Director: Jaspal Singh Sandhu
Rating: ***
When Vadh was released in 2022, it was a sleeper hit that surprised audiences with its pulpy, "Drishyam-esque" take on an elderly couple committing the perfect crime. The sequel, "Vadh 2", directed again by Jaspal Singh Sandhu, takes a bold narrative risk. Instead of continuing the story of the teacher and his wife from the first film, it presents a "spiritual sequel"—a parallel universe where Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta return as Shambhunath and Manju, but with entirely new identities and stakes.
The risk pays off. Vadh 2 is a claustrophobic, atmospheric, and fiercely acted prison drama that trades the domestic setting of the first film for cold, concrete walls, delivering a thriller that is both slower and smarter.
The Plot: Love and Murder Behind Bars
The setting is the grim Shivpuri District Jail in Madhya Pradesh.
Shambhunath Mishra (Sanjay Mishra): A weary, low-ranking prison guard (constable) nearing retirement. He is mild-mannered but morally flexible, often smuggling vegetables and supplies for inmates to make ends meet.
Manju Singh (Neena Gupta): A long-term inmate convicted of a double homicide, whose sentence is nearing its end.
Despite the bars between them, Shambhunath and Manju share a tender, unspoken bond—a "romance" built on silence and stolen moments across the gender-segregated wards. Their fragile world is disrupted by the arrival of Keshav (Akshay Dogra), a sadistic, politically connected inmate (brother of an MLA) who begins tormenting a young undertrial named Naina (Yogita Bihani).
When the system fails to protect Naina, a "clean-up" operation is initiated. Keshav suddenly goes missing from his cell overnight. The ensuing investigation, led by the sharp-witted Inspector Ateet Singh (Amitt K Singh) and overseen by the casteist, authoritarian Jailer Prakash Singh (Kumud Mishra), threatens to expose Shambhunath and Manju’s secrets.
Performances
Sanjay Mishra: Mishra is masterclass in minimalism. As the constable who is invisible to the powerful but sees everything, he is brilliant. His ability to convey panic and resolve with just a twitch of his eye remains unmatched. The scene where he nonchalantly discusses his "vegetable business" while hiding a terrifying secret is a highlight.
Neena Gupta: Neena Gupta sheds the "homely mother" image for a role that is much harder. As a convict who has survived decades in prison, her body language is stiff, guarded, and devoid of hope—until the climax. Her chemistry with Sanjay Mishra remains the film's beating heart, even though they are physically separated for most of the runtime.
The Supporting Acts:
Kumud Mishra is terrifying as the strict, surname-obsessed Jailer. He brings a palpable tension to every scene he inhabits.
Akshay Dogra makes you hate him viscerally, which is exactly what the role demands.
Amitt K Singh is the breakout star. As the investigating officer, he holds his own against the veterans, bringing a calm, intellectual menace to the procedural scenes.
Direction and Writing
Jaspal Singh Sandhu proves that the first film was not a fluke.
The Good: The decision to make it a spiritual sequel allows for a fresh story without the baggage of continuity. The "Howdunit" aspect is handled with precision. Sandhu uses the prison architecture—the high walls, the shadows, the segregating fences—to build a sense of suffocation. The screenplay is patient; it doesn't rush to the kill but lets the motive simmer.
The Bad: The pacing in the first half is deliberate, bordering on slow. Audiences expecting the quick thrills of a commercial potboiler might find the buildup testing. A few plot points regarding the "disappearance" require a suspension of disbelief.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography: The camera work captures the dinginess of the jail effectively, using low light to heighten the mystery.
Music: There are no songs to distract from the plot. The background score by Advait Nemlekar is eerie and industrial, perfectly complementing the setting.
Box Office & Reception
Competition: Releasing alongside the mass-market comedy Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!, Vadh 2 is catering to a different, more premium audience.
Buzz: The film has generated strong word-of-mouth for its twist ending and performances. While it won't break opening day records, it is expected to have a long, healthy run in multiplexes similar to 12th Fail or the original Vadh.
Final Word
Watch it if: You enjoyed the first Vadh or films like Drishyam and Andhadhun. It is a rewarding watch for those who appreciate acting-heavy, slow-burn thrillers.
Skip it if: You prefer fast-paced action or cannot tolerate grim, claustrophobic settings.
Highlights:
The unique "Prison Romance" angle.
Sanjay Mishra and Kumud Mishra’s face-offs.
The unpredictable climax.
Lowlights:
Slow pacing in the first 40 minutes.
Grim tone offers little relief.
