While many Bollywood sequels do not work for numerous reasons, Sujoy Ghosh should be given credit for taking his time and coming up with a solid script rather than dishing out a sub-par film. Unfortunately, he set the bar too high with Kahaani and that is the only reason why the second part isn’t as thrilling. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch the movie at the cinemas. Vidya Balan’s riveting performance and the dark, taut first half is enough reason for you to book your tickets for Kahaani 2 now.

A thriller set in a sleepy town called Chandannagar, off Kolkata—effectively capturing the Bong milieu; art-directed, and shot like a slightly dystopian dream. A mystery that unravels by the minute, without a moment to pause for breath, much less blink, which is saying a whole lot for a movie that’s still 2 hours plus.

Lacking the pace of the first half, Kahaani wavers in the second even after its leading lady gets to her feet. Kahaani 2 has a story worth telling and a heroine worth rooting for  but sadly it doesn’t match up to the thrills of its predecessor.

Kahaani 2 has a rock solid performance from Vidya Balan. But is that enough to quench the thirst of a thrill seeking audience ? The answer is as dark as the films premise.

…for a film that builds up wonderfully, “Kahaani 2 – Durga Rani Singh” fails to finish off in style.

Kahaani 2 is definitely below expectations, and will only excite you if you’re a Vidya Balan fan.

The only let-down in Kahaani 2 is the climax. It is rather disappointing to see a high-tempo, fast-paced thriller suddenly taking the predictable-Bollywood-cliche dip. You are likely to be reminded of Ishqiya and TE3N, Vidya’s previous movies in the climax sequences.

With Vidya’s stellar performance, Arjun’s strong support, Sujoy’s bold story and an engaging screenplay, Kahaani 2 is a must watch.

…comes across as a dark thriller that addresses a sensitive subject backed with fantastic performances.

Vidya, shorn of make-up and glamour breezes through her dual role in autopilot mode. Arjun impresses as the cop hankering for a promotion and is believable as the husband. If you have an appetite for thrillers (albeit, with some flaws) give this one a try.

What could have been a taut, world-class thriller fizzles out by the end, much like the carbonated drink one would be guzzling while watching the weekend blockbusters.

The obviousness was absolutely absent in Kahaani and this time the guess work ends pretty soon, even before the story has unraveled its big mystery. The suspense is hardly piercing when it is muttered screen which is often a thriller’s biggest failure. 

Kahaani 2 is a good watch. But it isn’t as riveting as the Kahaani. Sujoy didn’t tie the loose end as dexterously as he did in the original but overall its still paisa vasool…

…with all its predictability and lost opportunity KAHAANI 2: DURGA RANI SINGH is not a disaster but certainly a chapter on how to make a solid intriguing and shocking plot that concerns turn into a mediocre and routine action drama with limited thrills leaving the star power and super talents of actress like Vidya Balan do the rest. Watch it for the acting powers of Vidya Balan and the suave Arjun Rampal.

Go for Vidya Balan and Arjun Rampal’s performances. And it’s taut narrative by Sujoy Ghosh. This will surely keep you hooked.

You come away from the film not hating it entirely, but not in love with it either. And that ‘okayness’ the ‘averageness’ of the film is its true crime.

Kahaani 2 is an excellently crafted thriller, which is bogged down by the curse of the second half. It’s nonetheless a good weekend watch.

As far as thrillers go, Kahaani 2 isn’t the last word. But it certainly isn’t the same old story. Its understated style and riveting core make it well worth a watch.

Compared to the vivid Kahaani, this film has a blanched look, perhaps in keeping with its dark subject matter. It’s a frenetic 130 minutes, but I never really felt for Vidya Sinha the way I did for Vidya Bagchi. Perhaps I was just too caught up waiting for Ghosh to fool me twice.

Vidya Balan is fantastic in Kahaani 2, but storywise, the film is like a pleasant meal spoilt by a mediocre dessert. If only…

The actors are good and Sujoy Ghosh is tremendous at creating a textured Bengal setting, but this is a thriller which could have used more twists and smarts…

Watch Kahaani 2 for Sujoy Ghosh’s finesse for extracting some power-packed performances and making them stand out in the film. If you are in mood for some thrills, then Durga Rani Singh’s world is the right place for you to step in!

The movie lacks Kahaani’s balance of thrills and humour, but it has the same spirit of righteous anger and faith in a female actor’s ability to take charge of a situation. Ghosh shopped the script to other actors before going back to Balan, and the movie is the better for it.

…The mind games have gone obsolete. the actors are commendable – Jugal is worth a mention, Arjun is lightyears ahead of anything he has been seen in recent times but it pivots on Vidya, who shoulders it steadily. But the writing is loose, missing Sujoy’s crisp narrative from last night.

I really wanted to like this film. But sorry, it left me a bit underwhelmed!!

Director Sujoy Ghosh spins a gripping tale, with top notch performances by Vidya Balan and Arjun Rampal…

This Vidya Balan film starts well but starts telegraphing its punches around interval. It becomes predictable and there can be nothing worse for a thriller.