Caught in two turfs, Kahaani 2 ends up predictable

Dubai - Kahaani 2's saving grace is Vidya Balan but then we already know that she is a seasoned performer, writes Deepa Gauri

Kahaani, the 2012 film, came with little expectations. No one really knew what to expect from it and Vidya Balan's bold portrayal and a fantastic screenplay defined it as a cult classic film for keepsake.

Kahaani 2 doesn't have that luxury. For one, we are primed for something even better, even smarter, even more real than its predecessor (let us not call this a sequel).

I found Kahaani thoroughly enjoyable until the moment when Vidya Bagchi threw away her 'pregnancy padding' and became the hot-shot inspector. That was the vintage 'butler' moment when all the build-up we were given suddenly was reduced to a gimmick.

Kahaani 2, however, falls, tumbles and fails on several more counts. And it all happens post-interval. The first half is as gripping as it can get, and shows that Sujoy Ghosh has a masterful director in him.

Without going into too much of plot spoilers, let us say that the proceedings are tightly wrapped, weaving a fantastic air of mystery around Vidya Balan's Vidya Sinha/Durga Rani Singh.

Who is she really? Is she the villain of the piece or will she shed any other layer to spring another surprise?

The film brings out disturbing social issues, and how the society reacts to them, through the eyes of its protagonists - each of them well-crafted and defined.

The anguish that Vidya brings out in that frantic search for her daughter is perhaps one of the most defining performances in recent times - totally uninhibited yet controlled.

Cut to a hospital ward, where a seriously injured Vidya intrigues cop Inderjeet Singh (Arjun Rampal). Her diary brings an added twist to the flow, giving three perspectives for audiences to mull over.

Kahaani 2Starring: Vidya Balan, Arjun Rampal

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh

Now playing at theatres in the UAE

Rating: 3/5

• City Times