’ moments that stand out.
Anupama Parameswaran being a heroine is a mere technicality. She is another vital part of the narrative rather than a heroine in the typical sense. She is an essential gang member, and her character is designed to help progress the main story. Anupama does well in the limited score she gets.
Analysis
Director Chandoo Mondeti burst on the scene with Nikhil starrer Karthikeya. Yes, the original movie marked his debut. Now years later, he has come up with a second chapter.
For the uninitiated, Karthikeya 2 has nothing to do with the first part. It is a standalone film where the main lead from the first part is on a different journey. So, Karthikeya, aka Karthik, is now a doctor and taking on a new case of sorts.
A significant difference between Karthikeya and Karthikeya 2 is the shift in tone. The first one was genuinely a small-scale thriller with horror and mystery elements. The second chapter is an upgrade in all the departments. It is now turned into an adventure genre with the features of mystique and thrill in place. It is in the space of Indiana Jones, and we have a doctor leading the expedition.
The introduction, therefore, is not to be missed. It sets up the basic premise and the adventure that ensures. Shree Krishna’s anklet is what everyone is after, and it is narrated convincingly despite the presence of many threads and characters.
The first thing that strikes positively is the background and the location. They add to the spiritual feel and give a fresh feeling throughout. The entire first half progresses interestingly, mixing the various threads and bringing the hero to the front and centre of the core theme.
The interval bang is alright. It does the job of raising the curiosity for the second half.
Post intermission, things move to Mathura, and the narrative becomes more focused on the core drama. The quest is neatly punctuated with dialogues related to God and humanity. This aspect elevates the proceedings along with the accompanying background score.
The problem, minor ones, arrives via some rushed bits. They appear cinematic and slightly unconvincing. It is what we call the screenplay of convenience. Things just happen to further the narrative without giving a proper feel. But, it isn’t the case entirely and is merely a tiny blip in the larger scheme of things.
Also, when it comes to adventure dramas, the narrative turns formulaic and lacks engagement when one thing leads to another conveniently. That is not the case here, as there is more to it than just the formula. The ending neatly encapsulates it.
Overall, Karthikeya 2 is a bigger, better and more focused narrative than the first one. It delivers mostly and leaves us satisfied watching a fresh product. It should be easily the first choice of viewing this weekend, for sure.
Performances by Others Actors
Karthikeya 2 is a content-driven fare where the hero takes the most of the heavy lifting. There are other characters, but they are mostly bits and pieces type. But, the important thing is that these small pieces are necessary to make the film come alive as a whole. Be it Anupama Parameswaran or Aditya Menon, they have small parts but do their work neatly.
Srinivas Reddy plays a supporting role that provides comic relief in places. Viva Harsha is alright. He could have been utilized better. Anupam Kher making his Telugu debut is seen in a critical block. He justifies his presence with an impactful delivery. It stays within the context of the movie and doesn’t look much on the surface but is nonetheless vital to the proceedings. The rest of the actors are okay in minor appearances.
Music and Other Departments?
Kaala Bhairava provides the music for the movie. Considering the mystery thriller genre, the young musician has done a very effective job. It helps in creating the right mood and impact. The sacred chants and slokas blend well into the narrative and generate the divine feel necessary for the story.
Karthik Ghattamaneni takes care of both cinematography and editing. Both are adequate. The former especially is enhanced further by the locations. The team has done a fabulous job in selecting the locales. It adds to the grandeur and makes the movie look like a biggie. The writing is good. The critical portions involving God and divinity hook the audience. The production values are fab, and as mentioned previously, it makes the film look much bigger in scope.
Highlights?
Fresh Story
Nikhil’s Composed Act
Writing
Locations
BGM
Drawbacks?
Missing logic in places
Rushed In Parts
Villain track could have been better
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Karthikeya 2 Movie Review by M9News
Final Report:
After an interesting first half, director Chandoo Mondeti is successful in maintaining the tempo in the second half, as well. Karthikeya 2, coming with a fresh backdrop, gets it right, mostly. There are barring minor blemishes, but they don’t change the final impact.
— The reason why Karthikeya is the chosen one to undertake (and unearth) the mystery could have been better.
First Half Report:
The first half of Karthikeya 2 is interesting with a fresh backdrop and content. The director successfully brings several elements together without confusion and generates an adventure-related excitement.
A lot depends on the second half now to see how convincingly thrills are unfolded, taking the experience to the next level.
— Kartikeya 2 show started off interestingly. The story shifts to current. Dr. Kartik is just not a curious man but a problem solver.
Karthikeya 2 USA Premiere will begin shortly. Stay tuned for the report.
Karthikeya 2 Pre-Release Talk:
Nikhil Siddharth of Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada and Arjun Suravaram fame is back with a new outing, Karthikeya 2. Chandoo Mondeti directs the supernatural thriller. It is a sequel to his 2014 film Karthikeya and hits cinemas on August 13th, 2022.
The sequel factor is the biggest USP of Karthikeya 2. Chandoo Mondeeti, who directed the original, directs the sequel as well. He has upped the scale as well as the background of the movie. The director hopes the intriguing element involving the mythology clicks with the audience.
Nikhil Siddharth, who has had only a couple of failures in the last decade (post-2012), is hoping that the audience continues to patronage him as they did before the pandemic. The subject is also right down his alley. The sequel factor further helps his cause.
Kaala Bhairava provides the music for the mystery thriller. Success here will take him along with the hero and the heroine to the next level. Anupama Parameswaran plays the heroine, whereas Anupam Kher makes his Telugu debut in a critical role. The fact that horror-comedy has become outdated and yet Karthikeya 2 is intriguing to the audience speaks of the strength of the content. It should suffice to say how well the story has been liked.
As always, M9News will bring you the ‘First-On -Net’ Karthikeya 2 review genuinely and honestly. Keep watching this space for our updates.
Karthikeya 2 Movie Review by M9News
