'KGF : Chapter 2' - A high decibel nonstop shootout that offers nothing new
'KGF : Chapter 1' directed by Prashanth Neel and starring Yash came from nowhere in 2019 and conquered the entire nation with its heroism and stylistic story telling. Naturally the expectations are sky high for the sequel and whether it justifies its hype remains to be seen.
The original film told the story of how a mere shoe shine boy inspired by his mother grows into one of the most dreaded dons who eventually conquers the goldmines of Kolar. 'KGF : Chapter 2' takes of from where Garuda was finished off by Rocky Bhai (Yash) and tries to chronicle his reign over the city he created, his battles with his enemies and finally where his destiny takes him. Apart from his old enemies who form a coalition against him he is up against the barbaric Adheera (Sanjay Dutt) and the iron willed Ramika Sen the Prime Minister of India.
Yash as Rocky Bhai, the role that made him a pan Indian superstar is in his elements throughout the film. Whether it is ruthlessly killing off his enemies using knives and guns or his impeccable swag as the monster king he truly lights up the screens. A soft side of him is also in evidence when he is mourning for his mother and romance with his girl. The theater erupts during his confrontation with the Prime Minister right in her den. Srinidhi Shetty has much less to do here than the original but moves the audience in her final scene in the film. Sanjay Dutt is menacing as Adheera while Raveena Tandon in a role based on Indira Gandhi is majestic. Amongst the rest of the cast Prakash Raj, Malavika Avinash, Achuyuth Kumar, Easwari Rao and our own 'Vada Chennai' Saran standout.
What works best in 'KGF : Chapter 2' is the mother sentiment thread that drives the entire ballad of bloodshed that is parallel to all the machismo that is on display. The film like its predecessor never fails in boosting up its hero and justify that with the actions that follow. The best examples are Rocky preferring to place his feet on a coveted throne and also when taking on Adheera's gang without a gun in hand . Among all of Rocky Bhai's obsessive and unpredictable moves the most interesting is the one at sea at the very end.
On the downside 'KGF : Chapter 2' does not offer anything new from the original and if you watch it as a standalone it lacks freshness. There is no respite from the high decibel shouting that passes off as dialogues between the actors. The incessant gun firing and knife play become tedious after a point. The computer graphics especially showing the mines and its towns are far from realistic. Barring a few characters it is difficult to keep track of who is who and is on whose side who are getting killed like ninepins. The characterization does not justify the reverence that the people of KGF have for Rocky. There are many places where the screenplay drags.
Technically 'KGF : Chapter 2' is a mixed bag with some sequences innovative and others not so much. The action choreography is innovative especially in the car chase edited in a play and pause style. Ravi Basrur's music, Bhuvan Gowda's frames and Ujwal Kulkarni's cuts work in tandem to bring the filmmaker's vision on screen. Hombale Films has produced the film with one of the biggest budgets ever in Kannada cinema. Prashanth Neel has made the film as an extension of his breakthrough film and does maintain the heroism factor and mass scenes but could have done better with the intensity that gave him his name.
Verdict : Go for this one if you are a hardcore Yash fan or want closure to the first part
