KGF: Chapter 2 review: Stylishly made sequel that is high on action, entertaining in parts

Director: Prashanth Neel

Music director: Ravi Basrur

Cinematographer: Bhuvan Godwa

Editor: Ujwal Kulkarni

Cast: Yash, Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Prakash Raj, Srinidhi Shetty, Rao Ramesh, Easwari Rao, Anant Nag, and many others

Synopsis: Anand Vasiraju’s son Vijayendra Vasiraju (Prakash Raj) takes the role to narrate the story of Raja Krishnappa Bairya aka Rocky Bhai who has now become the ruler of Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) after killing Garuda. But as he decides to own the world, he finds big foes in the form of Adheera (Sanjay Dutt) and Ramika Sen (Raveena Tandon), and then the film follows how he tackles all of this in getting to rule the world, the way his mother wanted him.

The first Chapter of KGF already set the tone for a slick gangster-esque film that is high on style and wants us to get surprised with its set pieces rather than look for logical loopholes. The first part of the film was all about establishing Rocky's intentions and powers and ended on a high note with Rocky killing Garuda, which led him to be the messiah for the people and for the land.

You might wonder now that Rocky has no obstacle, what is there as stakes for him, but that's where Prashant Neel introduces us to a brand new character Adheera (Sanjay Dutt) who is inspired by Vikings and his sight itself fears men like when Rocky's name comes up. He is inspired by Vikings and is menacing, evil, and easily triggered, who, just wants his KGF back.

What works in this sequel is the sheer scope that the film went on to take from its several grand set pieces that are shot flawlessly with technical prowess including Adheera's introduction scene to the climax fight between Rocky and Adheera, everything works out well catering to the star's fan base and to the general audience.

The story in its first half progresses so quickly with its editing by Ujwal Kulkarni (splendid job done by the way) manages to make the film as tight as possible. From the super-cool action scenes to the powerful dialogues delivered by the characters, everything invokes a different feeling of fear in us and as usual with Bhuvan Godwa's Cinematography in the first film, the colour grading appears more darker and menacing which aptly suits this one.

With all the mass movements and equal weightage given to the existing characters in the Rocky universe, the film moves at a steady pace until the second half which halters the pacing. The unnecessary romantic angle between Yash and Srinidhi Shetty feels so forced and out of place.

Srinidhi Shetty's role is in itself becomes problematic if taken seriously which the film clearly doesn't. Rocky brings her home as he considers his 'entertainment', same type of incident happens with another Blockbuster Pan-Indian film 'Pushpa', where Pushpa Raj (Allu Arjun) pays Srivalli (Rashmika) to get a kiss.It's high time Pan-Indian films that appeals to a larger audience avoid such portrayal of women in media.

The staple mother sentiment also feels forced when we see Rocky's mom singing in a paddy field or in a subsequent scene where she shouts at doctors for calling her child sick.

But, few scenes work, for example, a scene of her mother in a dream consoling her child to sleep to stop his wailing -- works wonders.

Yash aka South Star is so flamboyant and sauve as Rocky Bhai. The actor perfectly understands the character and breathes into it. He plays Rocky bhai with ease and makes him of his own. He mouths more tackly dialogues but that doesn't sound odd at all which is job done right and Sanjay also shines striking the right amount of fear with violent activities. Special mention to Raveena Tandon as the PM of India who also delivers an earnest performance.

Through you know what you have signed up for, Yash and Sanjay Dutt who are shown to be as two invincible men, do get shot and hurt while pitted at each other. The stunts cheoroghed in the film are grand, inventive and do not defy logic in most places.

Editor Ujwal Kulkarni work is also were clean with slick cuts of previous film really rekinds our memory, but the black-out-pattern in editing expect for car chase scene spoils the mood of the film.

Ravi Basrur's chest thumping music have elevated KGF: Chapter 2 to a different level.

Overall, KGF Chapter 2 is a technically well-made sequel that has several clap-worthy moments for it's fans. The climax of the film is shot in the most cathartic way that when the rockets hit the ship, you feel he is gone.