Luv Films’ Vadh 2 (UA) is the second film in the Vadh series. Like Vadh, this is also about a murder committed. However, it is not a sequel to Vadh. Rather, it is a stand-alone film with the two lead actors (Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta) being the same as in Vadh.
Shambhunath Mishra (Sanjay Mishra) works under police officer Prakash Singh (Kumud Mishra) who is posted in a jail. Mishra is close to jail inmate Manju Singh (Neena Gupta) who had, many years ago, been framed for a double murder she never committed. Keshav (Akshay Dogra), another inmate of the same jail, is vicious and menacing. He gets away with just about anything because his brother is influential. One day, Prakash Singh almost beats Keshav to death in his cell. After that, Keshav goes missing from the cell. Since he has an influential brother, an enquiry is set up to solve the mystery of the missing Keshav. Police inspector Ateet Singh (Amit K. Singh) is in charge of the enquiry. Among the persons interrogated are Prakash Singh, Shambhunath Mishra, Manju Singh, police officers Rajni Sharma (Shilpa Shukla) and Nadeem Khan (Nadeem Khan), both of who work in the same jail, and new jail inmate Naina (Yogita Bihani). Where is Keshav? Has he escaped from jail? Or was he actually killed by Prakash Singh? Or did someone else kill him? Is Ateet Singh able to solve the mystery?
Jaspal Singh Sandhu has written an interesting story which catches the attention of the audience right from the word ‘go’. His screenplay, with additional screenplay by Neha Shitole and Rahul Sain, is well-crafted and flows quite seamlessly, involving the viewers and not losing its grip on them. There is hardly a dull moment in the fast-paced drama and for that, the three writers deserve credit. The point about the ring, however, is not very convincing for two reasons: firstly, Prakash Singh forgets about his missing ring even though he is a smart police officer, and this point doesn’t quite appeal; secondly, the planting of the ring under the belief that it will be noticed years later is a far-fetched thought. Anyway, this weak point notwithstanding, the drama is appealing for the most part. If, in spite of that, it lacks the thrill, excitement and adrenaline rush of, say, a Drishyam (which was also a murder mystery), it is because of the missing edge-of the-seat suspense. The difference between the two films is this: in this film, it is not clear to the audience as to who is responsible for Keshav’s disappearance whereas in Drishyam, one knows that Ajay Devgan’s character has killed Tabu’s son, and the audience experience nail-biting thrill and excitement because they still want that the arm of law shouldn’t reach him. Jaspal Singh Sandhu’s dialogues, with additional dialogues by Neha Shitole and Rahul Sain, are alright but lack the clapworthy quality.
Sanjay Mishra acts very naturally as Shambhunath Mishra. Neena Gupta lives the role of Manju Singh. Kumud Mishra is extraordinary as Prakash Singh. Amit K. Singh plays Ateet Singh with complete conviction. Shilpa Shukla has her moments as Rajni Sharma. Akshay Dogra is terrific as Keshav. Nadeem Khan makes a fine mark as Nadeem Khan. Yogita Bihani lends nice support as Naina. Abhay Bhargava is realistic as IG of police. Mehar Deol (as young Manju Singh), Akanksha Ojha (as Charulata), Nidhi Dewan (as Nafeesa), Arav Shukla (as Nirmal), Prateek Shukla (as Chhotu), Nyra Kabra (as Rajni Sharma’s daughter), and the others provide decent support.
Jaspal Singh Sandhu’s direction is impressive. It is evident that he knows his job. Rochak Kohli’s music and Kumaar’s lyrics are functional. Advait Nemlekar’s background music is very effective. Sapan Narula’s cinematography is good. Paramjeet Singh Dhillon’s action and stunt scenes are fair. Sidhant Malhotra’s production designing is appropriate. Bharat S. Rawat’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, Vadh 2 is a well-made thriller but its business will not match its merits because of the missing nail-baiting quality and, more than that, because of lack of a younger lead cast.
Released on 6-2-’26 at Inox (daily 5 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity: low-key. Opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was below the mark everywhere.