In a cinematic landscape that often struggles to balance horror with meaningful narratives, director Vishal Furia's latest offering, Chhorii 2, attempts to tread this delicate line. The sequel to the 2021 film, which was itself a remake of the Marathi horror flick Lapachhapi, Chhorii 2 picks up seven years after the events of the original. Starring Nushrratt Bharuccha as Sakshi and Soha Ali Khan as the antagonist Dasi Maa, the film is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
The story resumes with Sakshi living a relatively peaceful life with her daughter Ishaani (played by Hardika Sharma) and Rajbir's (Saurabh Goyal) third wife, Rani (Pallavi Ajay). However, the tranquility is shattered when Ishaani is kidnapped by villagers who aim to sacrifice her to their Pradhaan, a monstrous figure lurking in the shadows. The film's narrative dives into the dark themes of child marriage and societal superstitions, echoing the issues raised in its predecessor.
Despite its intentions, Chhorii 2 has received mixed reviews, with critics pointing out its shortcomings in the horror department. While the film does feature some thrilling moments, many viewers found it lacking in genuine scares, which is a crucial element for a horror film. According to a review from Koimoi, "Chhorii 2 is anything but horrifying," highlighting the film's failure to utilize horror tropes effectively.
Critics have also noted that the film's pacing suffers, with the buildup being more engaging than the climax. The narrative struggles to maintain tension, leading to a lack of impactful moments that could have elevated the horror experience. As one reviewer put it, "The scariest part of watching a film today is that inevitable cliffhanger," which seems to be a recurring theme in many modern sequels.
In terms of performances, Nushrratt Bharuccha has been praised for her portrayal of a mother willing to do anything to save her daughter. Her emotional depth adds a layer of relatability to the character, making her struggles resonate with the audience. Soha Ali Khan's character, Dasi Maa, is depicted as a mysterious antagonist, embodying the film's themes of patriarchal oppression and societal fears. Critics have noted that Khan's performance, while strong, is somewhat underutilized in the script.
The cinematography, helmed by Anshul Chobey, has been highlighted as a strong point, with atmospheric visuals that effectively convey the film's eerie setting. However, the film's background score has received mixed reviews, described as average and failing to enhance the suspense in key moments.
As Chhorii 2 unfolds, it attempts to address serious societal issues while embedding them within a horror narrative. Yet, the execution has been critiqued for lack of clarity and coherence. The film's messaging about child marriage and the exploitation of women, while relevant, doesn't land as powerfully as it did in the first installment. Critics argue that the film often feels preachy rather than genuinely horrifying, diluting its potential impact.
Despite its flaws, Chhorii 2 does present an interesting storyline that could have resonated deeply with audiences. The film's exploration of the dark realities faced by women in patriarchal societies is commendable, but many feel that it falls short of delivering a satisfying horror experience. As one review pointed out, "To fight men, women need to die! They need to turn into Chudails and Daayans to fight these living, breathing, walking beings!" This stark reflection of gender dynamics is woven into the film, yet it is overshadowed by the lack of effective horror elements.
The film's runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes also raises questions about pacing and narrative efficiency. Critics have noted that certain plot devices feel forced and that the film could have benefited from tighter editing. The climax, in particular, has been described as rushed and confusing, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
Overall, Chhorii 2 manages to provide some engaging moments and a compelling storyline, but it ultimately struggles to deliver on its horror promises. With a rating of 2.5 to 3 stars from various reviewers, it seems that while the film has its merits, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a genuinely terrifying experience.
As audiences continue to explore the evolving landscape of Indian horror cinema, Chhorii 2 serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with blending social commentary and genre conventions. Whether it can carve out a distinct identity within the horror genre remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a sequel that, while ambitious, may not fully resonate with its audience.
For those interested in exploring the themes of the film and witnessing Nushrratt Bharuccha's performance, Chhorii 2 is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
