Vijay Salgaonkar returns to the silver screen, reigniting our cherished memories of "Drishyam" - an exceptional crime thriller that showcased the sacrifices a man makes for his family.

In a realm, especially in Bollywood, where remakes and unnecessary sequels often disappoint, "Drishyam 2" defies expectations, living up to the high bar set by its predecessor. We place our trust in Vijay Salgaonkar, and he exceeds our expectations, further endearing himself to the audience. This time, the stakes are higher, with a stronger and more determined antagonist challenging the family man's resilience.

The movie commences on a strong note, mirroring the excellence of the first installment, immediately introducing conflicts that intensify the narrative. Vijay, not only battles external adversaries but also grapples with his inner turmoil, all while safeguarding his beloved family. His struggles with time itself add an additional layer of complexity to the plot, testing his dedication and perseverance. The addition of Akshaye Khanna is a cherry on the cake.

Though "Drishyam 2" doesn't surpass the original as the genre's pinnacle, it remains an enthralling remake with an even more gripping climax. Vijay's character continues to shine as one of Bollywood's finest protagonists, forgoing the capes and masks of superheroes to embody the essence of an ordinary yet extraordinary family man.

The sequel successfully rekindles the heroic saga, reaffirming the enduring power of "Drishyam" and its timeless impact on audiences. With its masterful storytelling and Vijay Salgaonkar's captivating presence, "Drishyam 2" stands as a compelling addition to the crime thriller legacy.

I have already seen the original 2021 Drishyam 2 hence while watching the Hindi remake, i knew what was coming. Still i watched it to see what changes the Hindi version makes to the original or is it just a blatant copy paste.

The answer is NO! It is not a blatant copy paste. Let me tell you in points about them:-

1. Having not seen the original Drishyam 1 but the Hindi drishyam 1, i didn't knew that Gaitonde's character is a unique addition to the Hindi version. This , even in Drishyam 2 is a masterstroke.

2. Gaitonde lives up to that hateful character he had from the 1st film. The Hindi version has slightly altered the police station interrogation scene in the 2nd half and this is where the Hindi version outclasses the Malayalam version and the difference was Gaitonde.

3. Akshay Khanna as the IG is another masterstroke addition who fills in the shoes of IGP Thomas . While Thomas was direct and strict, Akshay Khanna is sarcastic in his tone and has this evil way of talking that gives him his own identity. Another place where the Hindi version scores full marks. He's done a terrific job.

4. Another thing that gives the Hindi version it's own popularity is the famous "Satsang" confession. When again brought up here, the crowd roared ! Shows you how this Satsang thing has had its own fan following as compared to the confession in the Malayalam version.

5. The fact that certain scenes have been a little altered to avoid being called a blatant copy paste, for example the film begins with a person murdering another and then running in the jungles. The Malayalam version started straight from the running part without much showing the sequence why he was running.

6. The elder daughter's illness was better captured in the Malayalam version. The Hindi one just seems to add it for name sake.

7. The final climax courtroom scene was , imo, better executed in the Malayalam version. The Hindi one felt like it was rushing to the main points of the climax. Also that scene in the court where Vijay and the IG cross each other , this too was a little better in the Malayalam version where George kutty and Thomas crossed each other and that expression on Thomas's face was better.

8. Tabu and even Rajat Kapoor have nothing much to do as the spotlight are taken by Vijay, Akshaye and Gaitonde.

Overall, Drishyam 2 hindi is a very good remake of the original, just like Drishyam 1 was despite change in directors. It almost felt like Abhishek Pathak had the soul of Nishikant Kamat in him while making this film. At this point, we all can agree that the Hindi version has made an identity of its own , thanks to including new characters and property modifying certain scenes. A tight slap on the face of those who thought this was to be an ott film.

Film review - Drishyam 2 #sanjuzzreviews #Drishyam2 #AjayDevgan #tabu #AkshayeKhanna

Superb, fantastic, fantabulous, inconceivable are some of the adjectives that will come to people's minds after watching this film. Even after watching the Mohanlal's 2021 Malayalam original, I enjoyed this Hindi remake immensely !!

The story takes off 7 years after the incidents depicted the first installment happen, with Vijay Salgaonkar ( Ajay Devgan) and his family trying to move on with their lives. However the fear of the law catching up with them affects each one of them differently. The police, having lost round 1 haven't given up hope and are trying every trick in the book to nab Vijay !!

Who wins this cat & mouse game forms the crux of the plot.

The Hindi remake, like the original has a runtime of 2 hrs 33 mins & around 1 hr 30 mins are pretty laid back with the story proceeding at a leisurely pace. But dont get fooled by this as the movie picks up speed in the last one hour as it moves ahead with one dhamaka after another culminating in a mind-blowing climax.

Performances by Ajay Devgan and Akshaye Khanna are exceptionally good. Tabu, Shriya Saran , Rajat Kapoor, Kamlesh Sawant and Ishita Dutta too are awesome!!

An absolutely unmissable movie that remains faithful to the original. It was heartening to see audiences cheer Akshaye & Ajay's dialogues just like the good old times. Go watch it in the theatres .. you won't be disappointed for sure!!

Going with 4 stars out of 5 .. Adios