Movie Review: Kahaani 2…an ordinary story this time around

I remember writing for my original review that Kahaani was a rare gem. Kahaani 2 just affirms that fact. While it is again gripping and well-presented, the story itself isn’t all that great this time around and even though the build up is terrific, by the end of it all you are bound to leave the theater disappointed.

Kahaani 2 does a couple of things well. Firstly, it de-links any reference to the original which was the smart thing to do. Dragging that perfect story would’ve been a death knell. Secondly, it builds up really well. Sujoy Ghosh definitely knows how to tell a story – script and plot are king and he lets them have their day in the sun. In fact, Kahaani 2 smartly unfolds like exactly that – a story. A story that takes its time in building up through the chapters and with each advancing page adds more excitement for the reader.

The challenge is that in a movie of this genre, you want to be stumped – completely taken aback in disbelief that the smart director/ writer has thought of and presented a twist that simply never occurred to you. With Kahaani, we totally had that. With Kahaani 2, we simply don’t – the twist is so obvious, its apparent even as we watch it all unfolding and even then, there are so many elements that simply don’t add up.

Its that aspect, in fact, that relegates Kahaani 2 to the realms of the ordinary, where many a thriller has (unsuccessfully) gone before. Think of Talaash and remind yourself of the disappointment you felt at the final revelation – now raise that up a few notches and you should reach Kahaani 2.

The one thing that’s unchanged from Kahaani is Vidya Balan (including her orignal character’s name). Yes Bida is back and despite a completely new character, she is in fine form. Despite the weak storyline, Vidya Balan gives it her all and has us connecting with and caring for Bida (or is it Durga Rani Singh..I’ll stop here). Keeping her company is Arjun Rampal, who does a decent job and thankfully doesn’t have to emote too much.


Much in the vein of the original, this one too doesn’t waste time on unnecessary songs and keeps the presentation short and tight. With a more convincing climax and grand revelation, Kahaani 2 could well have counted as a worthy sequel. As it stands though, while its well-told, Kahaani 2 ulimately manages an ordinary story.