The heroine-centric film "Bhamakalapam," starring Priyamani, was released in 2022 and became a blockbuster success. Following this, "Bhamakalapam 2" was launched as a sequel, with the movie premiering directly on the Aha OTT platform on February 16th. While the first installment was a murder mystery, the sequel takes on the genre of a heist thriller. Let's dive into the film and see how it unfolds.
Bhamakalapam 2, The story continues from the end of the first part, where Anupama (Priyamani) finds happiness in her new home after moving from the old one. Her YouTube channel crosses the 1 million subscriber mark, and she decides to open a restaurant called 'Anupama Ghumaghuma' with her former housemaid Shilpa (Saranya Pradeep) as her partner. Anupama also applies for Cooking Idol 2023, a national-level cooking competition.
Meanwhile, a businessman named Anthony Lobo (Anuj Gurwara) devises a plan to smuggle drugs from Europe under the guise of the Cooking Idol trophy. Zubeida (Seerat Kapoor) has been living with Anthony Lobo for five years, hoping that he will help her become a heroine. Why does Anupama become entangled in this drug smuggling operation? Whose lives are impacted by this theft? To find out, you'll have to watch the movie.
Priyamani delivers a standout performance as Anupama, portraying her as an intelligent housewife with a newfound depth in "Bhamakalapam 2." Her portrayal showcases a character with heightened intelligence compared to the first part, and Priyamani adeptly portrays this evolution on screen.
Saranya Pradeep's character adds a layer of humor to the narrative, with the actor delivering a commendable performance. Seerat Kapoor, Sandeep Ved, Anuj Gurwara, Raghu Mukherjee, and Rudra Pradeep also shine in their respective roles, contributing to the overall impact of the film.
Director Abhimanyu takes a bold step by shifting the genre from the murder mystery of the first installment to a thrilling heist narrative in "Bhamakalapam 2." While the scale of the story expands, the movie starts off at a leisurely pace, setting the stage for the intertwining narratives of Anupama, Trophy, and a police officer.
The film gains momentum when these storylines converge, showcasing the chemistry between Priyamani and Saranya Pradeep as a standout element. Their camaraderie adds a layer of fun to the scenes they share, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Following the tried-and-tested formula of an outsider leading the team while an insider executes the heist, the movie builds anticipation for the grand scheme. However, the execution of the heist falls short of expectations, lacking the exhilarating thrill expected from such a narrative. Priyamani's multitasking and Saranya Pradeep's bewildered demeanor during pivotal moments may elicit laughter rather than suspense.
Despite its shortcomings, the film hints at future installments set abroad, suggesting a potential for further expansion. The characterizations of Priyamani and Saranya Pradeep offer intriguing possibilities for future storylines, paving the way for a potential OTT franchise in Telugu cinema.
Prashant R Vihari's "Swapna Sundari" song adds to the film's appeal, complemented by impressive background music. Cinematographer Deepak Yaragera captures the visuals effectively, while the production values contribute to the overall quality of the film.
"Bhamakalapam 2" picks up seamlessly from where its predecessor left off, with Priyamani delivering an entertaining performance. However, the film's predictable narration and slow pace, particularly in the pre-climax, hinder the impact of Abhimanyu's direction. While the story is acceptable, Abhimanyu's screenplay injects humor effectively. Some refinement in the script could have elevated the film further. Taking all factors into account, Cinejosh rates "Bhamakalapam 2" with a 2.5 rating.