The Return of Indian Thatha: A Deep Dive into ‘Indian 2’
Twenty-eight years ago, director Shankar and actor Kamal Haasan introduced the Tamil audience to ‘Indian,’ a film that addressed the pervasive issue of corruption with a compelling narrative and memorable characters. The film’s protagonist, Senapathy, became an iconic figure, symbolizing the fight against corruption. Almost three decades later, ‘Indian’ remains relevant as corruption continues to plague various sectors of society. ‘Indian 2’ seeks to revive the legendary Senapathy to confront contemporary corruption. However, despite the anticipation and the legacy of its predecessor, ‘Indian 2’ struggles to deliver the same impact.
The Plot
Reintroducing Senapathy
In ‘Indian 2,’ we find Senapathy, now affectionately called Indian Thatha (grandfather), returning to combat corruption after a social media campaign reignites interest in his methods. Chitra Aravindan (Siddharth) and his friends, who run a YouTube channel called ‘Barking Dogs,’ launch the ‘Come Back Indian’ campaign, hoping that only Senapathy can effectively address corruption. The campaign gains traction, prompting Senapathy to emerge from the shadows and take drastic actions against corrupt individuals across India.
Expanding the Battle Against Corruption
This time, Senapathy’s crusade extends beyond Tamil Nadu to other states like Gujarat and Odisha. He punishes corrupt individuals in bizarre and often grotesque ways, drawing on martial arts techniques. Senapathy encourages his followers to embrace Gandhian principles while he continues to embody Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s revolutionary ideals. However, this dual approach soon backfires, leading to unintended consequences.
Characters and Performances
Kamal Haasan as Senapathy
Kamal Haasan reprises his role as Senapathy, the righteous vigilante. While his performance is commendable, the dubbing of his Hindi lines into Tamil feels off-putting and detracts from the authenticity of his character. Despite this, Haasan manages to bring gravitas to Senapathy, particularly in scenes where his ideals are put to the test.
Siddharth as Chitra Aravindan
Siddharth’s portrayal of Chitra Aravindan, the passionate YouTuber and activist, is uneven. He oversells his performance in some scenes, making it seem forced and unnatural. However, he redeems himself in an emotional sequence in the second half, showcasing his acting prowess.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Priya Bhavani Shankar, Rakul Preet Singh, Rishikanth, and Jagan, fails to leave a lasting impression. Bobby Simha and the late actor Vivekh bring some energy to their roles, but their contributions are limited. The songs by Anirudh Ravichander are forgettable, though AR Rahman’s nostalgic background score from the first film brings some relief.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Visual and Design Elements
One of the standout features of ‘Indian 2’ is its visual design. The dual-glass finish on the back of the phone is a testament to OPPO’s commitment to innovation and aesthetics. The combination of matte and glossy finishes creates a distinctive look, and the quad-curved glass design on the front enhances the ergonomic feel and reduces accidental touches. However, the practical drawbacks of dust accumulation and the phone’s wobbling when placed on flat surfaces cannot be overlooked.
Display Quality
The 6.7-inch fullHD+ display with quad-curved glass protection provides an excellent viewing experience. The 120 Hz refresh rate and smooth animation effects deliver a premium visual experience, while features like Adaptive Tone and HDR support enhance the overall quality. Despite minor issues with color contrast, the display remains one of the phone’s strong points.
AI Features and Camera System
OPPO’s integration of AI features in the Reno 12 Pro is noteworthy. The AI toolbox on the Smart Sidebar and features like AI Writer and AI Voice Transcription provide practical enhancements to the user experience. However, the camera system, despite its impressive specifications, falls short in delivering consistent quality. The primary and telephoto sensors perform well under natural lighting, but the ultra-wide sensor struggles in low light. The front-facing camera is a pleasant surprise, but overall, the camera system could benefit from software improvements.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip, the Reno 12 Pro handles daily tasks efficiently. However, performance glitches and heating issues during intensive tasks are concerns that need addressing through software updates. The 5,000 mAh battery provides adequate life for average usage, but heavy use drains it quickly. The 80W fast charging is a redeeming feature, offering quick power boosts when needed.
The Film’s Themes and Messages
Corruption and Its Consequences
‘Indian 2’ delves deep into the theme of corruption, much like its predecessor. The film explores how bribery and corruption infiltrate various sectors, from securing government jobs to obtaining contracts. Shankar meticulously portrays the consequences of these corrupt practices, but the execution often feels heavy-handed and repetitive.
Gandhian vs. Revolutionary Ideals
The film presents a juxtaposition of Gandhian and Netaji’s ideals through Senapathy’s actions and his encouragement of non-violent methods among his followers. This duality highlights the complexity of addressing corruption and the potential pitfalls of both approaches. However, the narrative struggles to balance these themes effectively, leading to a disjointed message.
Critical Reception
Absurdity and Over-the-Top Elements
‘Indian 2’ has faced criticism for its absurd and over-the-top elements. Scenes like a rich man acting like a horse after being struck by Senapathy or another man dying in an anti-gravity room while spitting saliva are examples of the film’s outlandish approach. These sequences, intended to be shocking and impactful, often come across as ridiculous and detract from the film’s serious message.
Forced and Unnatural Storyline
The storyline involving Siddharth and his YouTube channel feels artificial and rushed. The ease with which the ‘Come Back Indian’ campaign gains traction and leads to mass protests lacks credibility. The forced nature of these plot points undermines the film’s overall impact.
Redundancy and Length
‘Indian 2’ suffers from redundancy, with many sequences repeating the same points about corruption. The film’s length is another issue, with unnecessary fight scenes and prolonged sequences dragging the narrative. Cutting down the runtime by at least an hour could have made for a more cohesive and engaging film.
The Future: ‘Indian 3’
Teaser and Audience Reaction
Despite the shortcomings of ‘Indian 2,’ the teaser for ‘Indian 3’ at the end of the credits has generated excitement. The promise of goosebumps-inducing sequences and a potentially more focused narrative offers hope for a better continuation of Senapathy’s story.
Lessons Learned
The mixed reception of ‘Indian 2’ serves as a learning experience for director Shankar and the team. Addressing the issues of redundancy, forced plot points, and over-the-top elements can help create a more impactful and coherent film in the next installment.
‘Indian 2’ attempts to revive the legacy of Senapathy and address the ongoing issue of corruption. While the film has its strengths in visual design, AI features, and a few standout performances, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative. The over-the-top elements, forced storyline, and redundancy detract from its impact. However, the teaser for ‘Indian 3’ offers a glimmer of hope for the future. With lessons learned from ‘Indian 2,’ there is potential for the next installment to bring Senapathy’s story to a satisfying and impactful conclusion
