Film Review: Chhorii 2

T-Series Films, Abundantia Entertainment and Psych Production’s Chhorii 2 (A) is the story of a mother’s desperate attempt to save her daughter from the clutches of a superstitious cult, while also battling deep-rooted societal evils.

Story & Screenplay

Vishal Furia and Ajit Jagtap’s story aims for horror-social commentary but falters in execution. The central hook multiple characters suffering from a rare allergy to sunlight stretches credibility and soon feels forced. The screenplay (also by the duo) neither builds sufficient suspense nor sustains intrigue. Instead of an engaging guessing game, the narrative meanders through arbitrary twists, leaving viewers detached.

The mother-daughter conflict should have been the emotional anchor, but the film fails to capitalise on it. The cult subplot, meant to inject menace, comes across as underdeveloped. With a dull climax and no spine-chilling payoffs, the film misses the essential beats of both horror and drama. Dialogues (Divya Prakash Dubey, Muktesh Mishra) are functional, with little memorability.

Performances

Nushrat Bharucha delivers an earnest performance as Sakshi, carrying the weight of the film on her shoulders. Soha Ali Khan, as Dasi Maa, lends a measured presence but is restricted by the weak material. Saurabh Goyal (Rajbir) is fair, while Gashmeer Mahajani (inspector Samar) is passable. Hardika Sharma has her moments as Ishaani, though her character is underwritten. Pallavi Ajay (Rani), Kuldeep Sareen (Tau), Arvind Jaiswal (Pradhaan ji) and others are serviceable but nothing noteworthy.

Direction & Technical Aspects

Vishal Furia’s direction lacks the edge and sensitivity required to elevate such material. The film never achieves a gripping atmosphere nor an emotional connect. Adrija Gupta and Rob Della Fortuna’s background score is routine and does not heighten the tension. Anshul Chobey’s cinematography is serviceable but unremarkable. Ajay Thakur’s action lacks thrill. Sheetal Duggal’s production design and Hemant Kumar’s art direction pass muster without standing out. Abhishek S. Ojha’s editing could have been crisper to salvage pace.

Final Verdict

On the whole, Chhorii 2 is a disappointing follow-up neither scary as horror nor impactful as social commentary. It will fail to leave a mark and, lacking entertainment value, will come and go without fanfare.