Review: 'Kaagaz 2' - A befitting tribute to the late Satish Kaushik moves & stirs the right emotions

Certain performers transcend their mortal existence through the enduring legacy of their art, and Satish Kaushik is one of the names. The late actor and director who introduced us to the world of Kaagaz with his directorial prowess depicting the challenges faced by a commoner once again became a part of a similar story, this time as an actor, marking it as his last film. Kaagaz 2, helmed by V.K. Prakash, brings yet another moving story inspired by real-life incidents that make you question a lot of things. Having had the chance to see this movie, a tribute to actor Satish Kaushik, this is what I felt about it.

Plot and Screenplay

Kaagaz 2 follows the trail of its franchise by yet again shedding light on a story centred on an ordinary man and the challenges thrown upon him by society and the legal system. This time, while keeping the legal drama and a social issue in the spotlight, the helmer V.K. Prakash also tried to weave a subplot with relations, interpersonal feuds, and dysfunctional family drama. The story kicks off with Darshan Kumar's (Uday Raaj Singh) army training, unveiling layers of family dysfunction featuring his mother, Radhika (Neena Gupta), and father (Mr. Raaj Narayan Singh, played by Anupam Kher). The initial half may test your patience with a gradual build-up, but the second half, focusing on Mr. Rastogi (Satish Kaushik) and Mr. Raaj Narayan Singh's quest for justice, adds intensity. Despite knowing the outcome, the film remains engaging due to compelling performances and emotional depth in the storyline.

Issues having redemption

A so-called cliched but feel-good part about the film is that the issues introduced in the narrative, especially with the characters dealing with their interpersonal conflicts, have been given justified redemption in the end, and that's what makes this a complete package. 

Right from the opening scene, late actor Satish Kaushik takes ownership of the story, injecting a range of emotions into the narrative. Portraying Mr. Rastogi, he adeptly conveys the agony of a father grappling with the loss of his child, evoking heartfelt empathy. Notably, his monologue during the climax stands out, with the actor's unwavering conviction making the audience genuinely feel the depth of his pain.

Other Performances

Darshan Kumar, in the role of Uday Raaj Singh, delivers a nuanced and multifaceted performance. Transitioning seamlessly from the toughness of a military man to the innocence of a lover and eventually maturing as a son fighting for justice, he skillfully portrays the character's evolution. 

Neena Gupta, dedicated and adept, meets the expectations with her performance. Anupam Kher, as Raaj Narayan Singh, exudes fierceness coupled with a range of emotions, a combination only he can execute with such conviction. Particularly in the courtroom scenes, Kher stands out, skillfully navigating the legal complexities without appearing desperate, maintaining authenticity. Smriti Kalra injects a lively and much-needed breath of fresh air into the emotionally charged narrative. Noteworthy performances are also delivered by others such as Anang Desai and Kiran Kumar.

The storyline is straightforward yet richly laced with emotions. Approaching the conclusion, even briefly, viewers find themselves pondering the issues presented in the film, reflecting on personal experiences that may resonate. Devoid of unexpected plot twists or heightened drama, the movie leaves the audience exiting the cinema with ongoing internal dialogue and, undeniably, deep admiration for Satish Kaushik and the entire team responsible for crafting this narrative.

The Verdict

With its straightforward storytelling, Kaagaz 2 prompts contemplation and stirs a variety of emotions through powerful performances from the cast. It emerges as a well-deserved homage to the late actor Satish Kaushik.

Rating

***1/2 (3.5/5) stars