Drishyam 2 is that sequel we all deserved as well as a masterclass on how to make them. It doubles up with new characters and an engaging plot. Riveting, dramatic and wholesome – this film is a treat for the fans of Drishyam and the thriller genre at large.

The Drishyam franchise is a remake of the Malyalam films titled the same helmed by Jeethu Joseph. While the Original Drishyam 2 released direct to OTT on Amazon Prime Video, the Hindi version is seeing a theatrical release. Based on the story by Jeethu Joseph, the adaptation is written by Aamil Keeyan Khan and Abhishek Pathak. Drishaym was directed by late Nikshikant Kamat while the Hindi sequel is directed by Abhishek Pathak himself who is also the producer of the film (Panorama Pictures).

Drishyam 2 starts off where its predecessor had ended because ‘some truths never stay burried’. But is it really possible to outwit Vijay Salgaokar – the smartest man out there? The story has moved 7 years ahead of the ‘2nd & 3rd October’. Vijay and his family have moved on and living a life trying to put the past behind them. But can they really live peacefully? The old characters resurface and this time, there are also some new characters to further the plot. Without dweling more into the story, I’ll cut this short to keep it spoiler-free and dive straight into the technicalities.

The story by Jeethu Joseph is extremely smart. While one angle of the plotline using which the case is reopened might seem a little forced just for the sake of spinning off a sequel, it is well integrated later in the narratrive wiothout letting the audience feel the same. The story doesn’t unravel much for the first hour. However, it still keeps you hooked and at the edge of your seats. It is only in the second half that the hair-raising action takes place. And, all the complications of the case are vaporated in the climax which is just mind-blwoing and something that you couldn’t even imagine even when you had all the hints. Also, on the writing front – the Hindi dialogues are very well written with a lot of smart punch-lines. The makers have done a great job adapting the screenplay so very neatly.

On the performance front – Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Tabu, Kamlesh Swanat (Gaitonde) perform with the same intensity of the prequel. It seems that Ajay Devgn haven’t lost the character and continuity even a little bit. The notable addition to the cast this time is the new IG played by Akshaye Khanna. He is stunning with his fierce cop looks and peculiar charm. The kids don’t have much scope in this one but Ishita Dutta who plays Anju Salgaokar does a great job with her bit. In a nutshell, Drishyam is what it is because of Ajay Devgn!

On the technical front, Abhishek Pathak does a great job handling the cast and translating the adaptaion to the screen very flawlessly. He doesn’t let you miss Nishikant Kamat and holds the story with the same grip. The cinematography and editing is exceptional. The makers are able to create the required atmosphere and tension. The visuals are very mellow and aptly dim and depressing. The editing is crisp with the length being decent yet making you feel that the movie was very short. The BGM is decent adding to build up the mood. The sound-track, though, is average with forgettable tracks.
On the whole, Drishyam 2 is a must watch for the exceptional story, the thrilling experience and more than anything – for the fandom of this amazing franchise!

You can watch the trailer here: