Slow, Sharp, and Surprisingly Satisfying.

Slow, Sharp, and Surprisingly Satisfying : My quick take on “Vadh 2” (theatrical release)

Let me start with a mild spoiler alert. Vadh 2 is not a sequel in the conventional sense. The makers call it a “spiritual sequel.” I am still not entirely sure what that means. Maybe it means same vibe, different story, and no homework required. The good news is you can watch it without seeing Vadh. It works perfectly well as a standalone film.

The only bridge to the earlier film is the presence of Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta. Whether they are playing the same couple is unclear. It does not feel like it. Either way, continuity is not something you need to lose sleep over.

The story revolves around these two senior characters. Sanjay Mishra plays a jail guard. Neena Gupta is an inmate serving a long term sentence. They share a surprisingly endearing relationship, separated by a prison wall and connected by conversations that feel genuine and layered.

The plot is a slow burn. At times predictable. And yes, there are moments where you think you know where it is heading. But despite that, it keeps you engaged. The credit goes largely to the outstanding performances by the two veteran actors and the intelligent writing. The narrative unfolds in a measured, layered manner, somewhat reminiscent of Drishyam, where details matter and revelations are carefully timed.

The film also takes forward the debate of “vadh” versus “hatya.” One is positioned as an act done for the supposed betterment of society. The other is simply murder. The makers do not spoon feed you the moral answer. They let the dilemma sit there, expecting the audience to think. A risky expectation in times when many prefer background music to do the thinking.

The supporting cast performs well, and the production design, especially the octagonal set, is impressive and thoughtfully executed.

I genuinely liked the film. Watch it even if you have not seen the prequel. Not just for the performances, but to support filmmakers who attempt layered, content driven cinema. Otherwise, we will continue asking why Bollywood does not make meaningful films like the Malayalam industry, while quietly ignoring the ones that actually try.