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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

A gleefully amoral serial killer film with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in terrific form…

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.

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.