What's Behind
Nikhil's Karthikeya 2 which captured the imagination of all ever since its announcement finally hit the screens on August 13 after numerous delays. The film directed by Chandoo Mondeti is the sequel to the hit film Karthikeya. Let us find out what Nikhil offered to movie lovers with Karthikeya 2.
Story Review
Karthik aka Karthikeya (Nikhil Siddharth) after finishing his house surgeon starts working in a hospital. He is always rational trying to find logical and scientific solutions to the superstitions and in the process exposes many illegal activities in the name of superstitions. In one such instance, he gets suspended for slapping the Mayor in the hospital. At the same time, following a shocking incident, his mother (Tulasi) decides to fulfill her vow pertaining to her son Karthik and they head to Dwaraka. Karthik who unwillingly goes to Dwaraka experiences mysterious happenings and he gets entangled in a series of happenings leading to Lord Krishna's bracelet. To find out where it leads to and how Mugdha (Anupama Parameswaran), popular scientist Dhanvantari (Anupam Kher), archaeologist Shantanu (Aditya Menon), Abhira tribe are connected to it and what role Suleman (Harsha Chemudu), Sadananda (Srinivasa Reddy) played, enjoy Karthikeya on the screen.
Artists, Technicians Review
Chandoo Mondeti continued from where he left in Karthikeya. The narration quickly switches to the sequel and interesting happenings take place to get viewers interested. Chandoo Mondeti slips into the story without taking any deviations. Unlike in the first part which has some fun-filled elements and romantic scenes and songs, Karthikeya 2 is bereft of those things. The story's narration is serious and increases the curiosity levels. Chandoo Mondeti after highlighting how Lord Krishna bestowed the responsibility of his bracelet to Uddhav asking him to ensure its safety such that it falls into the safe hands of the worthy person, showed how archaeologists and scientists try to get in possession of it and gain supremacy of the entire world.
With few interesting, exciting, and thrilling elements, the first half ends with a perfect interval bang. This sets the tone for the inquisitive second half and the narration goes in a similar line with interesting twists and turns. Finally, the story ends with the lead to the Karthikeya 3. Chandoo Mondeti did not spoil the script and the story by trying to include unnecessary comedy and commercial elements. He should be complimented for it but this turned the entire film into a serious one. At times the pace dipped as Chandoo Mondeti visually depicted the happenings pertaining to Lord Krishna, Dwaraka,Abhira etc. He should have toned that down for better impact. Chandoo Mondeti's story, screenplay, and direction are quite good. At times he has taken cinematic liberties and this resulted in routine elements creeping in.
Nikhil performed his role in a subtle manner. He just slipped into the role and did what was required instead of going overboard. He looked young, handsome, and charming. His screen presence is perfect. Anupama Parameswaran is fine in her role. However, the charm of Swathi in Karthikeya is missing. Srinivas Reddy and Harsha Chemudu performed well. Aditya Menon made an impression with his towering presence. Tulasi in the mother's role is ok. Bollywood star Anupam Kher got an important and powerful role. He made a strong impact and his dialogues on Lord Krishna's prominence, spirituality, traditions, and culture draw applause.
Kaala Bhairava's music is ok. There is only one song and it is situational. Karthikeya 2 misses Karthikya's hit songs. His background music elevated the scenes to create an impression. Karthik Ghattamaneni's cinematography is captivating and the VFX is good. His editing could have been better as at times, the pace dipped.
Advantages
Interesting, novel storyline
Nikhil
Cinematography
BGM
Disadvantages
Editing
Few cinematic liberties
Lack of commercial elements
Rating Analysis
Nikhil is known for doing different genre entertainers. The excitement increased when he teamed with Chandoo Mondeti for Karthikeya 2. Nikhil's Karthikeya 2 gives an innovative, spiritual feel to the movie lovers with references to Lord Krishna and showing Dwaraka, Mathura, Somnath, etc. Dialogues related to Krishna and Hinduism generate interest among movie lovers. The story is novel and screenplay is quite impactful and the direction is quite good. Karthikeya 2 is content driven and lacks commercial elements. It has to be seen how people at B,C centers receive the film. The film has all the elements to make an impact, especially in Bollywood but the makers missed the opportunity by not promoting the film in the north. Considering all these elements, Cinejosh goes with a 2.5 rating for Karthikeya 2.