Raman Raghav 2.0: Compelling, yet hollow

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal, Sobhita Dhulipala, Amruta Subhash

Rating: 3/5

Cops and criminals are basically two sides of the same coin. Phantom films’ recent release Raman Raghav 2.0 relates to the same thought. Although there is a disclaimer stating “This film is not about him”, it does connect with the 1960s popular serial killer from Mumbai, Raman Raghav, who had a record of more than 40 murder charges against him.

The movie revolves around two brute serial killers, Ramanna (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a poor man and Raghav aka Raghuvendra Singh Ubbi (Vicky Kaushal), a cop. The film starts with a scene where both Ramanna and Raghav murder two individuals and are completely unaware of each other’s’ presence at the spot. This is followed by a series of murders and investigations, which make the movie interesting. Ramanna is shown as the one who hunts and kills innocent people, using a metal rod. To put the same graphically, I can say that he breaks the skull in, mashes the bones and leaves blood behind, enough for the police to follow up on the case.

Raghav surprisingly does the same. But to keep his image intact as a respected policeman, he ensures that all his deeds are kept in secret. In some cases, he comes across as a strong investigator, but in the rest, deep inside, his brain works the same way as Ramanna. He is rough and is seen as one with a carefree attitude, which also reflects in his relationship with his girlfriend (Shobhita Dulipala).

Initially, the makers convince us in believing that both the characters are quite different to each other. While one is charming as a cop, the other is crude as a homeless soul. But this belief changes as the film progresses. Soon, one will be able to realise that both Ramanna and Raghav are no different from each other. Raman Raghav is nothing but the story of two serial killers involved in mindless murders only for pleasure and nothing else.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s is known for his intriguing stories. His excellent filmmaking skills and camerawork can also be seen in this film. The story is gripping and hooks the viewers to the film. There are scenes such as Ramanna meeting his sister and Raghav meeting his father, which try to add some detail to the story, but somehow fail, as no flashback is shown. One would crave to know why Ramanna and Raghav commit such evil, brutal crimes.

All the actors in the movie have thoroughly justified the characters depicted in the movie. I believe the character of Ramanna was written keeping only Nawazuddin Siddiqui in mind. His looks, dialogue delivery, expressions and diction make the character very convincing. He is scary and entertaining. Vicky Kaushal is rough as a cop and a killer.

While the makers have been successful in showing some captivating scenes, bloodshed and carnage; they have missed on adding depth to the characters. Without the vital elements and background, the film seems hollow. Overall, I would say that Raman Raghav 2.0 is uncomplicated and interesting to watch, but in parts.