Other than a memorable villain and franchise possibilities, this film-much like Shanghai-leaves me with a vague awareness of its quality. It’s good, but I’d much rather enjoy this director’s cheeky experiments with characters and convention, over pulp and form. Banerjee is the truth, but must he prove his versatility?

Invariably, Hindi cinema’s depiction of bar dancers is straightforward: trash-talking roadies by night, virginal white-salwaar angels by day. There is such a vast difference between these two avatars that it becomes more difficult to digest than Puneet Issar playing a respected lawyer.

Perhaps it is the filmmakers’ intention to irritate viewers with irritable characters and existential rants, but it soon becomes an irritating watch. Pankaj Awasthi’s cool fusion score makes their personal journey worth hearing, but there is little else that makes it worth watching.

As mainstream Hindi cinema often teaches us, when in doubt: Sting operation. When in further doubt, let the heroes ignore journalistic ethics and indulge in morally ambiguous hidden-camera tactics more criminal than the villain.

Hindi cinema, unlike its documentaries, has a long way to go before becoming effective agents of awareness and change. Till then, my loyalties lie with sensationalist news tickers and good newspapers.

I suppose there’s a poignant message in having a Hindu play a Maulvi, and a Muslim actor essay the role of a Pandit, but such meta attempts are best left to the confines of an elevated wooden stage.

NH10 is atmospheric, well acted, moody and crafted with a definite vision. A little more writing and less ‘inspiration’ would have made this its own distinct film.

Perhaps if the filmmakers didn’t assume that not more than fifty Indians have watched Eden Lake, I’d recommend this in a heartbeat. Of a strong, thumping heart.

Coffee Bloom eventually reiterates the importance of strong fine black coffee, if only to get through the movie.

I feel sorry for the crew that works hard on these goodwill efforts, for they’re at the mercy of unprogressive creative minds.

This sequel will only dilute memories of the original. Unless you’re looking for 56 shades of dull, dated and contrived grey.