Samantar 2 review: A twisted and dark tale that you can watch once

3.5/5

What's it about:

Kumar Mahajan (Swwapnil Joshi) and Sudarshan Chakrapani (Nitish Bhardwaj)'s destinies are aligned. The latter's past is going to be Kumar's future. In the new season, Kumar is always one step ahead in knowing his fate after Sudarshan hands over his diaries to him, but can the young man beat destiny?

What's hot:

Almost every actor is great in the show but the storytelling is the real winner in Samantar 2. There is never a dull moment in the show - a few unnecessary ones, yes - but never a bland moment.

The makers have played with not only the camera angles but also the lighting of the show, which works highly in their favour. Imagine being left hanging by a thread and you suddenly do not know what's next in life. Nothing works in your favour, including the flickering lights which could go off anytime soon. That is exactly what the makers were aiming for and it comes across beautifully.

It won't be wrong to say that not Swwapnil Joshi or Sai Tamhankar, but Tejaswini Pandit steals the show. While almost every actor falters somewhere, her performance is consistent till the very last frame.

While Swwapnil's character is more real and relatable, Nitish Bhardwaj's has a sweet charm about his portrayal. His character takes you back to the 90s era where the camera was just introduced and very few people had access to it. Those who did buy a camera valued it like a treasure.

Ganesh Revdekar, who plays the role of Kumar's colleague-turned-friend Sharad - is a friend that every human being deserves. Watching him step up and constantly be there for Kumar even in unexpected circumstances is really heart-warming.

Nitish, who has a cameo appearance as Sudarshan Chakrapani, takes the scene to another level with his presence. Being a mysterious character since the first season (we still don't know completely if he is a ghost and the story about how he died), he is someone to watch out for.

What's not:

Swwapnil Joshi proved himself as an actor in season 1 consistently. The X-factor from that season lacks in the second instalment, even though there are a few moments where he shines through-and-through.

Sai Tamhankar, who makes her entry on the show with the season, has nothing new to offer per say. She portrays white, black and grey shades but never once will her acting take you by surprise.

Her role (which is a double role) is left at a complicated stage. How can a lover's face and age remain the same three decades later too? Is there some mystery to that? This is something that the makers have left a secret with the show itself.

Another setback is that the makers have used cuss words almost everywhere. Although it is forgivable in a few places, it is borderline unnecessary at other times.

What's that:

Kumar Mahajan calls up his wife and has phone sex with her. The scene is explained in unnecessary details, especially because 'the woman who entered his life' did not actually enter his life till then and so, her image, while dressed in nothing but a towel, appeared quite forced.

Verdict:

Go watch Samantar 2 without any expectations.