Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta are back as the old-age couple in Vadh 2, who get involved in a murder, but this time with a fresh, twisted tale. The suspense builds up slowly in the first half, but compensates in the second half
Vadh 2
Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta are back as the old-age couple who get involved in a murder (apologies, Vadh, because moral ground is the heart), but this time with a whole new, twisted tale. As a disclaimer, if you've watched the first part, just know that this sequel has nothing to do with it, barring the names of the lead characters, a primary murder-cover-up plot and moral web. So one does not necessarily need to watch the first to make sense of the second instalment. But does the Vadh 2 fare well?
Plot
Shambhunath (Sanjay Mishra), a prison guard, tries to repay his son's educational loan while his NRI son has cut off contact by stealing vegetables from the prison. Then there is Manju (Neena Gupta), a murder convict inside the prison, who is serving her 28-year sentence and is on the brink of release. A love story unfolds from their sneaky nighttime rendezvous, where they communicate from either side of a closed door.
Comes Prakash Kumar (Kumud Mishra), a newly appointed jail superintendent, who is a casteist, but uncorruptible. The prison houses Keshav (Aksshay Dogra), a violent, annoying youth (the puppy scene in the trailer says a lot about him), backed by his influential politician relative (whose voice is only heard on the phone). He goes missing from his cell after the new superintendent 'illegally' trashes him following his provocation.
An investigating officer, Ateet Singh (Amitt K. Singh), is appointed to find Keshav. He breaks his back and even gets Prakash Kumar suspended. He almost gets the case cracked, but returns empty-handed because of a lack of proof (and time, I assume), thanks to Shambhunath's intelligence. Almost a year later, Keshav's body is found buried in Prakash Kumar's backyard, and the case reopens. With Prakash Kumar denying the murder, Ateet returns to Shivpur to find the murderer on a deadline of three days.
Performances
Sanjay Mishra, unarguably, shines with his effortless talent as a helpless old cop whose heart still jitters for his newfound love interest. He is convincing and natural in the portrayal that is complex but made uncomplicated by him. He is the only one who gives you a few laughs and smirks here and there. Neena Gupta, on the other hand, is equally plausible. She maintains her grace and conviction throughout. Together, they make for a mature yet heart-warming old-age couple in a love story that's not the usual rosy one.
Kumud Mishra is great, just like one would expect from him in a cop role. The rest of the cast does a fine job, too, in bringing the story together.
Verdict
The writer-director Jaspal Singh Sandhu does a fine job of writing and narration. The first half, however, feels slow-paced. Nevertheless, it presents dots that you would want to join later. The climax has a good twist from what seems obvious until then.
The story is largely predictable, except for a few twists which seem interesting but are almost negligible. The suspense, which builds up slowly in the first half, compensates in the second half. Jaspal Singh Sandhu's narration and story are a hero, but the not-so-great execution dampens the experience. Unlike the first part, this one does not stay with you for long. Irrelevant, but unnecessary alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking could have been avoided.
Overall, Vadh 2 is a one-time watch for the love of crime thrillers, a good story, performances and the appeal of the first part.
Spoiler alert! Low-key disappointed that Ateet Singh did not dramatically reveal his full name at the end.
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