REVIEW - 'Drishyam 2' (2021)

Thriller films have always had its audience who wish for more of it, especially those that worked well; these are the ones for which we expect a sequel. In contrast, Mollywood has delivered many excellent thrillers—yet the 2013 film “Drishyam” has left its mark over the audiences. The sequel has created a lot of buzz ever since its announcement, and now it’s finally out on Amazon Prime today.

“Drishyam 2” takes off six years after the incident of the first part. As time has passed, a lot has changed in the life of Georgekutty (Mohanlal) and his family. Georgekutty, an early cable TV operator, has now grown to become a film theatre owner and a film producer in the making. He has also been writing a script and another writer for few years but is not in a hurry to complete the script because he wants it to be an exceptional experience for viewers.

A lot changes in his life, but he remains the same family man at heart, and he shares a beautiful bond with his wife (Meena) and daughters. But as the story progresses, we learn that the fear of the past, which the family thought they have surpassed, is not the case. Police are covertly still scrutinizing them over the mysterious vanishing of Varun (the character from the first part), whose murder was pointed at Georgekutty and his family. When a crucial discovery happens in the case, the dark light is once again on the family, and the investigation reopens. Is Georgekutty blameworthy or not, and how will he secure his family this time shapes the narrative’s core.

The first part of “Drishyam” was wildly praised and remade in different languages. It’s always tough to pull the same success in the sequel, yet its makers do exceptional work in setting up the sequel. The sphere of “Drishyam 2” is delightfully formed. A lot of approbation goes to talented adroit Writer/Director Jeethu Joseph for creating an unfeigned sequel with well-established dramatic personas. The writing is neat with much-needed changes, yet the original format arc is maintained in the first part.

Mohanlal in a scene from “Drishyam 2,” Aashrivad Cinemas, 2021.

We see all family characters had a lot of compassion for the family. They were falsely accused of a murder the police couldn’t reveal. In the current time, the same people are envious, and few are even considering him a mastermind criminal. The screenplay, the first part, is much more about the family’s life, and in no time we are introduced to the film’s new characters. With “Drishyam 2,” it takes a bit longer for the plot to get set, unlike the first part, which might create a bit of concern for viewers who have less patience. Once the story takes its place, it plunges audiences into a thriller that is everything we have hoped for and makes your patience worth it. The narrative gets incredibly complex yet, thrilling towards the end.

Mohanlal is among the finest actors and a great example for many aspiring actors. At the same time, he has played many iconic characters in his long career. With “Drishyam 2,” he brings back Georgekutty, the smart-brained family man that can go to any limit to save his family. In part 2, he gives us the same sense of the portrayal of the character, but with a touch of great expressions and maturity. He delivers a flawless role with ease, which provides the film its needed depth. Actress Meena as Rani is exquisite along with their on-screen daughters Esther and Ansiba. Murali Gopi as a cop and rest of the cast is pitch-perfect that helps film set the right thriller mode.

Overall, “Drishyam 2” is a sequel that matches the first part. It’s a slow-burning thriller that takes its time. Still, once it takes on pace, you will be delighted with the experience it gives. The film has all one can hope for: a captivating story and stellar acting of the cast. The film is a must-watch over the weekend.

You can find this film now on Amazon Prime.