Vash Level 2 – A Darker, Deeper Horror Experience
The Gujarati film industry has surprised many people in the past few years by bringing strong thrillers and horror stories to the screen. In 2023, Vash became one of the most talked-about Gujarati films because of its gripping story and intense horror treatment. The movie also got recognition at the National Film Awards. Now, in 2025, director Krishnadev Yagnik has returned with the sequel, Vash Level 2.
This time, he does not just repeat the formula. He builds on the earlier story, raises the stakes, and shows a larger canvas of horror. The film released on 27 August 2025 in Gujarati, along with a Hindi-dubbed version titled Vash Vivash Level 2. The sequel features familiar faces like Janki Bodiwala, Hitu Kanodia, and Hiten Kumar, along with new characters.
The question before release was clear: Can Vash Level 2 match the terrifying impact of the original, or will it fade in comparison? Let us explore in detail.
Storyline
The film takes place twelve years after the events of the first part. Atharva, played by Hitu Kanodia, still carries the scars of saving his daughter Arya from the evil hypnotic powers of Pratap. Life looks normal on the surface, but darkness still hides inside Arya.
One day, strange incidents begin again. A group of schoolgirls falls under the spell of a hypnotic force. Atharva realizes that the evil energy has returned, stronger than before. Arya, played by Janki Bodiwala, finds herself drawn into the nightmare once again. The family faces a haunting battle against a supernatural force that wants complete control.
The story works because it combines personal emotions with a larger horror situation. The first film focused mainly on one family, while the sequel expands into a school setting. This makes the danger feel bigger and more terrifying.
Performances
Janki Bodiwala (Arya):
Janki gives a powerful performance. She does not use many words, but her eyes and silence carry fear. When she stares blankly, the audience feels chills. She plays Arya with both innocence and mystery, which keeps viewers on edge.
Hitu Kanodia (Atharva):
Hitu delivers one of the most emotional roles in Gujarati horror cinema. He plays a father who refuses to give up. His grief and his strength come out clearly in every scene. His scenes with Arya bring a deep emotional weight to the film.
Hiten Kumar and Monal Gajjar:
They add support to the story. Hiten brings authority, while Monal gives balance in tense moments. Though their roles are not as central as Janki and Hitu’s, they help build the larger canvas of the sequel.
The film proves again that horror does not work only on visual effects. Strong performances make the fear feel real, and the cast delivers that.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Krishnadev Yagnik shows confidence in his storytelling. He does not depend only on jump scares or loud background music. He uses silence, shadows, and timing to create fear. In the first half, the story moves quickly and grips the audience. Scenes inside the school feel especially terrifying, because the film shows many children under one hypnotic force.
The second half slows down and tries to tie too many things together. Some scenes feel rushed, and the climax comes too suddenly. Many viewers felt that the ending could have used more build-up. Still, Yagnik’s control over tension in the opening half sets a very high bar for Indian horror films.
Cinematography and Music
Prashant Gohel and Haresh S. Bhanushali handle the cinematography. They use dark frames, narrow hallways, and low-lit rooms to build tension. The camera often stays on characters’ faces for long seconds, forcing the audience to wait and feel the discomfort.
Andrew Samuel’s music supports the horror without overwhelming it. The background score uses low sounds and sudden silences. At times, the absence of music feels scarier than loud effects. This style matches the director’s focus on psychological fear rather than cheap tricks.
Audience Reactions
Social media platforms filled with strong reactions after the release. Many viewers called it the “best Indian horror film in years.” They said the film gave them a “crazy experience” in theatres. Fans loved the first half and praised Janki’s performance as unforgettable.
But not everyone agreed. Some viewers felt the second half looked weaker. They called the climax “half-baked” and said the film did not carry the same deep emotional impact as the first part. The mixed reactions show that the film divides the audience but also proves that it leaves a strong impression either way.
Critic Reviews
- India Forums gave the film 4 out of 5 stars. The review praised the film for creating a lasting sense of unease and for Janki’s chilling screen presence.
- India Today gave it 3 out of 5 stars. The review appreciated the first half but criticized the rushed climax.
- Scroll said the film offers effective shocks and nightmarish visuals but suffers from diminishing returns as the story goes on.
- Filmibeat called it a pacy, chaotic horror experience that raises the bar for Gujarati cinema but also noted its uneven writing.
Overall, critics agree that Vash Level 2 pushes Gujarati cinema into bold new territory, even if it does not completely solve its pacing issues.
Comparison With the Original
The first Vash shocked audiences because they had rarely seen such horror come from Gujarati cinema. It was tight, emotional, and claustrophobic. Vash Level 2 expands the scope and shows bigger horror scenes, but some people miss the intimacy of the original.
The sequel feels more ambitious, but ambition also makes it uneven. Fans who wanted a personal, emotional story like the first one may feel less connected here. However, those who want larger-scale horror and mass thrills will enjoy the new direction.
Box Office and Buzz
The film started with a strong opening in Gujarat and attracted audiences in other states too, especially because of the Hindi-dubbed release. The budget of around ₹5 crore makes it a mid-range production, and early reports suggest that the film will recover its cost quickly. Netizens also started comparing it with Shaitaan 2, the Hindi remake sequel, and many believe that Vash Level 2 already looks stronger.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Strong performances by Janki Bodiwala and Hitu Kanodia
- Silent horror that builds tension without cheap tricks
- First half delivers nonstop chills and effective scares
- Ambitious scale that expands the story world
Weaknesses
- Second half slows down and loses energy
- Climax feels rushed and underdeveloped
- Some characters could have used more depth
- Comparisons with the original lower its emotional impact
Conclusion
Vash Level 2 proves that Gujarati cinema can compete with the best horror films in India. It does not just rely on scares. It mixes strong performances, emotional depth, and confident direction. The film may not be perfect, and the climax may feel hurried, but it still leaves the audience shaken and disturbed.
For horror fans, it offers an unforgettable theatre experience. For the Gujarati film industry, it sets a new benchmark in scale and ambition. For casual viewers, it may feel uneven but still worth watching.
In simple words, Vash Level 2 is not just another horror sequel. It is a bold attempt to raise the standard of regional cinema. It delivers fear, emotion, and drama—sometimes with great success and sometimes with flaws. But one thing is certain: people will talk about it for a long time.
