Hindustani 2: Kamal Hasan and S.Shankar’s critically planned sequel falls short of its magic.

The highly anticipated sequel to the classic Indian film “Hindustani 2″ (Hindi) “Indian 2” (Tamil) has finally arrived carrying the weight of great expectations on its shoulders. The original “Hindustani” (1996) was a cinematic marvel, blending action, drama, and a powerful social message with finesse. Unfortunately, the sequel fails to recapture the magic that made its predecessor a classic.

“Hindustani 2” plunges back into the narrative of Senapathy, the freedom fighter turned-vigilante who wages a one-man crusade against corruption in India. While the concept remains intriguing, the narrative struggles with pacing and coherence. Instead of a compelling, streamlined story, the film meanders through subplots and redundant scenes that dilute its impact.

The notion that India is threatened by external enemies and invaders has been turned on its head. The real danger facing the nation is not from outside forces, but rather from the corrupt and morally bankrupt individuals who inhabit the country. Corruption and immorality have plagued India from within, and the urgent need is to address these internal challenges rather than focus on external threats.

This isssue in the Indian society, seems to have dug its claws even deeper over the past 30 years, like a tenacious weed that refuses to be uprooted. A young, idealistic teacher driven to despair by the corrupt system takes his own life, while small-time government employees continue to greedily collect bribes at every turn. A student, burdened by insurmountable debt, ends his own life in a tragic act of desperation. Against this backdrop of moral decay, our stalwart Indian / Hindustani seems to have little effect on his appearance, and returns to the scene with renewed fervour.

In the year 2024, where our lives are intertwined with digital technology, Shankar, the visionary filmmaker, incorporates the power of social media into his story, showcasing how it can be wielded to bring about social change. In his narrative, Senapathy harnesses the medium to address the youth, urging them to take up the mantle against corruption, but the internet can be a double-edged sword. As his message goes viral, it sparks a wildfire of mixed reactions, with some branding him an “anti-national” and vicious trolling ensues.

One of the strengths of the original “Hindustani” was its sharp social commentary. “Hindustani 2” aspires to address pressing social issues, but its approach falls short of cohesion and smoothness, with various plot points and themes clashing rather than harmonising to form a seamless whole. The main themes are still present, but they are not explored with the same depth and conviction. The film’s message, which was once a clarion call for change, now feels muddled and diluted.

While the makers valiantly strive for a larger-than-life canvas and scale, the grandiosity leads to an oversaturation of plot points. The movie’s relentless ambition undermines its ability to delve into the complexity of its subject matter, resulting in a haphazard journey through the narrative. As Senapathy goes on a killing spree, the audience is left in a maze of action sequences without the depth and gravitas to anchor the film.

The greatest disappointment of Hindustani 2 is the lack of scope for Kamal Haasan to showcase his legendary acting prowess. His Senapathy is sadly stripped of the edgy charisma that defined his character in the original. Siddharth shines in his role as Chitra, channelling the passion of his character Karan Singhania from Rang De Basanti. However, Gulshan Grover, SJ Suryah, and Bobby Simha, despite their talents, are given little opportunity to make an impact in the story. While it may still appeal to die-hard fans of the original, “Hindustani 2” ultimately struggles to recreate the magic that made its predecessor an enduring favourite.