Review : Karthikeya 2 evokes drama and suspense with historical and mythological references!
After eight years of a successful first part of #Karthikeya, comes it’s sequel. #Karthikeya2 has a different setting and altogether new mission for the protagonist. The first part which was a riveting thriller with all commercial elements, the second part is mounted on a grand scale to appeal to the pan-Indian audiences. In the first part the antagonist, who believes in science, sticks to his beliefs the second one changes his vision of looking towards religion. The film is based on historical and mythological references, which evokes drama and suspense.
The movie opens in Greece where an archeologist from India finds a reference which dates back to Lord Krishna’s times. His life is in danger because a sophisticated gangster (Adithya Menon) wants that secret because he doesn’t want humanity to prosper. An animated backstory explains the story of an anklet belonging to Lord Krishna which is being chased by the antagonist. Away in Hyderabad, a young doctor, Karthikeya, (Nikhil Siddharth) who loves to charm snakes, backs science over religious practices. Once he slaps the Mayor for performing Havan in an operation room, for which he gets suspended. His mother, one of the most pious persons, takes him to Dwarka for obeisance. His life takes a 360 degrees turn there which takes him to many different places. The archeologist’s grand daughter Mugdha (Anupama Parameswaran) saves him from the clutches of police who were taking orders from the antagonist. After innumerable hurdles and action the film declares it’s third part.
Director Chandoo Mondeti gained a name with Karthikeya tries hard to make a similar impact. The first half is bit shaky but in second half the film holds ground. The story behind Lord Shri Krishna’s anklet and the mystery surrounding a telescope and a metal statue of a peacock brings interesting aspects to the narration. The archaeologist’s granddaughter Mugdha (Anupama Parameswaran) rescues him and they dig deeper into the mysterious incidents that happened. They discover a secret society that protects Lord Krishna’s anklet. Cinematography is excellent and so is production design. Music is not impactful and same goes for background score, which is unnecessarily loud at times.
Nikhil Siddharth scores with his stylised acting but this time around his character is not well etched out. Anupama Parameswaran has enough screen space but less dialogues. She does well in emotional scenes. They are well supported by Srinivasa Reddy and Harsha Chemudu. Anupam Kher makes an impressive appearance as a blind professor.
Karthikeya 2, with it’s technical brilliance and good performances, is a one time watch.
***