'Kamal Haasan's 'Indian 2' sequel draws mixed reviews despite high expectations

Chennai: One of the most-awaited Tamil films of the year, 'Indian 2' which saw the reunion of two big industry names – Kamal Haasan and director S Shankar – after 28 years, was released in theatres on Friday amid mixed reviews.

'Indian 2' is the sequel to the 1996 cult film 'Indian,' directed by Shankar.

The sequel is considered a comeback of sorts for director Shankar, who appeared to have hit a low after the death of writer Sujatha in 2008. The Shankar-Sujatha combination had delivered many hits in the Tamil film industry, with Rajinkanth and Aishwarya Rai-starrer 'Enthiran' being considered a pinnacle for them. The hits also include 'Indian,' 'Mudhalvan,' 'Boys' and 'Shivaji: The Boss.' Shankar co-wrote the script for 'Indian 2' with writers B Jeyamohan, Kabilan Vairamuthu and Lakshmi Saravana Kumar.

In the film, Kamal Haasan revives the role of Senapathy, called 'Indian Thatha' lovingly by fans, who fights corruption, armed with the ancient martial art practice of India, 'varma kalai.' The makers of the film had earlier approached the Tamil Nadu government, where the first show could only be shown at 9 am -- while shows at 6 am are allowed in the neighbouring states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana -- to get permission for the 6 am show. While that was denied, the makers of 'Indian 2' obtained permission to hold an extra show -- making it five in a day -- in the first three days.

Prior to release, on July 11, director Shankar took to 'X' to announce that some of the theme music of 'Indian' for Senapathy will return in its sequel. "Thanks to @arrahman and @anirudhofficial," he had posted on X.

The music for the original film was by A R Rahman, while Anirudh composed the music in the sequel.

The decision to revive Senapathy's character, who would be 106 years old as per the plot, was one of the questions the 'Indian 2' team had to often field when they met the press during promotional tours.

At one such press conference in Mumbai in June, Kamal Haasan had joked that he would like to act even when he turns 120 years old. Meanwhile, Shankar had defended his decision by pointing out to a 120-year-old Chinese martial artist.

"There is a martial art master in China, his name is Lu Zijian. At the age of 120 he is performing martial arts, he is flying and kicking and all. This Senapathy character is also a master, master in an ancient martial art called Varma," Shankar had said.

'Indian 2' is jointly produced by Lyca Productions and Red Giant Movies. It also stars Siddharth, S J Suryah, Bobby Simha, Gulshan Grover and late Nedumudi Venu.