Trailer Review: Kahaani 2

After his previous drama thriller Kahaani (2012), Sujoy Ghosh is back with the second installment, Kahaani 2. Like it's predecessor, this one also features the very talented and versatile Vidya Balan at the helm. Arjun Rampal will essay the role of the investigating officer attempting to solve the mystery. Jugal Hansraj, and bengali artists Tota Roy Chowdhury, and Kharaj Mukherjee will also be seen in the movie. Considering the massive success of Kahaani and the build up created over social media, this is definitely one of the most awaited movies this winter.

The trailer opens with a mother's worst nightmare - a threatening call regarding her daughter. Durga (Vidya Balan) rushes out in search, getting caught in an accident which puts her in a comatose state. Her story is revealed to the investigating officer Inderjeet Singh, essayed by Arjun Rampal, through her diary. The diary acts as the narrator, revealing the intricacies of Durga's life to both Singh and audiences, including her relationship with her daughter Mini and a man, assumedly her husband. However, what throws a twist in the tale is the fact that this unassuming housewife is apparently wanted for kidnapping and murder. As we're taken into a journey through Durga's life, we increasingly realize that there is more to the story than meets the eye. The story in the diary is brought to an abrupt end with a troubled Mini jumping off a roof. Only Durga can finish the incomplete story revealed in her diary about Mini, and the troubled past that she seems to be running away from.  

The trailer did an amazing job at drawing us in and creating suspense with dim lights and an equally dramatic background score. The scene transitions and editing were impeccable at highlighting Durga's anxiety and creating a sense of dread amongst the audience. There was enough hint of a complex plot to get us totally interested. The narration of the diary and the transient moments of origami really help tie numerous errant pieces together. At times the origami art symbolizes Mini's creativity and Durga's love and nurturance, and at others it seems to represent pure chaos. Overall, the scenes were well selected and gave us a glimpse at many chapters of the plot leaving us wondering how all of them connect.

One cannot close this review without mentioning the apt cinematography by Tapan Basu. The short trailer manages to encapsulate all of Durga's moods from sheer terror in the beginning, to happiness when with her daughter, anxiety when with the mystery man, and finally the resolve to find her daughter. The music used was simple and effective and suited the theme of the movie.

 

Author: Lekha V

Editor:  Gunia K.

Graphics: Pooja B