Abhishek Agarwal Arts and People Media Factory’s Karthikeya 2 (dubbed from the Telugu film of the same name; UA) is an adventure film. It is the sequel to Karthikeya but its story is stand-alone.
Dr. Karthikeya Kumaraswamy (Nikhil Siddharth) is a doctor by profession but he unwittingly gets involved in the search for Lord Krishna’s anklet. In the process, he has to fight the evil forces which are desperately trying to lay their hands on the anklet. Why is the anklet so important?
Chandoo Mondeti has written an interesting story which is mythological, historical as well as adventurous. The screenplay, penned by Chandoo Mondeti and Manibabu Karanan, keeps the audience quite engaged. The drama moves at a fast pace and, therefore, it doesn’t bore the viewers. M.V. Gopal Ram’s dialogues are interesting.
Nikhil Siddharth does a fine job in the title role. Anupama Parameswaran is good in the role of Mugdha. Anupam Kher has a brief role as Dhanvanthari but he leaves his mark. Srinivasa Reddy entertains with his comedy in the role of Sadananda. Harsha Chemudu (as Suleman), Praveen (as Karthikeya’s friend), Satya (as Karthikeya’s friend), Adithya Menon (as Santanu), Tulasi (as Karthikeya’s mother), Arjun Kolishetty and the others lend good support.
Chandoo Mondeti’s direction is nice. His narration keeps the audience completely engrossed. Kaala Bhairava’s music is ordinary. Lyrics are average. Karthik Ghattamneni’s cinematography is wonderful. Joshua and Prithvi’s action and stunt scenes are thrilling. Production designing (by Sahi Suresh) is of a fine standard. Goutham Nerusu’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is impressive.
On the whole, Karthikeya 2 is an entertaining fare and deserves to do well at the ticket counters. Its dull promotion may come in the way of the realisation of its full potential.
Released on 13-8-’22 at Gossip (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru UFO Cine Media Network. Publicity: poor. Opening: so-so. …….Also released all over. Opening at some places was nice.