On the whole, Jannat 2 is an entertaining fare from Vishesh Films. If you go in expecting that, you won’t be disappointed.

Logic isn’t a priority here. Deshmukh is creating an old-school Bollywood film with high drama, punchy dialogue, thunderous background music and villains who glare and maim with aplomb. Some sequences are nicely done, including a chase sequence in a dargah. Emraan Hashmi and Randeep Hooda are also extremely watchable. But there are no surprises here and by the second half, Jannat 2 starts to feel like an endurance test with your head being bludgeoned by the violence and incessant Hindi swear words.

A lot would have been forgiven — as it often is with these producers — if the film had either a meatier plot or a more gripping narrative, but this one’s just tiresome as the obvious story drags on. A couple of chase sequences, particularly one through the arteries of a Dargah, are slickly shot, but even these lose their charm as they get needlessly long-winded. And finally, telling a bad actress she looks like Angelina Jolie is just cruel — to both her and to the audience forced to sit there while she tries to smile coyly through a silly pout.

Don’t be fooled. This is not a sequel to ‘Jannat’, in which match-fixing shenanigans in high profile cricket matches gave Emran Hashmi and Kunal Deshmukh a fertile hunting ground, and us a watchable film. ‘Jannat 2’ is, for the most part, a badly-done, badly-acted enterprise, lifted only a notch by a couple of performances.

The sequel of the 2008 film Jannat, the film is a predictable, yet partly gripping tale of a small-time brat who faces the results of his own deeds.Although the plot is calculable, the swift narrative manages to squeeze out humdrum portions. The movie had a prospect of being more engaging if the director would have invested some extra action sequences.Overall, the portrayal of this foreseeable plot is appealing in parts. Jannat 2 is worth a one-time watch, since there aren’t many options for the movie-goers this weekend.

All through ‘Jannat 2’, it seems as if Nicolas Cage’s ‘Lord of War’ is present somewhere in the background. The film revolves around the hitherto unexplored-in-Bollywood territory of arms trafficking, and doesn’t qualify as anything but absolutely average.Watch ‘Jannat 2’ for its catchy numbers (better still, buy a CD!). And since there aren’t many options this weekend, you can count that as a reason to go watch the movie!Ratings: Two cheers for this one!

Jannat 2 isn’t all bad; in fact there are portions that are eminently watchable. Hashmi and Hooda play off nicely against each other, and their scenes together are particularly strong, occasionally laced with humor. The film also has at least two thrilling foot chase scenes, including one in the first half between two sets of cops and criminals that’s almost comical. The second chase, filmed in the crowded lanes of a dargah has an urgent breathless feel to it.

On the whole, JANNAT 2 is an engaging film with tremendous appeal for the masses. An absorbing story, a swift and coherent narrative, exemplary direction, fantastic action, soothing music and stellar performances summarize the highlights of this triumphant franchise.

JANNAT 2 is watchable only because of Randeep Hooda and the action which is top class. The music too has the usual Bhatt stamp. But it cannot compare with JANNAT RELEASED IN MAY 2008. NAAM continues to be the favourite film of the Bhatts. In both JANNAT and JANNAT 2, Deshmukh, I believe, is compelled to make references to this Sanjay Dutt starrer.

With a gripping first half and a slightly dragging second one, Jannat 2 has its share of pluses and minuses. My suggestion? Go watch this for the wonderful performances of Emraan and Randeep.