Chandoo Mondeti’s debut film “Karthikeya” was a success, introducing the character of Nikhil Siddhartha as the titular hero, whose quest for truth left the possibility for a sequel. “Karthikeya 2” continues the story, with Karthik (Nikhil) now a successful doctor and myth-buster who finds himself on an unexpected adventure in Dwaraka with his mother (Tulasi) and Mugdha (Anupama Parameswaran). Pursued by a murderous clan and a secret society, they search for a missing anklet that could hold the key to a future catastrophe.
The sequel dives right into the action, with little time spent on introducing new characters. The change in tone and budget allows for a more immersive and focused storytelling experience than its predecessor. While the longer runtime may have led to some scenes feeling dragged out, overall the film is engaging and enjoyable.
However, where the film falls short is in its heavy-handed approach to the characters’ belief in Lord Krishna’s story as history, which can be jarring and forced. The characters’ sudden change of heart towards the end feels out of place and detracts from the subtler approach taken at the start.
Despite these flaws, Nikhil delivers a solid performance, adding a touch of maturity to his character while maintaining his haughty nature. Anupama also shines as the sidekick, and the new cast members bring some much-needed humor to the serious story.
Overall, “Karthikeya 2” is a worthy successor to its predecessor, although fans of the original may find the character’s development and evolution less organic than they would have liked. Still, it’s a must-watch for fans of the first film, and we can expect to see more of the curious adventurer in “Karthikeya 3” in the future.
