After a lot of buzz about sex quotient in Murder 2, Bhatts’ camp proves successful again with lethal combination of Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt, Emraan Hashmi and Mohit Suri.
Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt choose not to make cinema with big stars. In its place, they substitute stars with big initiatives and innovative concepts. In fact, their fondness to work with a new cast and crew is purely unstoppable. An innovative story with admirable doses of eroticism has always proved a winning blend.
The Bhatts' new offering is the sequel to Murder. This one's set in Goa for the period of Christmas and New Year, when vacationers gather this hugely popular touristy destination. The busy streets and beaches make it impossible for the authorities to keep tabs on everyone and everything. A serial killer is on the loose... An interesting concept, without any doubt!
The writer of this movie may have drawn some inspiration from the Korean film The Chaser, but it's not an unashamed rip-off. Nor is it a remake or adaptation of the American action film 12 Rounds. ‘Murder 2’ deals with the crimes related to the flesh trade and it exposes the dark side of the society.
Murder 2 offers a seat sticking entertainment and forward Murder franchise in bold way. It's not a sequel in the true sense of the word. It has a totally new story to tell with fresh characters, is bolder and far more erotic, plus the conflict between the good and the evil is one of the key components of the franchise.
Mohit Suri, who had directed the sequel to Raaz – The Mystery Continues, is also entrusted the responsibility of taking the Murder series forward. Compared to what Anurag Basu did in Murder, Murder 2 is a dark movie. Mohit is a capable, stylish narrator and he leaps notches above the prequel in every aspect. There are some scenes that may appear upsetting, but that's the strength of this film. It's not for the weak-hearted. In point of fact, Mohit and writer Shagufta Rafique take the story to a heightened violent level.
Arjun (Emraan Hashmi) is an ex-cop who earns his bread doing the odd jobs for gangsters and flesh traders. Arjun meets Sameer, a Goan flesh-peddler, who has been suffering a huge loss as his hookers have been disappearing mysteriously. He assigns Arjun the responsibility of tracing the missing girls. Priya (Jacqueline Fernandez), a model, loves Arjun. However, he is hesitant to commit to this relationship.
Arjun realizes that the missing hookers are connected by one cell phone number. He decides that in order to catch the lion one must feed him the lamb. He devises a plan that involves sending a girl to the particular customer.
Reshma (Sulagna Panigrahi), a college student, takes to prostitution to support her family. She becomes the innocent prey and is sent to the antagonist Dheeraj's [Prashant Narayan] house. The unexpected happens. In the meantime, Arjun and Dheeraj cross paths. Arjun gets into a tiff with Dheeraj and they both land up at the police station. Dheeraj admits to a crime so heinous that even the police are stunned by his outrageous behavior.
Now it's all up to Arjun. He has just one night to find proof against Dheeraj and also trace Reshma.
Director Mohit Suri and writer Shagufta Rafique come to the point at the very start, when a horrible murder takes place. Afterward, we are introduced to the varied characters in the plot and what makes it all the more interesting is that all characters are either grey or black. Also, the identity of the serial killer is never concealed, but the reason is, which one realizes much later. It comes as a shock, honestly!
While the screenplay gives you no time to wonder about since it unravels at an excited tempo, the assorted characters and their tracks keep you on tenterhooks throughout. The victim finds herself cornered, the ex- cop is looking for evidence, the serial killer finds himself being shielded by a powerful and influential person... the sequence of events that lead to the culmination are truly nerve-racking.
The sequence between Emraan and Jacqueline at the former's home, with Jacqueline in an intoxicated state, appears like a forced add-on. Also, one misses the chartbusting 'Bheege Honth Tere' kind of track in this hour, since the two songs that are enormously popular have been placed in the first hour.
Director Mohit Suri reignites the sparkle that he illustrated in his early movies. He's a skilled, competent storyteller and this film reiterates the fact yet again. Ditto for writer Shagufta Rafique, who's supremely talented as well. Though she may seem inspired from a source, Shagufta gives Murder 2 her own color and shade. Both Mohit and Shagufta push the limits in terms of the characters and the situations that have been created. The Bhatts have always had a good track record as far as music goes and Murder 2 is no exception. If one avoids comparing the soundtrack with the prequel, this movie has a rich soundtrack that works fine. 'Haal E Dil' and the track filmed on Yana Gupta at the onset, 'Aa Zara', are first-rate compositions. Ravi Walia's cinematography is excellent.
Both Emraan and Prashant Narayanan compete for top honors. Emraan delivers a strong-willed performance, playing the angry guy to perfection. He's so with the character. In fact, this would rank amongst Emraan's most accomplished performances. Prashant is a dynamic actor. This movie is sure to make people sit up and notice this magnificent talent. Stepping into Mallika's shoes in the sequel is Jacqueline. Like Mallika, she takes the boldness quotient to the next level with her sexy and hot presence. In fact, she gets little chance to display histrionics, but she makes a sincere attempt to portray her character with care.
Sulagna Panigrahi is a talent to watch out for. She's first-rate. Sudhanshu Pandey performs his part with a lot of coolness. Sandiip Sikcand astonishes with a stellar act. Though a brief part, his act adds a lot of spice to the proceedings. Shweta Kawatra shines in that lone sequence. Yana Gupta sizzles in the opening track.
In general, Murder 2 is one of the finest crime stories to come out of the Hindi movie industry. Also, as a movie, it lives up to the expectations that you may associate from a sequel of a hit. This one's bolder, more erotic and has a narrative that will surprise and astonish you.
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