Raman Raghav 2.0 begins with a disclaimer saying this movie is NOT about the 1960s era killer who operated in Mumbai. This is evident from the trailer, and the seizure inducing opening scene, which could only be set in today's EDM themed clubs. This film is Anurag Kashyap delving into the mind of a serial killer who is running loose in a populous metropolis.
The movie is, for the most part, a cop-criminal chase. But unlike most Bollywood fare, the cop is as bent as a sickle and by the end of the film the audience is left wondering who is the more diabolical of the two - the psychologically disturbed Ramanna or the chain smoking, coke-snorting Assistant Commissioner of Police Raghavan. Nawazuddin Siddiqui IS Ramanna, and continues his prolific character interpretations under Anurag Kashyap. Vicky Kaushal makes a convincing turn as the corrupt cop, and Sobhita Dhulipala is a revelation as the emotionally battered 'girlfriend'.
The movie is split into Tarantinoesque chapters. This paces the movie perfectly, with each scene never getting ahead of another. The second chapter named 'The Sister' is the most affecting of all, showing a frightening glimpse of Ramanna's past and psyche. The final chapter which brings together the three main characters of the movie is reminiscent of the confrontation between Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow ( at least a part of her) and Kevin Spacey in David Fincher's Se7en.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui's extended monologues ooze class and are as disturbing as the scar over the right side of his forehead. The gore and bloodshed in the film aid in the shock of the events unfolding before one's eyes without being gratuitous. Ram Sampath's music complements the intrigue and tension running through the film.
This movie is not for the faint of heart but must be experienced as it is an indication of how far Indian thrillers have come over the past decade or so.
The movie is, for the most part, a cop-criminal chase. But unlike most Bollywood fare, the cop is as bent as a sickle and by the end of the film the audience is left wondering who is the more diabolical of the two - the psychologically disturbed Ramanna or the chain smoking, coke-snorting Assistant Commissioner of Police Raghavan. Nawazuddin Siddiqui IS Ramanna, and continues his prolific character interpretations under Anurag Kashyap. Vicky Kaushal makes a convincing turn as the corrupt cop, and Sobhita Dhulipala is a revelation as the emotionally battered 'girlfriend'.
The movie is split into Tarantinoesque chapters. This paces the movie perfectly, with each scene never getting ahead of another. The second chapter named 'The Sister' is the most affecting of all, showing a frightening glimpse of Ramanna's past and psyche. The final chapter which brings together the three main characters of the movie is reminiscent of the confrontation between Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow ( at least a part of her) and Kevin Spacey in David Fincher's Se7en.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui's extended monologues ooze class and are as disturbing as the scar over the right side of his forehead. The gore and bloodshed in the film aid in the shock of the events unfolding before one's eyes without being gratuitous. Ram Sampath's music complements the intrigue and tension running through the film.
This movie is not for the faint of heart but must be experienced as it is an indication of how far Indian thrillers have come over the past decade or so.