DRISHYAM 2

The slow-moving sequel has a stellar lead performance

Starring: Mohanlal, Meena, Esther Anil, Ansiba, Asha Sharath, Murali Gopi, Ajith Koothattukulam Director: Jeethu Joseph

THE outstanding 2013 Malayalam language film was such a huge hit that it was remade in six other languages, including a great Bollywood adaptation starring Ajay Devgn and a massively successful Chinese version. Now the original director and lead cast have teamed up for a direct sequel set six years later.

Having got away with cunningly covering up an accidental murder, the now wealthy Georgekutty and his family are seemingly living a tranquil life. Outwardly, they seem to have moved on, but behind the perfect façade is a wife living in worry and an elder daughter, who remains a nervous wreck because of the original crime.

Even though the police are still trying to figure out the original murder, Georgekutty is planning to make a movie, but all is not as it seems.

The Malayalam family-dramathriller recently premiered on Amazon Prime video and not surprisingly, doesn’t match up to the fabulous first part. What made Drishyam so engaging was the battle of wits between a clever man trying to protect his family at all costs and a police officer determined to solve a crime.

The sluggish sequel starts off slowly and isn’t able to really get going until the mid-way point. Although it would be unfair to compare it to the original, the twists just don’t have the same

impact and the audience is now less invested in the characters.

The second half is a lot stronger and when things do start falling into place it gets interesting. At the heart of all the action is a winning performance from legendary lead star Mohanlal, who keeps you engaged with another stellar performance. The supporting cast are also in fine form. While some will appreciate the ending, others will be left dissatisfied.

Although Drishyam 2 isn’t able to do justice to part one, that shouldn’t stop you from checking it out to see how the whole saga concludes.

Just don’t compare it to the superb first part.