Karthikeya 2 movie review: an enthralling and enlightening blend of mythology and science, blessed by divine power of Lord Krishna

Karthikeya 2 movie review

A perfect Indian fantasy action adventure that is rooted in Indian mythology, Hindu religion, Sanatana Dharma and Indian culture.

The cinema that Indian should be making again and again exploring the great heritage and supreme knowledge derived from the greatest epic on earth –Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana.

India’s Hindi cinema – Bollywood should rather focus more on the rich Indian stories from the Indian mythologies, history rather than looking for inspirations from west and unnecessarily touching vintage classics for unwanted remakes.

There is a growing interest in stories rooted in Indian pride, history and ethos. S. S. Rajamouli has been the most successful commercially.

Karthikeya 2 reminds of the great days when movies like Jai Santoshi Maa (May1975) setting its own trend amidst the storm called Sholay (August 1975). It must be noted that movies during those era were not all India release at one go, they use to release in pockets in different territories.

Coming back to Karthikeya 2 as a film (reports of its Hindi version knocking off Bollywood biggies like Aamir Khan starrer Laal Singh Chaddha and Akshay Kumar’s Raksha Bandhan is already a talk of the town).

This is the review of the Hindi version and the dubbing is very good.

Now finally coming back to Karthikeya 2, I found it more enhanced in production values and technicalities than the original Karthikeya (2014). Kartthikeya was inspired by an incident in the Talupulamma Temple in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh.

Karthikeya 2 has nothing to do with the 2014 Karthikeya and it’s an independent film. The lead character Nikhil Siddhartha is the same as a doctor.

So, are we seeing a pan India brand in the making in Karthikeya – the curious doctor in his escapades, exploring the rich Indian culture heritage, breaking myths and giving enlightenment and entertainment at will.

Karthikeya 2 is a well narrated fantasy action adventure that gains spiritual grounds when the philosophy and greatness of Lord Krishna comes into light.

Karthik Gattamneni’s eye popping cinematography is just brilliant, from Greece to Dwarka to Himalayas, the Chandrashila mountain, the water fall, the vibrant colours of Dwarka nagri it’s a visual treat.

The action sequences are nicely shot and will raise your pulse. The mention of the community Abheera (Venkatesh Mummudi) gives a new twist and pumps up the thrills.

Lord Krishna is depicted in animation and its looks very colorful and pleasing.

The enlightenment on Lord Krishna during the Anupam Kher’s sequence will make your heart filled with joy and pride.

Performance

Nikhil Siddharth as Karthik is fantastic right from the word go, the actor rules the screen with his charm.

Anupama Parameswaran as Mugdha is fabulous.

Anupam Kher in a cameo as a scholar, Dhanwantri is at his known best.

The supporting cast chips in with marvelous support - Srinivasa Reddy as Sadananda and Harsha Chemudu as Suleman provides a couple of light moments.

Adithya Menon as Santanu Mukherjee has its moments. K.S. Sridhar as Professor Rao is fine. Venkatesh Mummudi as Abheera is very good. Tulasi as Karthik's mother fits the bill. Praveen and Satya as Karthik's friend are decent.

Flaws

Some scenes pop up without proper explanation. At times it seems like the narrative is adjusted for convenience.

Final words

Karthikeya 2 reconfirms the fact that Lord Krishna is the greatest teacher, greatest philosopher, greatest musician, greatest architect and much more. The above enlightenment is done through an engaging, action packed and entertaining, fantasy adventure rooted in Indian culture, history and mythology.