Cast: Nushrratt Bharuccha, Soha Ali Khan, Saurabh Goyal, Gashmeer Mahajani, Pallavi Ajay, Kuldeep Sareen, Hardika Sharma

Director: Vishal Furia

Rating: **½

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Chhorii (2021) was expected to blend spine-chilling horror with pressing social issues. However, Chhorii 2 fails to strike the right balance, resulting in a film that lacks both fear and finesse. Despite an important message and a capable cast led by Nushrratt Bharuccha and Soha Ali Khan, the movie falls short of being a memorable horror-thriller.

Plot Overview: Strong Premise, Weak Execution

In Chhorii 2, Nushrratt returns as Sakshi, a mother still haunted by past traumas but determined to protect her child from a sinister village plagued by regressive customs. The story tackles themes like misogyny, child marriage, blind faith, and even child abuse, attempting to wrap these issues in a horror narrative. But rather than enhancing the fear factor, these heavy themes dilute the suspense, leaving the viewer emotionally drained but not scared.

This time, Sakshi confronts not just male domination but a disturbing village ritual where an ‘adi manush’ (ancient man) seeks young girls for "seva" and "samarpan" (service and sacrifice). Soha Ali Khan portrays his devoted servant, or daasi, aiding this twisted ritual in a bid for control and validation.

Missed Opportunities in Horror Storytelling

Unlike Stree, which skillfully merged horror with humor and social commentary, Chhorii 2 struggles to generate genuine scares. The sugarcane maze and eerie cave settings had the potential to build a suffocating, tense atmosphere, yet the execution is surprisingly tame. Save for one scene where Sakshi runs frantically through the fields, the rest of the film barely utilizes its chilling backdrop.

Supernatural elements, including ghostly women and creepy creatures, are introduced without impact. Instead of escalating tension, they appear as obligatory additions. The absence of genuine jump scares and unsettling moments makes the horror element feel secondary.

Predictable Plot and Diminishing Thrills

The film’s tension wanes quickly, with the story becoming increasingly predictable. As Sakshi’s maternal instincts drive her to protect her daughter (played by Hardika Sharma), the daasi undergoes a subtle transformation, gradually forming a bond with the child. This dynamic between the two women—one protective, the other manipulative—is intriguing, offering rare emotional depth in an otherwise lackluster narrative.

However, the overreliance on the “motherhood” theme begins to feel formulaic. The juxtaposition of fairy tales versus folklore, meant to contrast nurturing with brainwashing, is poignant but not enough to carry the film.

A Glimpse into Social Commentary

One of the few impactful scenes features a group of young boys bursting into a room to gawk at a girl for the first time. Their crude comments and bullying of a transgender peer highlight the roots of toxic masculinity and societal conditioning. It's a powerful reminder of the real horror—deep-rooted patriarchy and ignorance.

Performances: Talent Let Down by the Script

Nushrratt Bharuccha delivers a compelling performance, convincingly portraying a mother fueled by desperation and courage. Her transformation from a school teacher to a fierce protector is heartfelt and commendable.

Soha Ali Khan, though effective in her limited role, is underutilized. Her character had the potential to be complex and layered, but the script doesn't give her enough room to grow. Gashmeer Mahajani, making his Hindi film debut, is barely noticeable—a disappointing start for an otherwise promising actor.

Direction and Technical Aspects: Lacking in Precision

Directed by Vishal Furia, the film seems caught between genres—unsure whether to prioritize horror or social drama. A tighter screenplay, better pacing, and more imaginative editing could have drastically improved the viewing experience. The cinematography captures the haunting terrain well, but without the narrative momentum, the visuals lose their edge.

Final Verdict: Chhorii 2 is a Letdown for Horror Fans

Chhorii 2 had the ingredients for a powerful horror film—social relevance, a strong lead, and a disturbing premise—but fails in execution. It neither delivers spine-tingling scares nor leaves a lasting emotional impact. While it may be worth a watch for fans of the first film or those curious about its themes, it’s not a standout in the horror-thriller genre.

Watch it only if you're indoors on a hot weekend and have limited options—but manage your expectations.