SATYAMEVA JAYATE 2
Producers: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, Nikkhil Advani
Director: Milap Milan Zaveri
Starring: John Abraham, Divya Khosla Kumar
Written by: Milap Milan Zaveri
SATYAMEVA JAYATE 2 is a take on vigilantism. Satya Azad (John Abraham) is an honest and upright home minister in an alliance led Uttar Pradesh. He tries to pass an anti-corruption bill in the assembly but not only his own alliance partners oppose it, but his wife Vidya Azaad (Divya Khosla Kumar), who is the daughter of the CM Chandra Prakash (Harsh Chhaya). Around the same time, a mysterious vigilante starts killing corrupt people too, starting with a doctor who went on strike, and patients had to die because of him. The CM is not impressed with it and hands the case to DCP, who in turn hands the case to Jay Balram Azaad (John Abraham), twin brother of Satya Balram Azaad. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
The film without a doubt is Milap Zaveri’s ode to the 80s, the only problem with that is, while such stories may work today but this kind of treatment doesn’t. The film obviously has a mass appeal to it but it is not so appealing. People love watching such heavy action films but not when the things are so over the top. Truth does triumph, but not this film.
Technically, the film is fine. Cinematography by Dudley is decent. Editing could have been slicker. Action by Amin Khatib is one of the highlights of the film. Music doesn’t really work in the film but the song ‘Kusu Kusu’ is of the chartbuster variety. The production design and the costume design are good. The writing could have been improved.
Performance wise, the film is good. The only shining light about this film are the performances. Especially John Abraham who is quite literally the heart and soul of the film and he puts in a massive shift in the film. Seeing him in action is always a joy to watch. If action was one highlight of the film, it’s John who made it a complete package and delivered it in a fantastic way. Divya Khosla Kumar looks great and has an endearing screen presence. She gives a strong and commendable performance. Harsh Chhaya is decent. Anup Soni doesn’t get much scope. The rest of the cast offer good support.
Director Milap Zaveri doesn’t quite get the execution right of the film, although he extracts some worthy performances from his cast.