Ko 2 is too dreary to make an impact, feels S Saraswathi.
KV Anand's 2011 political thriller Ko was one of the biggest hits of that year.
Its sequel Ko 2 hit the marquee this weekend and except for the title, the film bears little resemblance to the first part.
Directed by newcomer Sarath, the film has an all-new cast, except for Prakash Raj.
The only similarity is that the lead actors in both films are journalists. The film has no excitement and unpredictability that made Ko so interesting.
The film has National award-winning Bobby Simha and Nikki Galrani in the lead.
The opening scene shows the state of Tamil Nadu in complete chaos as its Chief Minister (Prakash Raj) has been kidnapped.
The deputy CM (Ilavarasu) takes charge and a new committee, headed by the Commissioner of Police (John Vijay), is appointed to negotiate with the kidnapper.
Initially, there are no rational demands and kidnapper Kumaran (Bobby Simha) seems to be playing games with the police and the politicians. But as the film progresses, his real intentions are known, but in a rather drab and tedious manner.
Despite mouthing loud, clever dialogues on the current political situation in the state, Bobby Simha appears totally uncomfortable playing the lead. His accent is more pronounced and the tendency to imitate the mannerisms and gestures of Superstar Rajinikanth is obvious.
There is very little chemistry between Bobby and Nikki Galrani, who also plays a journalist and co-conspirator to the kidnapping.
The background score by Leon James is adequate but the romantic numbers seem totally out of context.
Bala Saravanan has a new look in the film and his superb comic timing enlivens the slower moments.
The bizarre antics, body language and dialogue delivery of John Vijay also adds some fun to the otherwise dry narration.
Prakash Raj as the dignified CM caught in an unfortunate situation is aptly cast, so is Ilavarasu as the manipulative and scheming minister.
With the politically charged atmosphere in the state, the film appears to have released at the right time.
Director Sarath attempts to portray the lament of a common man, as he struggles to survive in a corrupt, ineffectual state ruled by ruthless and greedy politicians.
The film is said to be inspired from the critically acclaimed Telugu film Prathinidhi and is loaded with whistle-worthy dialogues. But the characters evoke no real emotion or enthusiasm.
The narrative meanders aimlessly in the first half, before coming awake in the second half, analyzing everything from the recent floods in the state, the Tasmac issue, the education system, health care and the burden of unreasonable taxes.
Director Sarath’s intentions may have been good but Ko 2 is too dreary to make an impact.
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