Review: 'LSD 2' is a reflection on the digital age, which makes for an uncomfortable but insightful watch

'Love Sex Aur Dhokha', a movie by Dibakar Banerjee, created rage, one of course because of the title having the 's' word and then how the film turned out to gain acclaim from audiences and critics alike, despite being a low-budget art-oriented film. After more than a decade, in this new age, Dibakar brings his 'LSD' back, but this time, it's about 'Like Share and Download'. A film by him cannot be your regular dosage of masala, they tend you to think and stop there for a moment. Having had the chance to witness the movie, this is what I felt. 

In "LSD2", Banerjee continues his signature style of storytelling, weaving together three distinct narratives that delve into the complex and often unsettling realities of the digital age. The first story follows Paritosh as Noor, a character who undergoes a gender transformation to navigate the cutthroat world of reality shows. Through Noor's journey, viewers are confronted with the insatiable hunger for validation and attention fueled by social media algorithms. With notable cameos from Mouni Roy, Tusshar Kapoor, Anu Malik, and Sophie Choudhary, the segment is high on drama. Paritosh, as Noor, hooks you, serves you with all the farce needed for the script and gives his best. 

The second story introduces Bonita as Kulu, a transgender character whose narrative explores themes of identity and acceptance. While the performances are commendable, the storyline feels somewhat disjointed, leaving viewers perplexed at times. Despite featuring talents like Swastika Mukherjee, the segment fails to fully utilize their potential, leaving them feeling underutilized.

The final story centers around Abhinav Singh as 'Game Paapi', offering a glimpse into the dark underbelly of the YouTube community. Singh delivers a riveting performance, portraying the complexities of online fame and the relentless pursuit of likes and subscribers. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are drawn into a world where the lines between reality and the virtual realm blur, leaving you with an open-ended climax, as the credits roll. 

Banerjee stays true to his roots with a partial use of the found footage filming style, immersing viewers in the characters' experiences through the lens of various screens. While the stories may leave some loose ends untied, they invite audiences to ponder the implications of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence on society. With top-notch camera work and evocative close-ups, the film offers a glimpse into a world where the boundaries between the virtual and the real are increasingly blurred.

The Verdict

"LSD2" is more than just a movie; it's a reflection of our digital age, inviting audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and question the direction in which our society is headed.

The Rating

***(3/5) stars