When Drishyam released in 2015, it set a new benchmark for Indian thrillers taut, emotionally charged story about an ordinary man’s extraordinary measures to protect his family. Seven years later, Drishyam 2 picks up the threads of that unforgettable night, plunging us back into the world of Vijay Salgaonkar and his family, where secrets refuse to stay buried and justice remains tantalizingly out of reach.

Directed by Abhishek Pathak and starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Akshaye Khanna, and Ishita Dutta, Drishyam 2 is a Hindi remake of the acclaimed Malayalam sequel, but it stands firmly on its own, delivering a gripping blend of suspense, emotion, and moral ambiguity. This is not just a whodunit; it’s a meditation on guilt, trauma, and the lengths to which an ordinary man will go for his loved ones.

Plot: Old Wounds, New Battles

The Calm Before the Storm

Seven years have passed since the fateful night that changed the Salgaonkar family forever. Vijay (Ajay Devgn) is now a prosperous businessman, owning a cinema hall in addition to his cable business. His wife Nandini (Shriya Saran) and daughters Anju (Ishita Dutta) and Anu (Mrunal Jadhav) are trying to lead normal lives, but the shadow of Sam’s disappearance still looms large.

Anju, especially, is haunted by PTSD and epileptic episodes, a constant reminder of the trauma she endured. The family’s attempt at normalcy is fragile, threatened by gossip, suspicion, and the ever-watchful eyes of their community.

The Investigation Reopens

The case, presumed cold, is resurrected by IG Tarun Ahlawat (Akshaye Khanna), a sharp, methodical officer and close friend of Meera Deshmukh (Tabu), Sam’s mother and the former IG. Meera and her husband Mahesh (Rajat Kapoor) have relocated to London but return when new evidence surfaces.

The catalyst is David, a former convict who, while hiding from the police seven years ago, saw Vijay leaving the under-construction police station. Upon his release, David tips off Tarun, Meera, and Mahesh, leading to the excavation of the police station and the discovery of a skeleton.

The Net Tightens

Vijay, ever the strategist, has anticipated every move. He’s installed CCTV cameras around the police station and is developing a crime thriller script with screenwriter Murad Ali (Saurabh Shukla), inspired by his own ordeal. But the police, determined to break the family’s alibi, employ new tactics- undercover surveillance, psychological pressure, and even bugging the Salgaonkar home.

Nandini, desperate for support, confides in her neighbor Jenny, unaware that Jenny and her husband Shiv are undercover cops. A secret recording of Nandini’s confession becomes a key piece of evidence.

The Family Under Siege

The police summon the entire family for questioning, and the pressure mounts. Gaitonde (Kamlesh Sawant), the disgraced officer from the first film, exacts brutal revenge on the family, triggering a seizure in Anju. Distraught and cornered, Vijay confesses to the murder of Sam, hoping to shield his family from further harm.

But the story doesn’t end there. As the trial unfolds, Murad reveals that Vijay’s supposed confession matches the plot of his unpublished novel that has conveniently been published under Murad’s name for copyright protection. The skeleton’s DNA does not match Sam’s, and Vijay’s confession is dismissed as fiction.

The Masterstroke

In a final twist, it’s revealed that Vijay had anticipated every possibility. He had acquired the remains of another man of similar age and injuries, swapped the skeletons at the morgue, and ensured that Sam’s actual remains would never be found. In a gesture of closure, Vijay anonymously delivers Sam’s ashes to Meera and Mahesh, allowing them to finally grieve.

The court releases Vijay due to a lack of evidence, and the judge closes the case, recognizing that true justice may forever elude both families.

Performances: A Masterclass in Nuance

Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar

Ajay Devgn delivers a career-best performance, portraying Vijay as a man burdened by guilt but unwavering in his resolve. His stoicism, intelligence, and flashes of vulnerability make him a compelling protagonist who is both sympathetic and morally ambiguous.

Tabu as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is riveting as Meera, a mother consumed by grief and a police officer driven by duty. Her pain is palpable, and her scenes with Devgn crackle with tension and unspoken emotion.

Akshaye Khanna as IG Tarun Ahlawat

Akshaye Khanna brings gravitas and subtle menace to the role of Tarun. He is a worthy adversary for Vijay- intelligent, patient, and relentless. His cat-and-mouse dynamic with Devgn is a highlight of the film.

Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, and Mrunal Jadhav

The Salgaonkar women provide the emotional core of the film. Shriya Saran’s Nandini is a portrait of maternal anxiety and quiet strength. Ishita Dutta’s Anju is heartbreaking, her trauma etched in every gesture. Mrunal Jadhav’s Anu brings innocence and hope to the otherwise tense narrative.

Supporting Cast

Rajat Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Kamlesh Sawant, and Neha Joshi (Jenny) all shine in their roles, adding layers to the film’s intricate web of deceit and loyalty.

Direction and Screenplay: A Taut, Thoughtful Sequel

Director Abhishek Pathak stays faithful to the spirit of the original while infusing the film with his own style. The screenplay is tight, with every scene serving a purpose. The pacing is deliberate, building tension with each revelation and setback.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers. There are no clear heroes or villains- only flawed, desperate people trying to protect their own.

Cinematography and Music: Setting the Mood

The cinematography captures the claustrophobia of small-town life and the ever-present threat of exposure. The use of shadows, mirrors, and confined spaces mirrors the characters’ psychological states.

The music, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, is understated but effective, heightening the suspense without overwhelming the narrative. The background score accentuates key moments-whether it’s a family dinner laced with tension or a police interrogation on the brink of violence.

Themes: Guilt, Justice, and the Cost of Survival

Drishyam 2 is more than a thriller; it’s a meditation on the nature of justice and the psychological toll of living with secrets. The Salgaonkars are never truly free- their lives are a constant performance, their happiness always tinged with fear.

The film also explores the limits of the legal system. Both families are denied true closure, and the audience is left to ponder whether justice has been served or merely evaded.

Emotional Resonance: The Weight of Consequences

What sets Drishyam 2 apart is its emotional depth. The Salgaonkars’ trauma is not glossed over; it’s woven into the fabric of their daily lives. Anju’s seizures, Nandini’s anxiety, and Vijay’s isolation all speak to the enduring impact of violence and deception.

The final act, in which Vijay delivers Sam’s ashes to Meera and Mahesh, is both devastating and cathartic. It’s a moment of empathy in a story defined by conflict recognition that, in the end, everyone is a victim.

Strengths

• Outstanding performances by the entire cast, especially Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Akshaye Khanna.

• A tightly woven screenplay that balances suspense with emotional complexity.

• Nuanced direction that respects the intelligence of the audience.

• Thought-provoking themes about justice, guilt, and the human capacity for deception.

• A satisfying, twist-laden climax that honors the spirit of the original while forging its own path.

Weaknesses

• Deliberate pacing may feel slow for viewers expecting non-stop thrills.

• Some supporting characters (like the undercover cops) could have been further developed.

• The complexity of the plot requires close attention; casual viewers may miss key details.

Conclusion: A Sequel Worthy of Its Legacy

Drishyam 2 is a rare sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but deepens and enriches the story. It’s a masterclass in suspense, character, and moral ambiguity film that lingers long after the credits roll.

For fans of the first film, this is an unmissable continuation. For newcomers, it’s a gripping, emotionally resonant thriller that stands on its own. In the end, Drishyam 2 is less about the perfect crime and more about the imperfect people caught in its aftermath.

The final image- Vijay walking away, burdened by secrets but steadfast in his love for his family-is a fitting end to a story that reminds us: sometimes, survival is the only justice we can hope for.

This review is an original, human-written analysis of “Drishyam 2” (2022), offering a comprehensive and heartfelt perspective on its story, performances, and impact.