Sequels in Bollywood are the way to build up on the popularity and legacy of the original and give an edge to a film. It might be advantageous commercially but I believe it can be a daunting task to make it worthwhile of the name of the original. The aim is always to make the second part of any franchise bigger and better than the first, but sometimes it can lead to the doom of the legacy. Milap Milan Zaveri’s Satyameva Jayate 2 featuring John Abraham and Divya Khosla Kumar, had me excited since I saw the film’s trailer as it promised some high-octane action and drama with multiple roles of John and it delivers on that for the better part.
Directed by Milap and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Nikkhil Advani, Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani, Satyameva Jayate 2 depicts the story of twin brothers Satya and Jay, who take it upon themselves to fight corruption in the society and the system. Their ways are sometimes legal and sometimes on the other side of the law but the brothers have a mission at hand and they won’t stop. Before I get into my thoughts on the film, let’s take a look at the film’s trailer.
Check it out here:
Here’s what I like about the film:
1. John Abraham in a triple role
John is one such actor who was initially known mostly for his Greek God-like physique, but over the years, he has improved a lot in his craft and is still finding ways to push the envelope. Satyameva Jayate 2 sees John play a triple role and it takes a lot to keep a clear distinction between the three portrayals but the actor does it with full conviction. Even though the whole film is set more around Jay and Satya, it’s John’s portrayal as Azad that remains the strongest in my mind. As Azad, he is determined and stern yet a people’s person, whereas as Satya he is an intense politician, while Jay is a fun-loving cop. Through the course of the film, you actually forget that it’s the same actor playing these three roles. He is shown to have superhuman strength but if you see the film from the lens that the director intends you to, it doesn’t seem out of place. Also, major props need to be given to John for making such an amazing physique that is on display quite often in the film. It’s also nice to see Divya get back in front of the camera after so many years and she looks really pretty opposite John.
2. The flashback
The first 15-20 minutes of the second half are the strongest part of the film. It shows the part of Azad and his fight against corruption 25 years ago and it gives a solid base to the premise of the film happening in the present. It’s emotional and powerful, and will surely pluck on your heartstrings. I’ll repeat, John’s powerful portrayal of Azad is the best of the three roles done by him.
3. Music
The music of the film is very pleasant to listen to and will make it to your playlist. While Nora Fatehi’s Kusu Kusu will make you groove, Meri Zindagi Hai Tu makes for the perfect romantic song. But the best song from the film has to be Jann Gann Mann. B Praak’s voice in a patriotic song can rarely go wrong and this one will stay with you long after you leave the theatres.
Things that could have been better:
1. The Dialogues
I understand that the film is Milap’s tribute to the cinema of the ’80s, but the dialogues that see almost all people talking in rhymes and idioms get repetitive after a certain time and you search for a breather in between. It does suit the central characters as it brings out their intensity but when the common folks also use that, it loses its impact.
2. A weak antagonist
When you are talking about three Johns, then you need to have a worthy villain opposite them but the film lacks in that as the antagonist shown is so weak in terms of personality that you know their fate beforehand and it doesn’t seem like an even match.
3. John vs John
One of the things that caught my eye in the trailer and had me excited was the fight between Satya and Jay, but the way it happens in the film doesn’t live up to the promise completely. The reason behind the fight seems very weak considering how superhuman the two men are shown in the film and also the fight is very short, so as soon as you get in the groove of it, it draws close to the end and you are left wanting more.
Satyameva Jayate 2 is a film made for a theatre viewing experience. John’s entry scene for Jay, the cop, is something you would thoroughly enjoy in the theatres with seetis and taalis. The film will invoke the patriotic feeling within you and will make you hum the song Jann Gann Mann as you exit the theatres. It needs to be enjoyed on the big screen only.
My verdict: 3.5 out of 5