There is always a problem in sequels. However, Kahani2 is not a sequel. It is what is called a real franchise. A genre in itself. So Sujoy Gosh is back with Vidya Balan in trying to give you a tense, gripping, layered story. And just because there exists Kahani, and you were captivated by it; Kahani2 fails to meet your demands. It does not even raises to TE3N– which I had said was worth an encouraging watch.
Kahani with Vidya Balan playing the role of Vidya Bagchi was set in Kolkatta. Kahani2, Vidya Balan plays Vidya Sinha in similar geographies. Initial part opens in Kalimpong and later the drama shifts to Chandan Nagar and then Kolkatta itself. The wet roads, natural reflecting lighting, real location all helps building a very realistic narration.
However, at some points, the rope slackens. The director loses the grip of realism. Some characters are made to play a role beyond their capability and depth. Additional old bollywoodish styled extra drama is sprinkled. Nevertheless, these magic moments never take birth. The bad or let’s say villains of the film become so abrupt and stereotyped than the fun is lost forever.
Kahani too starts on a great foundation. Vidya Sinha (Balan) has been hit by a car while she was rushing to an address given by the kidnappers of her wheel chair bound daughter, just before they were to leave for US for an operation that maybe her last chance of cure. So now, who will save the girl, what will happen. Why anyway Gosh Babu will share with you on the screen.
Vidya Balan playing Durga Singh is at her best. She makes it so natural, when she is in frenzy and a lot hassled. She helps build up the situation. She is the reason the film can hold you. The layering of her also being a victim of child abuse helps the director in answering few questions of what is happening and why is the character is acting out of scope.
Natasha Singh as Mini, the kid Vidya Balan is so protective about does a wonderful role. Amba Sanyal the grandmother of Mini could have been anyone. She fails to add any detail and idiosyncrasies that could make the character memorable. Jugal Hansraj is a bit of surprise element. He has a decent role, and he does justice to the trust imposed by the director. Manini Chadha as a cop’s wife is Okey but shows potential.
The pace is slow. The twists are anticipatable and very limited. The first half brilliant but could have done with a bit more of drama. The identities get established very fast before the viewer has time to question the probability. The necessary unwrapping at the end further dilutes the impact. Unless until Sujoy has a far better story and raises the bar, he may be best advised not to try a Kahani3.
All said and done, it is a movie you can watch. It is not something that will be a ‘Must Watch’.
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PS. : Oh ye, I forgot to add, there is the character Inspector Inderjit Singh played by Arjun Rampal, where he just walks around the role in his attempt to act. His action pieces are more as a husband. As a cop, he is just average. He fails, when ever the director tests his comic timing. Moreover, he is not able to do justice to a dedicated cop, willing to favour his gut feeling once again. He has just lost the chance of a promotion and has been pushed to a small police station that does not even have a register to record evidence. He wants promotion, and he is not bothered about it. Too much to expect from poor Arjun. Thankfully, there is no need for him to emote throughout the film, and hence he remains in shadows and bearable.
