Indian 2 Review: If you have zero tolerance for poorly made films, steer clear of Hindustani 2: Zero Tolerance, as even the faintest patience will be tested. After 28 years, the iconic character from the 1996 film Hindustani returns, brought back by director S. Shankar. Despite the shortcomings of Hindustani 2, Shankar is already preparing for Hindustani 3, showcasing an apparent overconfidence.
Plot Summary:
Much like its predecessor, Hindustani 2 revolves around corruption. Chitra Aravindan (Siddharth), along with three friends, runs a satirical video channel called "Barking Dogs," highlighting corruption and related issues. The death of a girl profoundly affects him, prompting him to recall the vigilante known as Hindustani. He starts a social media campaign with the hashtag #ComebackIndian. In Taipei, Senapathy (Kamal Haasan), who has been awaiting a call to action, sees this as his moment to return. This time, Senapathy seeks the support of the younger generation.
Film Review:
If you’ve seen the original Hindustani, don’t expect this film to live up to its legacy. Hindustani 2 is filled with outdated clichés, making it hard to digest. The film fails to engage the youth with its unrealistic depiction of corruption, especially in today's social media-driven world. For instance, a doctor performs an appendix operation by watching a YouTube video, but the story abandons this subplot abruptly. Issues are raised without proper research or context relevant to current times.
Senapathy’s character now resembles a superhero, speaking multiple languages and performing incredible feats. He even turns a notorious fugitive businessman into a woman and kills him using his Verma Kalai skills. The extended chase scene in the climax, featuring Senapathy’s sudden six-pack abs, makes one question the film's credibility.
Performances:
Kamal Haasan is an exceptional actor, but even his talent can't save this outdated storyline. Siddharth delivers an emotionally compelling performance, but his character lacks a backstory to justify his rebellion against corruption. Rakul Preet Singh’s minor role is inconsequential. Talented actors like Gulshan Grover, Piyush Mishra, and Akhilendra Mishra are underutilized, making one wonder why they agreed to be part of this film.
Direction:
Expectations run high when S. Shankar directs, given his past successes with films like Robot, 2.0, and Anniyan. However, Hindustani 2 is a severe letdown. The film is excessively long, dragging to the point where viewers might wish for an end. The storyline feels incomplete, setting up for a continuation in Hindustani 3.
In conclusion, Hindustani 2: Zero Tolerance is a disappointing sequel that fails to capture the spirit of the original. With outdated plot points and unrealistic scenarios, it leaves much to be desired.