Bhamakalapam 2, the sequel to the 2022 web film ‘Bhamakalapam’, has just premiered on the Aha OTT platform. Below is our review of this heist thriller.
Plot:
Anupama (played by Priyamani), burdened by her troubled past, leads a secluded life. Alongside her maid Shilpa (Sharanya Pradeep), she operates a restaurant and participates in the Cooking Idol 2023 contest organized by the wealthy Antony Lobo (Anuj Gurwara), whose intentions are dubious. As events take a darker turn, Anupama finds herself compelled by the corrupt NCB officer Sadanand (Raghu Mukharjee) to steal the competition’s trophy. Why is Anupama coerced into assisting Sadanand? What motivates Sadanand’s threat regarding the trophy? What scheme does Antony have in mind? And ultimately, what actions does Anupama take? These questions find answers within the movie.
Positives:
The film kicks off with glimpses from the conclusion of Bhama Kalapam, transitioning from crime comedy to a heist thriller, thus heightening audience intrigue.
Priyamani delivers an impressive performance once again, portraying a character that is more self-assured and less naive than before, showcasing her acting prowess.
Sharanya Pradeep’s portrayal adds to the humor, and Raghu Mukherjee’s depiction of the antagonist is commendable, with the rest of the cast also fulfilling their roles effectively.
Negatives:
Although the decision to shift the franchise’s genre to a heist drama is laudable, the execution of the script could have been more refined. Some scenes feel excessively dramatic, and certain plot twists are foreseeable, detracting from the overall impact. Introducing more twists and turns could have heightened the narrative’s grip.
The character played by Sharanya Pradeep could have been further developed to infuse more humor into this serious heist thriller. Seerat Kapoor’s inclusion seems more for glamour than for substantial contribution to the plot.
The pacing of the film takes time to gain momentum, and the climax lacks conviction, appearing to be a deliberate move by the filmmakers to extend the franchise.
Technical Aspects:
Abhimanyu Tadimeti’s direction is competent, but more attention to detail, especially in the first half, could have increased audience engagement. Prasanth R Vihari’s background score fails to make an impact in elevating suspense. However, Deepak Yaragera’s cinematography adeptly captures the visual richness, supported by commendable production values. Tighter editing in the initial hour could have improved the film’s flow.
Verdict:
Overall, Bhamakalapam 2 offers entertainment in parts. Priyamani’s commendable performance and Sharanya Pradeep’s contributions stand out. However, the film is hindered by predictability and pacing issues. If you were a fan of Bhama Kalapam, you might find its sequel intriguing, but it’s advisable to moderate your expectations accordingly.