Kahaani 2: Balan’s powerplay steals the show in a predictable plot

Cast: Vidya Balan, Arjun Rampal, Jugal Hansraj, Amba Sanyal, Naisha Khanna and Kharaj Mukherjee

Rating: 3.5/5

Blame it on the teaser for it has revealed the plot of the film.

Four years after the release of Kahaani, Sujoy Ghosh returns with a new storyline which is intriguing, but not as much as the first. However, his two key and beloved factors – Balan and Bengal, remain the same and carry an identical impact.

Set amidst the backdrop of Chandan Nagar and Kolkata, Kahaani 2 begins with Vidya Sinha – a middle class lady who strives to balance her career and her personal life, thereby taking care of her wheel-chair bound daughter, Mini. The duo shares an adorable chemistry and plan to take off to the US for the Mini’s treatment. But fate has something else for the two and in no time threats loom over them, and their life turns into a nightmare leaving everyone bewildered.

As she lies in Coma, Sub Inspector Inderjeet Singh (Arjun Rampal) walks into the scene. He faintly remembers the patient lying on the bed, but recognises her as Durga Rani Singh. With the only intention to help her, Singh takes the case and gives it personal attention. But who is Durga? What are the threats? What went wrong? Who comes to rescue? The suspense unfolds with every scene and frame of Kahaani 2.

Tapan Basu captures the cold, dark, real and enticing visuals with finesse, which complement the narration quite a lot. Further, Ghosh's focussed screenplay and Namrata Rao's pace-enhancing editing is outstanding and helps the audience from the distracting tangents. The narration of the film is commendable. It oscillates from one intense moment to another keeping one hooked to the seats and some biting the nails too.

Vidya Balan steals the show in the film and once again turns this to one of her strongest performances in recent years. Highly convincing as Vidya and Durga, she comes across as a strong, feisty and determined with the mission she strives to achieve throughout the movie. No flaw can be spotted in her character of a tough mother who faces everything for her daughter.

Rampal’s entry comes in a bit late, but he is surprising in the film too. He is commendable as a sub inspector and handles his character responsibly. Other actors Jugal Hansraj, Amba Sanyal, Naisha Khanna and Kharaj Mukherjee, who have contributed to the film, have a decent role to play and deliver their characters with at most justice.

The dialogues are simple, easy to understand (the ones in Bengali) and thankfully do not hamper the film in any way. The film has fewer gimmicks and no or less humour. The story is simple, snappy and well narrated - all credits to Rao’s editing. Amidst all the praises it would be unfair if light is not thrown on the music. Unlike the earlier release, this film doesn’t have an impressive or soul stirring soundtrack.

Overall, I feel it would be unfair to compare the 2012 Kahaani with this, for both the movies have distinctive story. Balan as Vidya and Durga is phenomenal and Kahaani 2 is riveting and intriguing, so much so that you’ll feel your raising heart beats. Go for it. The suspense awaits.