‘Drushyam 2’ film evaluation: Director Jeetu Joseph and ready solid led by Venkatesh make this devoted remake watchable

To start with, let’s handle the plain. That is the nth remake in Telugu cinema this yr. The query stays in regards to the relevance of remakes in a digital period when the originals are simply obtainable to observe on OTT. Drushyam 2, the remake of the Malayalam movie Drishyam 2 (which additionally premiered on the identical digital platform earlier this yr), takes a direct digital path to launch on Amazon Prime Video. The digital launch has been prompted by business-driven causes, contemplating that a big part of the viewers has not patronised the theatres submit lockdowns.

The remake follows the identical trajectory as the unique and is almost a scene-to-scene recreation. Director Jeethu Joseph and cinematographer Sateesh Kurup do the honours for the sequel remake (the 2014 Drushyam was directed by Sripriya and filmed by S Gopal Reddy).

How a lot one enjoys Drushyam 2 is determined by whether or not one has watched the unique. The jaw-dropping twists in against the law thriller masquerading as a ‘easy household story’, to cite the protagonist’s phrases, might not evoke the identical response for many who know the story. The conversations within the neighbourhood, on the streets, and in a nondescript eatery are all the identical.

Drushyam ended with the whistle-worthy second of Rambabu (Venkatesh) strolling away from the police station, assured that what he did to avoid wasting his household is not going to be discovered. In his interviews earlier this yr, the director admitted that he thought the story was over. Nonetheless, the sequel is a superb instance to point out how a riveting continuation can occur, leveraging on the lesser-explored psychological affect of crime.

So we’ve Rambabu, his spouse Jyothi (Meena), and their two daughters residing within the shadow of concern and guilt. The societal dynamics come into fore within the idyllic village as folks have a look at them with suspicion. Rambabu had folks’s help as a cable TV operator. Six years later, we see him because the proprietor of a theatre and planning to enterprise into movie manufacturing. The jealousy that accompanies his development makes life harder for the household.

Identical to the primary version of the movie that started in a languorous tempo earlier than transferring right into a thriller mode, this one too begins in a household drama format, although there’s a sense of one thing eerie. We’re launched to characters starting from a pair with home abuse points, an erstwhile convict making an attempt to begin afresh and win over his household, and the brand new allies of Rambabu within the enterprise of cinema. A couple of of those characters grow to be a foil to discover the facets of crime, punishment and repentance.

With the remake remaining unflinchingly loyal to the unique, the onus to make it worthwhile for many who know the story, falls on the shoulders of the actors.

A pat on the again for Meena for effortlessly slipping into the milieus required for each Malayalam and Telugu; she seems the a part of the native girl in each languages. Esther Ilias, too, reprises her half following the identical path.

However Drushyam 2 primarily rests on Venkatesh, who places forth a restrained efficiency. In Narappa, the remake of Asuran, he had these heroic moments to point out his fury. Drushyam 2 permits him no such leeway and he performs alongside because the widespread man who will be stealthy when wanted. At times he mouths dialogues about his ardour for cinema, movie manufacturing or smirks after saying one thing on the traces of, “they’re making an attempt to show me about cinema,” and the self-aware humour doesn’t go unnoticed.

Drushyam 2 additionally advantages vastly from its supporting actors — Satyam Rajesh, Shafi, Sampath Raj and Vinay Varma because the cops, Tanikella Bharani as a screenwriter… the checklist can go on. Nadiya returns because the unforgiving guardian and V Okay Naresh makes an affect in his restricted display time; a lot of the credit score goes to how the character is written. In a poignant scene, he desperately seeks assist and voices the agony of a guardian wanting closure to a loss.

Moments like these, in addition to Shafi’s strained equation together with his household, add as much as make the crime saga much more impactful.

(Drushyam 2 streams on Amazon Prime Video)