Nikhil Siddarth, Anupama Parameswaran starrer 'Karthikeya 2' hit the screens today. Here is the short review.
Dr Karthikeya (Nikhil Siddhartha) is a humanistic doctor who believes that the mind has extraordinary powers. He is an atheist who ends up being chosen by Lord Krishna to unlock mysterious secrets hidden in Dwaraka and more.
Director Chandoo Mondeti attempts to make a comeback with a bang with this mystical adventure drama, an ambitious spectacle cinema laced with references to mythology, Hindu Gods, coveted knowledge, ancient mysteries, and more. At the outset, the film declaims that it's a fictional story
Kaala Bhairava's background music sustains the genre from start to end. Like 'Bimbisara', this film too benefits from a score that transcends the limitations of the script.
Karthik Gattamaneni effectively straddles the worlds of cinematography and editing. The Dwaraka and the Rann of Kutch portions stand out.
Nikhil's performance is balanced. His measured dialogue delivery, restrained expressions, and sincere vibes lend a lot to his character. He didn't need to share perfect chemistry with anybody for his character to work.
Anupama looks confident in all the scenes. She is also not made a part of a silly rom-com.
Script-wise, the film needed better ideas for the second half to soar effectively.
The film surely needed to raise the stakes after a good first half. But it is only the last 20 minutes that really matter.
'Karthikeya 2' is a mixed bag. Excellent technical values and a solid premise work in its favour. The writing falters in the second half.