Nawazuddin mesmerises, but Kashyap's darkness swallows the story whole.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Raman Raghav 2.0 is mixed-to-positive, with most reviewers acknowledging its bold, uncompromising darkness while remaining divided on whether that darkness serves a meaningful purpose. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's performance is the most consistently praised element across reviews, with many critics citing it as the primary reason to watch the film. Kashyap's gritty visual style, chapter-based structure, and pulsating energy drew admiration from several quarters, though a notable contingent felt the film prioritized shock and gore over narrative coherence and emotional depth. Common criticisms include an overindulgence in violence without sufficient psychological grounding, plot loopholes, and the sense that Kashyap was retreading familiar territory without meaningfully advancing his craft.
8 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 38 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Extending Kashyap's continuing probe into the horrors of dehumanisation, Raman Raghav 2.0 dives deeper into the cesspit than any of the director's earlier films - to deliver a dystopian study that is at once fascinating and nauseating.
Top critic
Film review ·
It's consistently engaging, but doesn't get under your skin like some of Kashyap's other films, particularly Black Friday,Gangs of Wasseypur, and the criminally overlooked Ugly.
Top critic
Film review ·
There are some mesmeric bits in here, which belong to Siddiqui. But those are not enough. Without those crucial elements, the film is rendered atmospheric yet hollow, and we are turned into cringing voyeurs, into reluctant participants, without redemption.
Film review ·
At times it can feel as if you are being bludgeoned. But Kashyap's thriller will keep you glued to your seat in spite of an expected end. Both Kaushal and Dhulipala come up with brilliant performances, but it is truly Siddiqui who steals the show.
Film review ·
Raman Raghav 2.0 is another triumph for Anurag Kashyap. It sure is not a Gangs of Wasseypur, but the filmmaker knows what to do with his viewers. Shocking people, disturbing them, stirring them come naturally to this man as killing comes to Ramanna. Watch the film. 'Sa-prem'!
Film review ·
Raman Raghav 2.0 is a cleverly crafted and compelling film.
Film review ·
This is film that doesn't flinch from the fearful ugliness of existence. It's also a brutal and haunting reminder of how rapidly the lines dividing the law-makers and law-breakers are disappearing. 'Raman' and 'Raghav' are no longer the archetypal Villain and Hero that we sought in our cinema for moral comfort. They are now the best of friends and our worst of enemies.
Film review ·
The violent scenes are spooky enough to haunt your thoughts and run through your mind for many days to come.
Film review ·
Don't miss this scary and unapologetically sadistic movie where Nawaz is at his creepiest best.
Film review ·
Raman Raghav 2.0, is a must watch as this kind of dark psychotic film comes very rarely in Bollywood. The film is brilliantly made and the actors performances are excellent. They can scare the living hell out of you. If you like dark movies you should surely watch this, but if you like only romantic films and are weak hearted, give this a miss!
Film review ·
Those looking for a dark, de noire, and grisly time on screen with a twist in inhumanity powered by Nawazuddin Siddiqui's topnotch performance. RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0 makes the kill. Hit it.
Film review ·
No Bollywood-style revenge or anger, just pure sadism. Ramanna's purity, despite his cruelty is spine-chilling, especially when juxtaposed with Raghavan's uncontrolled violence.
Film review ·
Indian slasher films (the few that have managed to be produced) have been typical fare: solely focusing on the act and the investigation that leads to the capture of the offender. But Raman Raghav 2.0 offers access to the dark mental alleys of its troubled hero, so much so that his parallel world and sick mind achieve a twisted logic. This one's certainly not a date film. But hey, a jolty squeeze on the upper arm can do much for your love life.
Film review ·
Raman Raghav 2.0 is not for everyone but if you are a fan of Anurag Kashyap's brazen style of story-telling, you might forgive the predictable second half and still come out happy! It falters, but Nawazuddin Siddiqui makes it worth your time.
Film review ·
Now, for Kashyap's fans, this is totally his type of a film and if you missed watching his disturbing yet so real dramas, do not miss this one. However, there are a few of us who watch films like these with half of their faces covered with their hands, well, we too wouldn't regret watching it. But this one is a serious no no for the faint hearted ones.
Film review ·
These sort of films aren't exactly evergreen material. The content, we mean. Crime films, dark films, disturbing films are watched often, but the deal is that the audience needs a certain novelty in presentation. You could call it shock value if there's emphasis on the negativity, but the idea really is to give the audience a sense of seeing something they've not seen before.
Film review ·
It's hard to imagine what Raman Raghav 2.0 could have been had it been made by a different director. It's a film that utterly suits the style of Anurag Kashyap; yet he fails to create a captivating experience. This ends up making Nawazuddin Siddiqui the saving grace in the end, and he handles this responsibility like a boss. Raman Raghav 2.0 is to be watched if you wish to dive into the convoluted mind of a serial killer. If you're not interested in that, you can give this one a miss.
Film review ·
It is dark, very dark and deprived of even a shred of dignity. It makes you feel nauseated at the shocking spread of depravity served to you. But then again, it is unique storytelling. Go for it, if you have the suitable palate.
Film review ·
Anurag Kashyap delivers a gritty, grimy, gut-wrenching story of opposites in order to tell you that they're not really so. Takes a while to come to the point, but you understand why it is so difficult to edit out stuff that is so deliciously dark. The opposites played by Vicky Kaushal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are so equally ugly, you know the director has made his point when you cannot swallow popcorn.
Film review ·
No filmmaker I know has managed to bring to life the filth, the underbelly, and, yes there is no other word, the sheer grime, of India on to the screen as Anurag Kashyap has (right from Paanch, down to Ugly). Indeed his contribution to films over the past couple of years (or even in the long-run) far exceeds his work as director. Is this even close to his best? Nope, perhaps because there is, in that sense, hardly anything new. Does it jolt you still? Hugely, for the most part.
Film review ·
While this is a compelling story, there are just too many loopholes in this thriller to keep it gripping throughout its runtime. For once, it seemed that Anurag Kashyap was more caught up with the stylistic elements than with the actual narrative in this story.
Film review ·
Though RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0 promises to be an edgy thriller, the film fails to deliver. It is only Nawazuddin's brilliant performance that helps you sit through this 140 mins long film.
Film review ·
Watch it for Nawaz and Vicky's jugalbandi act, but don't go expecting a tight murder drama.
Film review ·
Raman Raghav 2.0 is strictly meant for Anurag Kashyap fans. The film maker is known to make films that are hatke, and Raman Raghav is no exception to that.
Film review ·
As the film's final credits roll down, you have an unsettling feeling about it. Torn between your strong tug to appreciate the quirky bent of mind and slam the filmmaker's over indulgence, you are left in lurch unsure about what to say about the movie. In such a scenario, one thing is certain. You definitely didn't like what you saw. The material had potential but the vision was clouded by the need to prove a point.
Film review ·
Kaushal displays a lot of brave acting, including a terrific confrontation scene with his father (Vipin Sharma in a brief appearance). There is real good cinema in that scene towards the end of the film, and also a reminder that Kashyap has a lot of talent. He just needs to stop making films that are very similar.
Film review ·
The biggest problem with Raman Raghav 2.0 is that it glorifies the gore. The climax monologue will run your patience thin. Can you buy the logic that killing for insanity is better than killing in the name of religion? It is crude, callous but in trying to whip up suspense, it loses sight of vulnerability.
Film review ·
Raman Raghav 2.0 has only good performances to watch else the film is surely not worth your ticket price. Since there are multiple releases this Friday, pick this only if you are an ardent Nawazzudin Siddiqui or Vicky Kaushal fan, because the film holds no promise of entertaining you.
Film review ·
Raman Raghav lacks the vulnerability of Ugly. It's just black. It could be in a Swiss account. In theatres it just seemed pointless to me.
Film review ·
If you are a normal human being with normal emotions and sensibilities, stay away from this one by miles. With this film, Kashyap reaffirms that he is not a bit interested in the normal audience, even if he can con some, and many internationally at obscure festivals, into admiring such undiluted nauseating bilge.
Film review ·
Raman Raghav 2.0 deserves a watch mainly for Nawazuddin Siddiqui's superb performance. Even if you're not a fan of dark themes and graphic violence, carry a paper bag, but do not miss this movie!
Film review ·
Whether you like the frills or not, there's no denying that RR2 is a film that haunts you. It has the ability to shock and disturb. It glorifies violence and murderers. And it can only be enjoyed if you can accept misogyny, death and gore as integral parts of reality. Otherwise, this movie can be quite the nerve-wracking experience.
Film review ·
Raman Raghav 2.0 is layered, gripping from the word go, unnerving and, in a twisted way, hugely entertaining. It is also a stinging commentary on the times we live in. He is back, people. Anurag Kashyap is back.
Film review ·
Kashyap's vision is almost devoid of humanism; he wants us not only to examine the muck, but literally drown in it (as Ramanna literally does at one point). The problem is that there's no way to do that without feeling utterly disgusted by yourself.
Film review ·
A gleefully amoral serial killer film with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in terrific form...
Film review ·
Director Kashyap is obviously inspired by Sriram Raghavan's short film on Raman Raghav, lifting several scenes. But in his attempt to make it an edgier, contemporary narrative, Kashyap loses out on the potency of the plot.
Film review ·
The idea that Raghav is merging into Ramanna is provocative and thought-provoking, but the movie doesn't elaborate on its cleverness and focuses instead on delivering shocks and jolts. They come unfailingly whenever Ramanna is on the screen, swinging an iron rod and wearing a helmet to add his personal touch to an already macabre scene.
Film review ·
More than the story itself, it is the quirky telling that is the key. Structured around eight chapters, vividly shot in the slums, pulsating with raucous music, Raman Raghav 2.0 is a taut thriller, full of energy and brimming over with tension. It doesn't flag even once and holds the viewer tightly in its grip. Such is the dizzying momentum and pace that you even stop caring about some missing pieces of the jigsaw that would have been niggling you. Clear-cut, uncomplicated Raman Raghav 2.0 takes you on an entertainment high.
From our readers
8 ratings · user score 6.0
Raman Raghav 2.0 is a thriller by Anurag Kashyap. This film is based on the notorious psychopath serial killer Raman Raghav. It was during mid-1960s that a series of murders happened in the suburbs of Mumbai. The murders were committed using a hard, blunt object. The murderer Raman Raghav was caught by Police, who confessed about his crime of 41 murders. He was sentenced to death penalty, though later the death sentence was forgiven and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Anurag Kashyap has not tried to make a biopic on Raman Raghav. His character is shaped on Raman Raghav. It is a dark film. Anurag Kashyap has indeed made dark films in the past and with this latest one, it even gets darker. I can't find entertainment elements in such films, but that is my personal opinion. The film begins with the scene of Raghav (Vicky Kaushal) snorting drug and dancing in a club. Raghav is a cop. Ramanna (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) surrenders himself before the cops, confessing about committing 9 murders. Raghav and his colleagues just allow Ramanna to go free since they find him mentally unstable and feel that Ramanna is lying. Slowly when the investigations of the murders move further, Raghav realizes his mistake of setting Ramanna free. Ramanna is very much inspired from the serial killer of mid 1960s Raman Raghav. He kills people in the same style as that of Raman Raghav. Wheel changing wrench and Iron rod are the weapons of Ramanna to kill the victims. Ramanna feels that without Raghav, he is incomplete. Anurag Kashyap has tried to convey that Raman and Raghav are two sides of the same coin. Even the poster conveys the same message. If Ramanna is a hardcore criminal, can rape and kill his own sister, Raghav is also not less. Raghav is projected as a drug addict. Raghav's misogynistic attitude is difficult to tolerate, but then, that is how Raghav's character has been shaped up: a drug addict, non-empathetic, mistreats his girl friend Simmy (Sobhita Dhulipala), and even kills people. The difference is that Ramanna does not have license to kill, whereas Raghav has the license to kill as a cop. The film is about various killings and the cat and mouse race between Ramanna and Raghav. Is Ramanna able to find his soulmate Raghav? How does Raghav's character shape up in the film? Who wins in the end – Raghav or Ramanna or neither of them? Background score adds to the dark tone of the film. Both the major characters Ramanna and Raghav are very well played by Nawazuddin and Vicky Kaushal respectively. We have seen this Nawazuddin earlier too, but definitely, he has played even darker character this time. For Vicky, this is absolutely a u-turn character when compared to his roles in Masaan and Zubaan. Both of them have given great performances as Ramanna and Raghav, projected the grey shades so convincingly. But what was the motive of Anurag Kashyap behind making this film? He did try to convey that anyone can kill anytime. He made the law-breaker as well as law-maker look all the same. The characters as such are not developed properly. Why and how did Ramanna become a serial killer, a psychopath? How did Vicky's character Raghav become a drug addict? Why Raghav's relationship with his father is so strained? Why does Raghav end up ill-treating or sexually abusing his girl friend ? What used to be the motive of Ramanna behind his murders? These questions definitely go unanswered. Raman Raghav 2.0, a dark film by Anurag Kashyap, is based on 1960's psychopath serial killer Raman Raghav. Watch it for two reasons: One, in case, you like dark films and second, for performances of Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vicky Kaushal.
Anurag Kashyap has always been outspoken and bold about his film themes. While this one here, a psychological thriller, is exactly his kind of a film, the end result does not have the intended effect.<br /> <br /> Raman (Siddiqui) is a jobless psychopath who makes killing random people a habit after first committing murder solely for revenge purposes. Raghav (Kaushal) is a victim of drug addiction and a cop who investigates Raghav's deeds. It's basically a cat-and-mouse chase game with the only difference being that the mouse has some weird ideas in his head and high fashion for surrendering itself. The film chiefly conveys how a possible intervention can cause someone to balance the wrongs that a he/she commits by balancing it with more wrongs, also simultaneously learning that the rest of the world is doing more or less the same ugly things.<br /> <br /> The story starts well, letting us know that the plot is only inspired by the infamous serial killings of the 60s and that Raman and Raghav are different people contrary to popular belief. I had to edit Wikipedia about this. Kashyap and Bala have written a good layout, subtly suggesting a type of thought process tat goes behind motive-less homicides. But, the problem lies in the screenplay, which is a tad boring for people expecting gore and incessant flow of blood. Yes, blood definitely flows in this 2-hour long crime drama, but the fashion is mostly hit, then hit again, then blood, and then end.<br /> <br /> The score is good but it is hardly used to propel the uninspiring story ahead. Siddiqui and Kaushal are both talented, but to be honest, I'm kind of done with the former's typecast roles. It was like watching amalgamated sequences of Badlapur (2015), Kahaani (2014), and Haraamkhor (2015). Kaushal was much better in Masaan (2015). The climax is half-baked, forcing the film to find a place in the never-ending list of films with ambiguous endings.<br /> <br /> BOTTOM LINE: Anurag Kashyap's Raman Raghav 2.0 is a dull and bloated story of a psychopath trying to receive reciprocation of love and understanding from a drug addict who may have similar traits as him. Wait for DVD, and then rent it.<br /> <br /> Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO
sach main I liked it very much
Credits
Hindi films like Raman Raghav 2.0
Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 1
2012
Gangs of Wasseypur – 2
2012
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Badlapur
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Raees
2017
Raat Akeli Hai
2020
Dhamaka
2021
Ugly
2014
Raat Akeli Hai - The Bansal Murders
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