movie review karthikeya 2

Thanks For Rating

Reminder successfully set, select a city.

• Nashik Times
• Aurangabad Times
• Badlapur Times

You can change your city from here. We serve personalized stories based on the selected city

• Edit Profile
• Briefs Movies TV Web Series Lifestyle Trending Medithon Visual Stories Music Events Videos Theatre Photos Gaming

Neetu Kapoor reveals Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt had planned a destination wedding South Africa

Kartik Aaryan's relatives pass away in tragic Mumbai hoarding crash; actor attends funeral

Did you know Imran Khan rejected '2 states' for 'Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola'?

Sai Pallavi charms in traditional sarees

Arjun Kapoor wraps up 'Singham Again', Ranveer Singh to finish by May end

Mirzapur season 3 to release in June? - Exclusive

• Movie Reviews

Movie Listings

Boonie Bears: Mumma Ki...

The Sabarmati Report

Desh Ke Gaddar

Auron Mein Kahan Dum T...

Rosy Maam I Love You

Shraddha Kapoor's travel photo highlights

Times when Trishakar Madhu showed her swag

Samantha Ruth Prabhu's vacation pictures

Aishwarya Rai's first look from Cannes 2024

Amruta Khanvilkar's Gorgeous Looks

Sreeleela's sassy creme-colored outfit stuns in a stylish photoshoot

Outfits to steal from Nora Fatehi’s closet

Amruta Khanvilkar nails every stylish look

Gorgeous picture of Sonia Agarwal

Times when Sobhita Dhulipala nailed white outfits

Kartam Bhugtam

Pyar Ke Do Naam

WOMB: Women Of My Billi...

Main Ladega

Luv You Shankar

Do Aur Do Pyaar

The Three Musketeers - ...

The Garfield Movie

The Boy And The Heron

Kingdom Of The Planet O...

Boonie Bears: Guardian ...

The Deep Dark

Padikkadha Pakkangal

Inga Naan Thaan Kingu

Uyir Thamizhukku

Aranmanai 4

Ninnu Vilaiyadu

Kurangu Pedal

Sureshanteyum Sumalatha...

Guruvayoorambala Nadayi...

Marivillin Gopurangal

Malayalee From India

Pavi Caretaker

Varshangalkku Shesham

Avatara Purusha 2

Chow Chow Bath

Hide And Seek

Somu Sound Engineer

Nayan Rahasya

Bonbibi: Widows Of The ...

Pariah Volume 1: Every ...

Shri Swapankumarer Bada...

Shinda Shinda No Papa

Sarabha: Cry For Freedo...

Zindagi Zindabaad

Maujaan Hi Maujaan

Chidiyan Da Chamba

White Punjab

Any How Mitti Pao

Gaddi Jaandi Ae Chalaan...

Buhe Bariyan

Swargandharva Sudhir Ph...

Naach Ga Ghuma

Juna Furniture

Alibaba Aani Chalishita...

Aata Vel Zaali

Shivrayancha Chhava

Devra Pe Manva Dole

Dil Ta Pagal Hola

Ittaa Kittaa

Jaishree Krishh

Bushirt T-shirt

Shubh Yatra

• Karthikeya 2

Your Rating

Write a review (optional).

• Movie Reviews /

Karthikeya 2 UA

Would you like to review this movie?

Cast & Crew

Karthikeya 2 Movie Review : A worthy successor that takes the story forward

• Times Of India

Karthikeya 2 - Official Trailer

Karthikeya 2 - Official Hindi Trailer

Karthikeya 2 - Official Teaser (Tamil)

Karthikeya 2 | Telugu Song - Nannu Nenu Adiga

Karthikeya 2 - Motion Poster

Karthikeya 2 - Official Teaser (Hindi)

Karthikeya 2 | Telugu Song - Nannu Nenu Adiga...

Users' Reviews

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

rishitborra 12 411 days ago

Felt like done a PhD on Lord Krishna. Greatly explained about a God. Must watch Devotee movie...

M Rajitha 526 days ago

super excited

Kanipakam Kanipakam 543 days ago

Mprabhas 548 days ago, marina pravallika 557 days ago, visual stories.

​10 Best black outfits of Rupali Bhosale​

​Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain's Saumya Tandon's trendy outfits

Entertainment

​All about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Cannes makeup perfection

7 countries every gadget lover should visit

Jeera Paani Benefits: 10 positive changes in your body when you consume cumin water daily

8 ways to enjoy leftover idli

News - Karthikeya 2

My son makes me want to become a better person: Nikhil ...

I have been training in weapons and horse riding for my...

NC 23: The enigmatic leading lady joins Akkineni Naga C...

Telugu director Chandu Mondeti confirms movie with Suri...

Nikhil Siddhartha thanks fans for support, apologizes f...

Nikhil Siddhartha's 'Spy' ticket prices soar in Telugu ...

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Get reviews of the latest theatrical releases every week, right in your inbox every Friday.

Thanks for subscribing.

Please Click Here to subscribe other newsletters that may interest you, and you'll always find stories you want to read in your inbox.

Popular Movie Reviews

Prasanna Vadanam

Tillu Square

Siddharth Roy

Om Bheem Bush

Aa Okkati Adakku

Family Star

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Fandango at Home
• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Link to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
• The Fall Guy Link to The Fall Guy
• The Last Stop in Yuma County Link to The Last Stop in Yuma County

New TV Tonight

• Interview With the Vampire: Season 2
• Spacey Unmasked: Season 1
• Outer Range: Season 2
• After the Flood: Season 1
• The Killing Kind: Season 1
• Bridgerton: Season 3
• The Big Cigar: Season 1
• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Season 11.1
• Harry Wild: Season 3
• RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars: Season 9

Most Popular TV on RT

• Dark Matter: Season 1
• Bodkin: Season 1
• X-Men '97: Season 1
• Baby Reindeer: Season 1
• Fallout: Season 1
• Doctor Who: Season 1
• A Man in Full: Season 1
• Under the Bridge: Season 1
• Blood of Zeus: Season 2
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Interview With the Vampire: Season 2 Link to Interview With the Vampire: Season 2
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

The Best Movies of 1999

300 Best Movies of All Time

Asian-American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2025

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga First Reviews: Anya Taylor-Joy Fires Up the Screen in a Crowd-Pleasing Spectacle

• Trending on RT
• Furiosa First Reviews
• Most Anticipated 2025 Movies
• Cannes Film Festival Preview
• TV Premiere Dates

Karthikeya 2

Critics reviews, audience reviews, cast & crew.

Chandoo Mondeti

Nikhil Siddharth

Anupama Parameswaran

Anupam Kher

Screenwriter

T.G. Vishwa Prasad

Karthikeya 2 Movie Review: A film more interested in teaching than thrilling

Rating: ( 2.5 / 5).

Even the disclaimer of Chandoo Mondeti’s Karthikeya 2 is loud and yells the film's objective: “A WORK OF FICTION BASED ON HISTORY!” The film is, naturally, fiction, and it wants us to care about our Gods so much that it feels like we are consistently switching between National Treasure on Star Movies and a pravachanam on Bhakti TV. In fact, Anupam Kher, playing an accomplished man of science, delivers a passionate monologue about the greatness of Krishna, hailing him as a pioneer of several professions—from medicine to entertainment to technology. The problem is, the film wouldn’t be affected in the tiniest degree without this sensationalisation. In fact, the whole devotional angle of this film wouldn’t result in any impact on Karthikeya 2 —which is supposed to be an adventure film—as the writing keeps trying to sustain the mystery anyway.

Starring: Nikhil Siddartha, Anupama Parameswaran, Srinivasa Reddy Director: Chandoo Mondeti So, how are the adventure ideas and scenes? Some are effective; many are not. Let’s go through some of the ideas: A newly discovered artifact doubles up as a key to an ancient tomb that has been the home of secrets for thousands of years—we have seen it already. Inside the cave, just when the characters wonder about the exact location of the treasure, the universe drops hints and leads them to their destination—we have seen this too. An evil big-shot is hunting for the same artifact—is this new? The plot devices are no different in their lack of novelty. What works though is the Indianisation of the adventure. For instance, the idea to introduce a violent tribe of Krishna’s devotees, oppressed back in the day, is quite interesting. This idea even questions whether religion and caste have been serving as catalysts for man’s savagery from time immemorial. However, I am not sure if this question comes from the filmmaker. This film needed many more such ideas.

Nikhil’s Karthikeya is a doctor in this film, and he still suffers from a ‘disease’ called curiosity. He places logic over faith. After busting the myth about a cursed temple in the first, a much more contained film, he now moonlights as, well, myth-buster. When he reluctantly visits Dwaraka with his mother, Karthikeya is framed for the death of an archaeologist who was on a path to prove the existence of Krishna. He embarks on a journey to defend himself and what follows is intended to be a gripping adventure.

The film saves the best for the last. The final 20 minutes of the film nearly compensate for the earnest yet hackneyed earlier portions. It’s only in the climax that we see the fruition of the film’s intentions to create a home-grown Indiana Jones; it’s when we get the confluence of spectacle and heroism. The scene is set on a frozen river in the Himalayan terrain. Karthikeya has to be saved from a sinking car after the ice breaks. He makes the jump and a saffron kanduva (scarf) and a muslim man’s shemagh come in unison to his rescue. This is the second time we see the union of these fabrics. The first time, they aid the central characters to escape from a possible threat. Both scenes allude to the strength of unity, and both moments—especially the second, more cinematic moment—are quick sojourns in a film that is committed to propagating the richness of Hindu mythology.

Thanks to Karthik Gattamaneni’s cinematography, easily the strongest aspect of the film, Karthikeya 2 comes close to realising its spectacular vision. A sequence that utilises light beams in an old temple right before the intermission stands out. Kaala Bhairava’s music, on the other hand, screams at you—to highlight the barbarity of an ancient tribe. While there’s a sense of epicness to it, I wish the filmmaker had allowed silence to enhance tension, especially in the sequence where Kartikeya has to carefully trudge through a village of deadly snakes. Nikhil Siddartha plays Karthikeya with exaggerated swag. At some points, it even feels like he is showboating for the camera, by the need to ‘appear’ heroic in every scene.

Karthikeya 2 is ambitious and aspires to be grand, both on the page and the screen. This is why the sequel must not be compared with the original, which harboured no such lofty ambitions and was content being a thriller. The sequel needed to wow us, but all we can muster is a “Meh”.

Related Stories

Gulte Telugu news

Karthikeya 2 Movie Review

Article by Nanda Gopal Published by GulteDesk --> Published on: 10:10 am, 13 August 2022 | Updated on 1:51 am, 15 August 2022

2 Hrs 25 Mins   |   Thriller   |   13-08-2022

Cast - Nikhil Siddharth, Anupama Parameswaran, Anupam Kher

Director - Chandoo Mondeti

Producer - Abhishek Agarwal, TG Vishwa Prasad

Banner - Abhishek Agarwal Arts, People Media Factory

Music - Kaala Bhairava

Nikhil Siddhartha’s Karthikeya 2 is a franchise to his erstwhile blockbuster Karthikeya that stood out in his career. The second instalment got a bigger budget with two well-known production houses backing the film, grand visuals, big cast and all. But that is not an easy sail for the film till its theatrical release. After facing multiple postponements, Karthikeya 2 sees the light of the day and let’s check out our take on the film.

Karthikeya (Nikhil Siddhartha) completes his medical studies and becomes a doctor. His quest for knowledge and devotion is intact. He goes to Dwaraka on personal work, but later realises that he gets embroiled into a bigger issue of professor Rao’s muder. He is saved by Mugdha (Anupama Parameswaran) and he learns that Rao tasked him to find Lord Krishna’s sacred and powerful Anklet (Gandapenderam) that solves all the forthcoming problems of people. Karthikeya is on a mission to get the ancient Anklet of Lord Krishna. What are the obstacles he faces and will he overcome them? This forms the crux of Karthikeya 2.

Performances :

Nikhil Siddhartha as Karthikeya is perfectly apt for the role. He knows his best abilities and optimally uses his strengths. This played out well.  Anupama Parameswaran has a role (Mugdha) that is crucial in the story. But eventually, she gets sidelined and the protagonist Karthikeya takes the centrestage. They don’t share romantic or intimate moments but the romance is subtle. Comedian duo Srinivas Reddy (Sadanandam), Harsha Chemudu (Suleman) did a good job. They got the audience in splits in this serious and engaging adventure. Comedians Praveen and Satya get blink and miss roles. Anupam Kher’s cameo worked out well. Adithya Menone as baddie Shantanu is alright. The writing tones down his role. Tulasi as Nikhil’s mom serves the purpose. All the actors have a part in driving the story forward.

Technicalities Writer-director Chandoo Mondeti came up with a good story that is amplified with an engaging narration. The tense factor is maintained throughout the film. Kala Bhairava’s background music has elevated the film to the next level. He is a good asset for this thriller. There is only one proper song in the film that just gives good relief. Visuals are grand and VFX work is easy on the eyes. Editing is crisp, despite some slow moments here and there. Production-wise, the film looks rich, shot in picturesque locales of India and Europe.

Thumbs Up Story & Direction Tense Factor Background Music

Thumbs Down Slow At Some Portions Cinematic Liberties

Karthikeya 2 is haunted by a major jinx. That is, many Telugu filmmakers in the past failed to come up with good sequels or franchises to the originals. Naturally, this is what pinches the franchise lovers. But here comes Nikhil and Chandoo who successfully broke the jinx. Kudos to the duo who came up with a taut thriller that has tense moments, adventurous acts and some mystery. It has all the elements blended well and that adds up to the story’s narration.

The Dwarka portions are engaging. The journey of Karthikeya where he is on a mission to find Lord Krishna’s Anklet acts as the main layer that gives good edge-of-the-seat moments. Audiences cheer, clap to dialogues on heritage and history mouthed by the protagonist. Though Karthikeya and Mugdha don’t have much romance, their chemistry in finding the powerful Anklet worked. The first half of the film sets the tone and mood of the film whereas the real story is unleashed in the second-half. Nowhere, the makers have not at all deviated from the main plot point which worked out.   Like any other film, Karthikeya 2 has its own shortcomings.The villain has a strong desire but that is not seen in his actions other than sending some bunch of goons to trace the hero and tie the hero to a tree upside down. The villain isn’t as powerful as he was perceived to be. He becomes a mute spectator. The climax appears to be dragged. The attempt to give lead to Karthikeya 3 (franchise) might be a little stretchy. Also, there are cinematic liberties which are conveniently used by makers.

On the eve of 75th Independence Day, Karthikeya 2 is unintentionally a film that revolves around Mera Bharat Mahan. The film is woven around our heritage. It highlights the culture. It also stresses the disconnect between the younger generation and our history and attempts to connect them. In the end, the hero says that “Lord Krishna is our Ancestor. Our Gods are our history.” This sums up the belief of the Karthikeya 2 makers. To an extent, all this looks preachy, but it is told in a convincing way that is where the director and hero succeeded.

Having said all this, Karthikeya 2 has a strong factor – story and engaging narration. The tense factor is maintained throughout. Dialogues do work in the film’s favour. Duo Nikhil and Chandoo once again chose an interesting story – Devotional Treasure Hunt – backed by visuals and terrific background score. They succeeded in getting the franchise right that ought to be watched with families and kids. Go for this, Karthikeya 2 gives you a thrilling ride. Overall, it hits the right chords.

Bottom-line: Devotional Treasure Hunt !

Rating: 3/5

Tags Karthikeya 2 Nikhil

Click Here for Recommended Movies on OTT (List Updates Daily)

• తెలుగు

Karthikeya 2 Review: History and Mystery

Movie: Karthikeya 2 Rating: 2.5/5 Banner: Abhishek Agarwal Arts & People Media Factory, Cast: Nikhil Siddartha, Anupama Parameswaran, Anupam Kher, Aditya Menon, KS Sridhar, Srinivas Reddy, Satya, Praveen, Harsha Chemudu, and others Music: Kaala Bhaiarava DOP: Karthik Ghattamaneni Production Designer: Saahi Suresh Producers: TG Vishwa Prasad, Abhishek Agarwal Written and Directed by: Chandoo Mondeti Release Date: Aug 13, 2022

Director Chandoo Mondeti gained a name with “Karthikeya”, a thriller. It took him eight years to make a sequel. The film’s trailer was a roaring success. Nikhil is hoping to gain pan-Indian success with this thriller.

Let’s find out its merits and demerits.

Story: Karthikeya (Nikhil Siddharth), a doctor, gets suspended from the hospital when he beats up a mayor for performing yagam in ICU. His mother takes him to Dwaraka in Gujarat for mokku.

In Dwaraka, an archaeologist before breathing his last tells Karthikeya that he is the savior and the chosen one to complete a mission.

The archaeologist’s granddaughter Mugdha (Anupama Parameswaran) rescues him and they dig deeper into the mysterious incidents that happened. They discover a secret society that protects Lord Krishna’s anklet.

Artistes' Performances: As an actor, Nikhil has given what is required for the role. The role requires him to do simple acts, and he does it neatly.

Anupama Parameswaran is more of a companion to Nikhil like Srinivasa Reddy and Harsha Chemudu. She gets her due in one or two scenes, though. 

Aditya Menon’s role lacks clarity. Anupam Kher appears as a blind professor and leaves an impact in the final moments.

Technical Excellence: Music, production design, and cinematography should be at the top class for these kinds of thrillers. Director Chandoo Mondeti fails to extract the right output from the music department. No scene was elevated with Kala Bhairava's background score leaving the audience without experiencing any goosebumps moment.  

Karthik Ghattamaneni’s camera work is sufficient for the theme. The editing should have been sharper. The dialogue writing serves the purpose. The visual effects are sufficient. The producers have put in a lot of money for the grand look of the movie. 

Highlights: The theme The final 30 minutes Grand production

Drawback: Inconsistency in the first half Too many cinematic liberties

Analysis When Chandoo Mondeti’s “Karthikeya” was released in 2014, it stunned many for its theme and convincing narration. It was a riveting thriller with all commercial elements. The first part is rich in content and narration.

The second film in the franchise doesn’t talk about the first part, and has a different setting and altogether new mission for the protagonist. Like in the first part, the protagonist is the same Karthik, who believes in science rather than religion and god. 

“Karthikeya 2”, however, focuses on the transformation of Karthik from a non-believer to a believer. This one is mounted on a grand scale to appeal to the pan-Indian audiences, especially the Hindi audiences, and a high dose of Hindu mythology and religion are incorporated. Lately, Hindi audiences are embracing films that glorify our culture, Hinduism, and our great history.  

“Karthikeya 2” is a calculated effort. However, director Chandoo Mondeti has a story that is based on historical and mythological references, which have enough scope for drama and suspense. The film goes the same way as Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones series with the elements of “The Da Vinci Code”. 

The film takes plenty of time to come to the point. The first half is loose. The narration turns gripping from the second half. With the story moving forward to different locations, the grand visuals and visual effects enthrall the audience. The story behind Lord Shri Krishna’s anklet and the mystery surrounding a telescope and a metal statue of a peacock draws us into it.

But the overall graph of the film lacks consistency. It has many ups and downs. Gopichand starrer “Sahasam” has a similar narrative structure. So, a bit of déjà vu appears. 

Despite these faults, the final moments make up everything and the grander is another asset.

All in all, the film has engaging moments in the second half and grand production values. Despite the inconsistency in narrative and logical issues, the film makes a passable watch.  

Bottom line: Engages in parts

• Krishnamma Review: Revenge Drama
• Prathinidhi 2 Review: Illogical Plot, Weak Direction
• Prasanna Vadanam Review: Thriller with Formula Elements

Tags: Karthikeya 2 Karthikeya 2 Review Karthikeya 2 Movie Review Karthikeya 2 Rating Karthikeya 2 Movie Rating Karthikeya 2 Telugu Movie Review

ADVERTISEMENT

Karthikeya 2 Detailed Review & Analysis

Gist of the Story

A follow-up to the mystic thriller Karthikeya that focuses on Karthik’s internal struggles and his resolutions. The force of the traditional Indian religious beliefs and the Tatva of Lord Sri Krishna are revealed to him as a result of his search for the truth.

Doctor Karthikeya (Nikhil Siddharth), who assaulted a mayor for conducting yagam in the intensive care unit, was expelled from the hospital. His mother drives him to Gujarat’s Dwaraka for mokku. Before passing away at Dwaraka, an archaeologist tells Karthikeya that he is the chosen one to perform a mission and is the rescuer. Mugdha (Anupama Parameswaran), the archaeologist’s granddaughter, saves him, and together they investigate the strange events that took place. They learn that Lord Krishna’s anklet is guarded by a covert organization.

Performance

Karthikeya is played by Nikhil Siddhartha, who is ideal for the part. He is aware of his strengths and makes the greatest use of them. This resulted in success. He has acted with a lot more maturity and is quite calm in how he approaches his part. He plays a crucial part in persuading the audience that what we are seeing is real and not made up. In her position, Anupama Parameswaran is effective. Anupama Parameswaran is nice in the role she is assigned and receives a good role. Good performances were given by Srinivas Reddy and Harsha Chemudu. The towering Aditya Menon left an impression. Bollywood star Anupam Kher was cast in a significant and influential role. His talks on the importance of Lord Krishna, spirituality, customs, and culture have been well received. He had a significant impact.

Direction / Technical Side

The 2014 publication of “Karthikeya” by Chandoo Mondeti astounded many with its concept and compelling storytelling. It was a suspenseful thriller with every kind of marketing in it. The second installment in the series doesn’t discuss the first one and takes place in a different location with a whole new goal for the protagonist. The story was well-written and directed by Chandoo Mondeti, and the narration added interest to it. The tension is sustained throughout the entire movie. The magnificent music score by Kaala Bhairava is the film’s surprise attraction. He astounds the audience with mesmerizing BGM, which takes the movie to a completely new level. The VFX are excellent, and Karthik Ghattamaneni’s cinematography is mesmerizing. His editing could have been better because the tempo occasionally dragged.

Karthikeya 2 has flaws of its own. Other than sending some men to track down the hero and tie him to a tree upside down, the villain’s intense desire is not evident in his deeds. The bad guy isn’t as strong as people thought. He becomes a silent observer. It seems like the conclusion lingered.

Verdict; Karthikeya 2 is an all-around competently produced adventure thriller with stunning visuals and engrossing storytelling. Huge in scope, the execution of the script is noteworthy. Satisfying Watch!

• Movie Schedules
• OTT and TV News

Most Viewed Articles

• OTT Review : Vidya Vasula Aham – Telugu movie on Aha
• Baahubali-Crown of Blood release strategy upset audiences
• OTT Review: Baahubali: Crown of Blood – Telugu dubbed series on Hotstar
• Shocking: Satyadev’s Krishnamma arrives on OTT a week after its theatrical release
• These star heroes were first choice for Vijay Deverakonda’s next
• Exciting updates on Indian 2 & Indian 3 trailers
• This noted technician walks out of Pushpa 2!?
• Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD: Massive update revealed by the team
• Star heroine dislocates her shoulders during the prep of her film
• Buzz: Yesteryear heroine in Chiranjeevi’s Vishwambhara?

Recent Posts

• ఓటిటి సమీక్ష: “బాహుబలి” – క్రౌన్ ఆఫ్ బ్లడ్ – తెలుగు డబ్ సిరీస్ హాట్ స్టార్ లో
• వైరల్: ప్రభాస్ పోస్ట్ ఈ హీరోయిన్ తో లింకప్ యాదృచ్చికమేనా!?
• Pooja Hegde to romance this Tamil star hero?
• తెలంగాణ హైకోర్ట్ లో జూ. ఎన్టీఆర్ కేసు.. వివరాలు ఇవే
• Jr. NTR files a petition in Telangana High Court over a property dispute

Release Date : August 13, 2022

123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5

Starring: Nikhil Siddharth, Anupama Parameswaran ,Anupam Kher

Director: Chandoo Mondeti

Producers: Abhishek Agarwal , TG Vishwa Prasad

Music Directors : Kaala Bhairava

Cinematography : Karthik Ghattamneni

Editor: Karthik Ghattamneni

Karthikeya 2 has been in the making for the last few years. After a huge round of promotions, the film has hit the screens today. Let’s see how it is.

The film starts with lord Krishna forecasting the future and penning all the solutions to the problems in a special Kankanam. Cut to present, Karthikeya(Nikhil) is a doctor who goes to Dwaraka along with his mother. There, he gets embroiled in a mystery which is related to the special Kankanam. What is this special mystery ? How did Karthikeya solve it? Where does Anupama Parameswaran feature in this setup? To know the answers, you need to watch the film on the big screen.

Plus Points

Nikhil and Chandoo Mondeti are a hit pair and they have done it once again with Karthikeya 2. Kudos to director Chandoo Mondeti for penning an intriguing thriller and connecting the past and present worlds quite well. His writing is fine and gives the audience moments filled with thrills and suspense.

It has been quite some time since we have seen Nikhil on screen and he makes it for the gap with a solid performance. He has matured a lot with his acting and is quite settled in his approach towards his character. He has a very key role and has to convince the audience what we are seeing is actually true and not fiction. In this department Nikhil scores full marks.

The surprise package of the film is Kaala Bhairava and his stunning music score. He shocks the audience with spell binding BGM which elevates the film to another level altogether. Even the ordinary scenes create interest for the audience with the enchanting BGM.

Not only does the film have thrills but the director added fun through the roles of Srinivasa Reddy and Viva Harsha who are solid in their roles and evoke good fun. Anupama Parameswaran gets a good role and she is neat in her given part. Anupam Kher gets a small but impactful role and shines.

What makes Karthikeya 2 interesting is the intriguing factor as to what will happen next. The quest to find the truth holds the attention of the audience. The director does not deviate from the main theme and keeps the audience engaged for the most part.

Minus Points

Though all the links are ended properly, there is a bit of confusion in the beginning of the film. The whole concept of lord Krishna and how the present generation is after a special Kankanam is not well established. Probably, the director should have added a character or a few scenes to make the audience understand what the actual plot is all about.

The pace in the second half goes down a bit as the director fails to elevate the villain’s angle properly. The plot goes through various stages and this journey could have been narrated in an even easier manner to make the common people understand.  

Technical Aspects

The production values of the film are top notch and special mention to the cameraman Karthik. His visuals and color tone used for the adventure scenes is very good. The editing part is also impressive as the scenes do not have much lag.

The dialogues are pretty good and the ones used for Anupam Kher are amazing. The production design is rich and the VFX used is quite realistic. The costume design, props used and the locations chosen are quite good.

Coming to the director Chandoo Mondeti, he has done a very good job with the film. One can say that Karthikeya 2 is his best film to date. He takes a plot with a backdrop of mythology and setting it up in the present day world was not easy. Not only has he done that well but he made sure the film has comedy, thrill, and suspense in equal proportions. His screenplay is good but the usage of a few sub plots and their connections in the end should have been more clear from the beginning.  

On the whole, Karthikeya 2 is a well made adventure thriller filled with great visuals and engaging narration. The backdrop, BGM, and performances create an intriguing factor. Baring a confusing first few minutes, this film makes up for an enjoyable watch and will be lapped by the audience this long weekend. Go for it.

123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

Articles that might interest you:

• Eesha Rebba’s latest comments on Aravinda Sametha go viral
• Prabhas’ vague post generates curiosity among fans!
• SSMB 29: Makers deny rumours about Rajamouli-Mahesh Babu’s film
• Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is now streaming on this OTT platform

Ad : Teluguruchi - Learn.. Cook.. Enjoy the Tasty food

• India Today
• Business Today
• Reader’s Digest
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• Aaj Tak Campus
• India Today Hindi

Karthikeya 2 Movie Review: The plot gets lost searching for Sri Krishna's anklet in this Nikhil Siddharth film

Karthikeya 2 might work commercially, but if you are looking for a casual watch this weekend, this film may not be for you, says our review..

Listen to Story

• Karthikeya 2 hit the theaters on August 13.
• It stars Nikhil Siddharth and Anupama Parameswaran in the lead roles.
• Karthikeya 2 is directed by Chandoo Mondeti.

"Our history has the solution for everything," says Adithya Menon's character Santanu in Karthikeya 2. What follows is a mishmash of mythological elements sprinkled across the film. The adventure thriller’s core story is centred around Sri Krishna’s anklet and Karthikeya's (played by Nikhil Siddharth) quest to find it. What is its history? Where is it now? Who is after it, and how Karthikeya inadvertently finds himself deeply involved in the mystery is the film's basic plot. But in between all this, the story gets lost, making it almost impossible to sit back and enjoy the film. That said, three cheers for the VFX used in Karthikeya 2.

Karthikeya 2 has nothing to do with the first part. It is a film where the main lead from the first part is on a different journey. Karthikeya is now a doctor and taking on a new case of sorts. A significant difference between both the instalments is the shift in tone. In Karthikeya 2, the protagonist is a lot like Indiana Jones, leading an expedition. The film starts with an animation which sets up the basic premise. Sri Krishna’s anklet is what everyone is after, and our hero is after it to save the world (a reference to the Covid-19 pandemic was made here). Karthikeya has a brush in with several other groups in search of the same ornaments. But, the whole concept of Lord Krishna and how the present generation is after a special Kankanam is not established well.

Watch the trailer of Karthikeya 2 here:

Clearly, the makers wanted to stick to the theme of adventure, with shades of mythology mixed adequately. However, it ends up looking like a kids' treasure hunt game as Karthikeya and Mugdha (played by Anupama Parameswaran) go touring the city in search of clues. It honestly makes you lose interest. The film also seemingly borrows from Harry Potter - the hero can communicate with snakes. Okay. But, we wish the makers had focused equally on Lord Krishna references and a cohesive story. Also, the whole film seems to be made in slo-mo.

The second half of the film, with a lot of appealing visuals, might appeal to the audience. The Abhira tribe thread is another interesting element. What we liked in the film is that there is no routine love track between the hero and heroine. There's something definitely brewing, but the makers were conscious not to deviate from the script, however shabby that may be. There are also some psychological references you might like. The surprise package of the film is Kaala Bhairava and his stunning music score.

Nikhil Siddharth effortlessly carries the film on his shoulders. Anupama Parameswaran does her part neatly, but she is just used as a prop. Srinivasa Reddy got a lengthy role after a while. He provides comic relief in places. If there was someone who actually did terrific acting, it was Anupam Kher! Even in a cameo, he took the cake.

Overall, the plot of Karthikeya 2 goes through various stages, but this journey could have been narrated in an easier manner. Karthikeya 2 might work commercially, but if you are looking for a casual watch this weekend, this film may not be for you.

1.5 stars out of 5 for Kathikeya 2. Published By: Nairita Mukherjee Published On: Aug 13, 2022 --- ENDS --- ALSO READ | | Anupama Parameswaran decides to skip Karthikeya 2 promotions. Here's why

• You Are At:
• Entertainment
• Regional Cinema

Karthikeya 2 Hindi: Box Office, Where to Watch, Book Tickets, Movie Review & all about Nikhil's sleeper hit

Karthikeya 2 hindi: nikhil siddhartha's film was released in theatres on august 13 (saturday). know where you can watch the film, trailer, songs, movie review, box office collection and more..

Karthikeya 2 is a sequel to Chandoo Mondeti's 2014 film Karthikeya. In case you are wiling to watch the film, Just in case, you are excited to watch Nikhil Siddhartha starrer Karthikeya 2 Hindi, here are all the details viz where to watch, trailer, movie review, box office, HD download, how to book tickets, etc. 

Karthikeya 2 Hindi: Box office report

After releasing on Saturday, August 13, Karthikeya 2 in Hindi has managed to collect Rs 1.45 crore. The film saw an unprecedented growth of around 300% on the national holiday (August 15). While the movie collected Rs 7 lakh on the first day and Rs 28 lakh on the second day of release, its third-day biz jumped to Rs 1.10 crore. 

Karthikeya 2 Hindi: Where to book tickets 

The movie tickets for Karthikeya 2 Hindi can be booked on BookMyShow or on the PayTM app for any theatre/cinema halls near you. If you book movie tickets through Amazon Pay, you may also get cashback in your Amazon wallet. The tickets can be purchased at the window as well.

Karthikeya 2 Hindi Trailer

Karthikeya 2 Hindi Posters

Karthikeya 2 Twitter Review and Reactions

Chiranjeevi's Acharya flops, producers go for early OTT release to make up for theatrical losses

Thor Love And Thunder, Shamshera, Vikrant Rona, Ek Villain Returns, HIT: Movies releasing in July

Bimbisara Twitter Review and Reactions: Kalyan Ram's film is visually stunning and 'paisa vasool'

Karthi's Viruman HD print leaked online on Movierulz, Tamilrockers and torrent sites

Also read:  Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan share a kiss in latest honeymoon pic from Barcelona; fans can't stop gushing

Also read:  Rajinikanth completes 47 years in films: Daughters Aishwaryaa & Soundarya share pics from celebrations

Read all the Breaking News Live on indiatvnews.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from Entertainment and Regional Cinema Section

• regional cinema

Swati Maliwal assault case: AAP releases 'Swati Ka Sach' video, Maliwal hits back with tweet

Kartik Aaryan's relative among deceased in Mumbai's Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident | Know more

Shubman Gill's form or Hardik Pandya's absence? What hurt Gujarat Titans more in IPL 2024?

Related Regional-cinema News

Nayanthara wraps shooting of 'Manangatti Since 1960', film will release on THIS day

Ram Charan's Game Changer, Jr NTR's Devara: Part 1 release date CHANGED?

Allu Arjun celebrates 20 years of his cult classic ‘Arya’, says 'its not just a movie'

Bison Kaalamaadan: Chiyaan Vikram's son Dhruv begins filming for Mari Selvaraj's directorial

Will Kanguva defeat Pushpa, KGF in terms of action? Hollywood experts called for Suriya starrer

Latest News

Effective Communication to Deep Breathing: 5 anger management tips to prevent relationship damage

Kokum to Cucumber: 5 Indian coolants to add your drinks this summer

• Aap Ki Adalat
• Aaj Ki Baat
• Kurukshetra
• Haqiqat Kya Hai

Yoga: How to protect liver-kidney-heart from hypertension...?

Aaj Ka Rashifal: Taurus Can go for an Office Trip, Know About your Zodiac Sign

Super 100: PM Modi addresses a powerful election rallies in Lalganj

Aaj Ki Baat: PM Modi Mocks Rahul Gandhi's 'Khata Khat' Comment

Coffee Par Kurukshetra: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Goes Silent On Swati Maliwal Assault Case

• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• West Bengal
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Chhattisgarh

Kejriwal’s PA Bibhav Kumar booked for Swati Maliwal's assault: Know about IPC sections levied on him

Amit Shah on Kejriwal's 'won't have to go to jail' remark: 'No bigger contempt of Supreme Court...'

Swati Maliwal assault case: 'Why is Kejriwal still roaming with Bibhav Kumar?', questions Assam CM

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE updates: BJP releases 19th list of candidates for polls in Punjab

Government slashes prices of 41 medicines, including those for diabetes, liver and heart ailments

• Constituencies
• Key Candidates

IPL Rising Star: Vyshak Vijaykumar, RCB's young warhorse

IPL 2024 playoffs scenario: How SRH vs GT washout has reignited CSK's chances to finish in top two

SRH qualify for playoffs as GT bow out with twin washouts following bad weather in Hyderabad

IPL 2024 Points Table: Hyderabad secure top four finish; 4 teams battle for last playoff berth

UAE launches 10-year 'Blue Residency' visas: Who is eligible and how to apply? DETAILS

Indian mission pays final respects to ex-Army officer killed in Gaza, mortal remains returning home

French police gun down armed man suspected of planning to set fire to synagogue

'Israel must be stopped': South Africa urges UN World Court to order ceasefire in Gaza

'Lecturing India on human rights won't...': Indian-American lawmakers urge constructive talks

• Celebrities

Throwback to when Pankaj Udhas' song brought Raj Kapoor close to tears | Birthday Special

Pankaj Tripathi to return as Madhav Misha in Criminal Justice season 4 | WATCH

Kartik Aaryan UNVEILS 8-minute-long single take war sequence in new poster from Chandu Champion

Katrina Kaif shares glimpse of Vicky Kaushal's 36th birthday celebrations in London | See pics

• Live Scores
• Other Sports

Pakistan's head coach Gary Kirsten raises concerns over scheduling of ICC's marquee tournaments

'My biggest achievement is...': Jay Shah reflects on his tenure as BCCI Secretary since 2019

Pakistan's white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten aims to 'take pressure off' Babar Azam

Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes' list of world's highest-paid athletes for 2024

World Telecommunication Day: From landline to 5G, how communication system changed in last 55 years?

These new Google features will make life easier for people with low vision, hearing impairment

Your posts could be used to train AI if you are using this social media platform

How to send WhatsApp messages without saving contact? An easy guide

Airtel likely to hike price of recharge plans: Here's what company's CEO has to say

What does Vladimir Putin's visit to China mean for both US and India? Know here

India signs 10-year-deal with Iran to manage Chabahar Port: What is its significance?

What if advanced AI goes into wrong hands? Potential risks and researchers' concerns explained

Explained: How 8 teams will benefit from Mumbai Indians' win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024

Feroze Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi: Rae Bareli's tryst with Gandhi family in Lok Sabha polls | Explained

Horoscope Today, May 17: Happiness in married life for Virgos; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, May 16: Hard work will prove fruitful for Virgos; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, May 15: New opportunities for Cancerians; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, May 14: Profitable day for Virgo; know about other zodiac signs

Horoscope Today, May 13: Golden day for Gemini; know about other zodiac signs

UN raises India's growth rate in 2024 to nearly 7 pc, remains world's fastest-growing large economy

Sensex surges 676 points, Nifty climbs 203 points

SBI hikes fixed deposit interest rates up to 75 basis points, list of new rates released | Check

Stock markets update: Sensex surges over 351 points, Nifty up by 119 points to 22,310 in early trade

India sets new export record, registers at USD 778 billion in 2023-24: Report

World Hypertension Day 2024: 7 subtle signs of high blood pressure you must be aware of

WHO prequalifies second dengue vaccine | Check details

Say no to tea and coffee before and after meals, advises top medical body ICMR

New findings show alarming rates of kidney damage in high blood pressure patients

When is World Hypertension Day 2024? Know date, theme, history, significance and more

site categories

Focus features acquires ‘last breath’ starring woody harrelson, finn cole and simu liu — cannes, breaking news.

• ‘Megalopolis’: What The Critics Are Saying

By Andreas Wiseman

Andreas Wiseman

Executive Editor, International & Strategy

More Stories By Andreas

• ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’: What The Critics Are Saying
• Vanessa Redgrave & Andrea Riseborough To Star In Paul Andrew Williams’ ‘The Nest’ — Cannes Market

After months of speculation, the critical book has finally been opened on Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis . The early word? Predominantly positive, with some very high highs and inevitably a few low lows.

Below, we run through some of the first reactions.

Related Stories

‘Megalopolis’ Review: Francis Ford Coppola’s Mad Modern Masterwork Reinvents The Possibilities Of Cinema – Cannes Film Festival

‘Megalopolis’ Cannes Film Festival Premiere Photos: Francis Ford Coppola, Adam Driver, Shia LaBeouf, Aubrey Plaza & More

He continued: “Halfway through, there’s a  very  audacious gimmick that tears down the fourth wall in ways younger filmmakers can only dream of. Coppola breaks many of the cardinal rules of filmmaking in the film’s 138 minutes but it upholds the most important one: it is never, ever boring, and it will inspire just as many artists as the audiences it will alienate.”

RELATED: ‘Megalopolis’ Debuts At Cannes With 7-Minute Standing Ovation

In a positive notice, Vulture’s Bilge Ebiri dissected the film’s “absolute madness” and called it the “craziest movie I have ever seen”: “There is nothing in  Megalopolis  that feels like something out of a “normal” movie. It has its own logic and cadence and vernacular. The characters speak in archaic phrases and words, mixing shards of Shakespeare, Ovid, and at one point straight-up Latin. Some characters speak in rhyme, others just in high-minded prose that feels like maybe it should be in verse.”

Indiewire’s David Ehrlich said on X: “The silliness is a feature, not a bug! a garish, epic, & utterly singular $120 million self-portrait that’s also a fable about the fall of ancient Rome & a plea to save our civilization (and its cinema) from itself. big fan.”

RELATED: Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or Winners Through The Years: A Photo Gallery

Joshua Rothkopf of the Los Angeles Times also was warm in his reaction: “I thrilled to Megalopolis in all its overstuffed, crazy ambition. Only an uncharitable viewer would call it a catastrophe. It’s definitely not boring.”

RELATED: Cannes Film Festival 2024: All Of Deadline’s Movie Reviews

David Jenkins of Little White Lies was also in the pro camp, posting to X: “Desole haters… Megalopolis rules.”

The UK’s Daily Telegraph gave the movie four stars, saying, “Coppola’s latest is like Succession crossed with Batman Forever and a lava lamp…Aubrey Plaza is fantastic in this full-body sensory bath movie which follows a struggle for power among the elites of New Rome.”

Not everyone was as glowing. The Guardian gave the film only two stars, saying: “Coppola’s passion project is megabloated and megaboring.”

RELATED: Aubrey Plaza Says Francis Coppola “Doesn’t Need My Defense”, Reveals The “Collaboration And Experimentation” Of ‘Megalopolis’

Vanity Fair ‘s Richard Lawson echoed that theme, with the brand noting in its headline: “Francis Ford Coppola’s  Megalopolis  Is a Passion Project Gone Horribly Wrong”, before continuing, “Maybe some cinephiles will see value in the  Godfather  director’s long-gestating epic. Many more, though, will be left scratching their heads.”

Tim Grierson of Screen Daily went further, saying on X: “It pains me to say that Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is a disaster.”

RELATED: ‘Megalopolis’ Imax Global Release Will Be Limited; Release Date Contingent On U.S. Distribution But Late September Eyed For IMAX In 20 US Cities; Coppola Live Event Planned – Cannes

The official logline for the film reads: “ Megalopolis  is a Roman Epic fable set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare. Torn between them is socialite Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), the mayor’s daughter, whose love for Cesar has divided her loyalties, forcing her to discover what she truly believes humanity deserves.”

As we revealed earlier this week , the movie recently scored distribution deals in key European territories. Speculation is rife about what will happen to the film in the U.S. Interestingly, the international deals are for theatrical rights only and TV and VOD rights have been held back by Coppola’s team, potentially paving the way for a global streamer-type deal down the line. 

After tonight, what’s clear is the movie has a number of prominent critical supporters, perhaps more so than anticipated. Could Coppola make history by becoming the first director ever to win three Palme d’Ors? That doesn’t seem such a remote possibility right now.

Must Read Stories

‘megalopolis’ review; focus takes ‘last breath’; merlant on ‘balconettes’.

‘Shōgun’ Goes On: FX & Hulu Eye Two More Seasons Of James Clavell Adaptation

How ‘young sheldon’ and ‘so help me todd’ said goodbye, la screenings are back: talent returns & slates get global.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.

Read More About:

11 comments.

Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

• Daily BO Update
• Daily Breakdown
• Hits & Flops
• All Time Grossers
• Highest Grossers
• Highest Openers
• Highest Weekend
• Best of Overseas
• Hollywood Highest
• Fact-o-meter
• Entertainment News
• Bollywood News
• Television & Web
• Fashion & Lifestyle
• Bigg Boss 17
• Hollywood News
• What To Watch
• Bollywood Movie Reviews
• Hollywood Movie Reviews
• All South Movie Reviews
• Tamil Movie Reviews
• Telugu Movie Reviews
• Kannada Movie Reviews
• Malayalam Movie Reviews
• Marathi Movie Reviews
• Web Series Reviews
• Music Reviews
• Box Office Reviews
• Trailer Reviews
• BO Filmometer
• Stars’ Power Index
• Directors’ Power Index
• 100 Crore Club
• Worldwide 200 Crores+
• Profitable Films
• Recommended Movies
• Upcoming Movies
• Released Movies
• Web Stories
• About Koimoi

Home » Down South

Tollywood directors Are Concentrating More On THIS Unique Genre

The telugu film industry is changing, and fantasy films are becoming more popular..

The Telugu film industry is changing, and fantasy films are becoming more popular. Instead of just focusing on star power, movie buffs are now enjoying movies with exciting stories and amazing special effects. Recently, the fantasy film HanuMan, starring actor Teja Sajja, did really well compared to a superstar film, Guntur Kaaram, during Sankranti 2024.

Producers Lean Towards Fantasy Stories

This change has been happening for a while, especially after the success of movies like Baahubali and RRR by SS Rajamouli. These movies showed everyone that fantasy stories with cool effects can be big hits. Even producers are fearless about spending money on making these kinds of movies because they know people will watch them.

Young actors like Nikhil Siddhartha are also becoming famous because of fantasy movies. His Karthikeya series did well, proving that people like these stories. He’s even making a new fantasy movie called Swayambhu, which will have a big budget of Rs 60 crore .

HanuMan Proves it Right.

Even famous people like cinematographer KK Senthil Kumar are joining the trend as they see how popular fantasy movies are becoming. Directors like Prashanth Varma, who made HanuMan, recently added that adding supernatural elements to film makes them more attractive. He said that making a good movie is more important than just making money.

However, few people worry that there might be too many fantasy movies. Karthik Varma Dandu, who directed “Virupaksha,” says we need new ideas to keep people interested. Instead of just using old myths, we should try new things like stories about the future or unusual plots. This way, fantasy movies can stay exciting and popular.

Must Read: Ayalaan Movie Review: Sivakarthikeyan Led Sci-Fi Film Isn’t Perfect But Has Its Heart In The Right Place!

Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Google News

RELATED ARTICLES

As Tabu Bags Major Role In Dune: Prophecy, Here Are Other International Projects Of The Indian Actress

Cinema Halls To Shut Down For 10 Days In Telangana

Aparichithudu Re-Release At The Box Office: A Ray Of Hope For Telugu Cinemas; But Can It Compete With HanuMan, Tillu Square?

Check this out.

The Newsroom Star Olivia Munn Reveals She Underwent Hysterectomy Amid Battle...

Shamita Shetty Goes Through A Major Surgery; Bigg Boss’ Umar Riaz...

7 Films Similar To Netflix’s Mother Of The Bride That You...

Did Selena Gomez Disable Instagram Comments Amid Hailey & Justin Bieber’s...

Panchayat Season 3 Trailer Review: ‘Sachiv Ji’ Jitendra Kumar Finds Himself...

Salaar: Part 1 Ceasefire: Prabhas’s Film Gives You One More Reason...

Don't miss.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Box Office (North America):...

OG Heera Mandi From Lahore: Meet The Most Famous ‘Tawaif’ Who...

Baahubali: After Lending Voice To Prabhas’ Character Sharad Kelkar Turned Down...

Kartam Bhugtam Movie Review: Simplistic Revenge Drama

The Garfield Movie Review: The Adventures Of Our Favorite Lazy Cat & His Lost Father Make For A Fun Time

Baahubali: Crown Of Blood Review: SS Rajamouli’s Hurried Summer Holiday Homework On Chhota Bheem Meets Doraemon Palette Works The Best In Prabhas’s Favor!

Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 Review: Nicola Coughlan And Luke Newton’s Friends To Lovers Trope Might Just Make This The Best Season Yet, But...

• Privacy Policy

Screen Rant

If review: john krasinski’s heartwarming, creative film will make you miss your imaginary friends.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Where To Watch IF: Showtimes & Streaming Status

7 reasons reviews for john krasinski's new movie are so mixed, if's post-credits scene explained.

• IF focuses on imaginary friends left behind by children in a whimsical, heartfelt manner.
• The stellar cast delivers standout performances, with Cailey Fleming leading the way.
• Despite some clunky moments, IF shines with warmth and optimism, appealing to those who embrace nostalgia and wonder.

Considering John Krasinski's two most recent directorial efforts were A Quiet Place and its sequel , it's a bit surprising how much of a complete 180 his new movie IF is. Replacing a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by deadly monsters with a fantastical, lighthearted landscape populated with kind creatures, the succinctly-titled movie plays as more of a character study exploring various themes than a straightforward adventure tale. How viewers will respond to it likely depends on the individual person, but there's no doubt that Krasinski has a knack for worldbuilding.

IF, originally titled Imaginary Friends, is a comedic fantasy film written and directed by John Krasinski. A young girl who experiences a tragic moment early in her life discovers she can see the imaginary friends of others who leave them behind as they grow older.

• IF's story has a lot of heart and sentimentality baked into the plot
• The fantastical elements and characters are creative
• IF's cast is excellent, delivering great performances
• The story can get a bit clunky
• There are one too many cameos that could distract

The title IF stands for "imaginary friend," the little pal a kid might envision out of nothing. This is the second movie this year to tackle this concept, following Blumhouse's Imaginary . Here, the IFs we encounter are those now adrift in life (if one can really say they're alive) because their kids have grown up and forgotten them. The concept of leaving childhood behind has been the basis of countless movies, and I wouldn't argue Krasinski has found something new to say on the topic. However, he still handles the idea with an impressive amount of heart and enthusiasm .

John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds' new movie has arrived. Here is where to watch IF in theaters with showtimes or at home on streaming or digital.

IF's World Is Bursting With Magic & Imagination

IF centers on Bea (Cailey Fleming) , a rather serious 12-year-old who insists she isn't a child anymore, largely because her mother died of cancer when she was younger, and now her father (Krasinski) is facing his own medical problems. Though her dad enthusiastically encourages her to go out and find her own story, rather than spend all her time worrying about him, the message doesn't really sink in until Bea runs into butterfly ballerina Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and lovable purple fuzzball Blue (Steve Carell), and she learns she can see imaginary friends.

This is a movie that welcomes embracing your childhood and encourages you to find wonder in the world, even when things are hard.

Along with cranky Cal (Ryan Reynolds), who acts as a sort of caretaker for the various IFs, Bea soon decides there's only one thing to do with her newfound ability: Help them all find new homes. All the IFs need new kids so they don't disappear. The specifics of that particular process are never really discussed. IF as a whole is more interested in the imaginary friends themselves and what they symbolize on a much broader level.

It would've been simple for Krasinski, who also wrote the movie, to create an action-packed adventure wherein Bea must race against time to save IFs from disappearing. Instead, Krasinski expands the IFs' world through whimsical montages and poignant scenes rooted in nostalgia . For the former, there's a delightful sequence where Bea transforms a retirement home housing various displaced IFs to be whatever she wants it to be, much to Cal's chagrin, which allows Krasinski the opportunity to let his creativity fly.

IF's Heart Elevates It, Even When The Plot Falters

The emotions tug on the heartstrings, even if the story isn't seamless.

By going with a more character-driven, emotional approach, IF finds ample opportunities to tug on our heartstrings. This is a movie that welcomes embracing your childhood and encourages you to find wonder in the world, even when things are hard. There are messages that will surely resonate with many people , though some might roll their eyes at the amount of sentimentality baked into the plot. I personally found myself charmed by the overall effect, though I did find some parts lacking.

Because IF leads with its heart, the actual plot doesn't run quite as smoothly . It takes some time for Bea to meet the IFs and accept her new job, and once that happens, the movie settles into a predictable rhythm. At times, it almost feels like Krasinski got too caught up in all the ideas he had for this story. Despite the clunkier elements, though, IF pushes through with its warmth and optimistic tone, paving the way for some truly effective moments.

IF Features A Stellar Cast

There are endless cameos, too.

Listing off every single notable star who makes an appearance (vocal or otherwise) would take up the rest of this review, so I will simply have to settle for saying Krasinski has assembled an impressive roster for this one. Best known for The Walking Dead , Fleming rises to the occasion of leading a major movie and gives a strong performance that cements her as a performer to watch . As Bea's stoic nature starts to crack and give way to the youthful joy she so desperately needs, Fleming perfectly captures each beat of her arc.

IF pushes through with its warmth and optimistic tone, paving the way for some truly effective moments.

Reynolds' Cal is another character who allows the Deadpool actor to indulge in his trademark sarcasm and quips, but he has a few twists up his sleeve that lead to greater depth. Fiona Shaw plays Bea's grandmother, giving an earnest performance that proves essential to the movie. Among the IF voice cast , Carell is an adorable delight as the often-sneezing, very enthusiastic Blue, and Waller-Bridge perfectly imbues Blossom with tenderness. Special credit should go to the late Louis Gossett Jr. , who voices Lewis and is the heart of the story. Stay until after the credits for a special tribute.

The amount of cameos within IF (George Clooney, Emily Blunt, and Matt Damon only scratch the surface) run the risk of becoming distracting, but only if someone is truly dedicated to identifying each and every voice. The electic character designs provide something else to focus on, playing with the idea of what a child might dream up. The overly sentimental elements of IF might be too much for some , but Krasinski has brought so much heart and wonder that I think there'll be plenty for people to love, as long as they're willing to open up their imaginations.

IF releases in theaters on Friday, May 17. It is rated PG for thematic elements and mild language.

Den of Geek

Inside No. 9 Series 9 Episode 2 Review: The Trolley Problem

The latest Inside No. 9 is tense, dramatic and grisly, but not satisfying. Spoilers.

• Share on Facebook (opens in a new tab)
• Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab)
• Share on Linkedin (opens in a new tab)
• Share on email (opens in a new tab)

Warning: this  Inside No. 9  review contains spoilers.

After all this time, another first. Having blasted through the guest star budget on last week’s stunning five-star opener, “The Trolley Problem” is  Inside No. 9 ’s sole story to feature only Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith on screen. ( Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room   and, technically,  The Stakeout , each had one other character). 

A two-hander powered by tension, it was a performance showcase for the creators, and would make an impressive calling card – as if one were needed at this stage – to any casting directors watching. Straight drama? No problem. Intense, emotional showdown? Watch us go. These two could slot in to any primetime or hit streaming show and act rings around everybody else, no question. Ideally though, they’d have a stronger script to perform than this one. 

The action took place in a remote country home, against the driving rain of a noisily dramatic storm. Therapist Blake Chambers ( Pemberton ) had played the good Samaritan and scooped up apparently suicidal stranger Drew ( Shearsmith ) from a bridge on the side of the road. In Blake’s kitchen, the suspicion and power shifted from one to the other and back again, until eventually, everybody was a victim. 

Ad – content continues below

The hook of wondering who these characters really were and what they were hiding pulled you through a first watch. The guessing game of who was caught in whose trap was fun to play – even if fun was absent from the rest of this grim story. 

The script didn’t wear its learning lightly. The Bystander Effect, Laughter Yoga, the Szondi Test and the titular thought experiment were all namechecked and explained at length. As a result, the dialogue felt contrived, like a list of topics for dinner party conversation rather than the words of real-feeling characters in a dangerous situation. Blake’s (Mc)Cambridge diploma being on display had established him as preening and so explained his tendency to lecture, but when Drew slipped into the same mode, it felt less like a character choice and more like a weakness.  

Once we’d learned that Drew had carefully planned the encounter to get revenge on Blake, the former therapist who’d taken sexual advantage of Drew’s vulnerable daughter Ellie and failed to raise the alarm when she took a fatal overdose, the logic faults started to appear.

Taking into account his unhinged state of mind, Drew’s actions still lacked plausibility. Would these two men conceivably never have met in the aftermath of Ellie’s death? How likely is Drew’s sick strategy as his first attempt at revenge? If Blake – who had taken out a court restraining order on Ellie – had been captured on CCTV leaving her hotel room on the night she died, it would be a police matter. Why hadn’t Drew gone through official channels to have him struck off? And why give passing mention to Ellie’s mother, only to prompt viewers to wonder what her role might be in all of this?  

Once this track of thinking starts, it’s hard to stop it. Drew was estranged from Ellie but not estranged  enough that he didn’t closely observe her mood and give her money (that she accepted and dutifully used) for a therapist. Blake’s son Robbie was shy, but he was supposed to have been out that night with friends. Robbie was buried in a box underground but had a clear mobile phone signal. Unlike the whos, hows and whys left after “ Boo to a Goose ”, these  questions are all down to story, not  Inside No. 9 ’s concentrated runtime. Given more screen minutes, they couldn’t have been resolved. 

It also comes down to tone. “The Trolley Problem” is set in the real world, not the theatrical and heightened,  Sleuth -like ones of “The Riddle of the Sphinx” and “Misdirection”, where similarly baroque revenge schemes pass scrutiny and implausibility melts away given the context. Yes, there’s a Gothic storm raging outside and director Al Campbell (hello,  Screenwipe ’s Barry Shitpeas ) kept the lights atmospherically low, but we’re in a middle-class kitchen, not the historical rooms of a mannered Oxbridge don, or the studio of a hammy stage magician. 

Shearsmith’s emotional performance here is straight drama, not slanted or comedic; if we believe in his character’s grief – and I did – then it’s jarring to pair that with Drew’s outrageous horror movie plan. The convincing shame that Pemberton injected into Blake while forced to listen to that recording of his session with Ellie didn’t fit with his smug villainy when planning Drew’s demise later on. None of it matched. It’s unusual for performance to outstrip story, but that’s what happened in “The Trolley Problem”. It was packed with ingredients that didn’t coalesce.

Get the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!

Still, that nasty final shot of Drew burning to death reflected in Blake’s glasses? A beauty. It’d make a terrific poster.

Inside No. 9 series 9 continues on Wednesday May 23 with “Mulberry Close”. 

Louisa Mellor | @Louisa_Mellor

Louisa Mellor is the Den of Geek UK TV Editor. She has written about TV, film and books for Den of Geek since 2010, and for…

• Cast & crew

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1

Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west. Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west. Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west.

• Kevin Costner
• Dale Dickey
• Jena Malone
• 1 Critic review

• Hayes Ellison

• Hugh Proctor

• Frances Kittredge

• First Lt. Trent Gephardt

• Walter Childs

• Diamond Kittredge

• Roland Bailey

• Sgt. Major Riordan

• Matthew Van Weyden

• Owen Kittredge

• Caleb Sykes

• Colonel Houghton
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

The Big List of Summer Movies

More like this

Did you know

• Trivia Kevin Costner 's first directorial effort since Open Range (2003) .
• Connections Followed by Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 (2024)

The 2024 Festival Films You Need to Know

• When will Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 be released? Powered by Alexa
• June 28, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Horizon: An American Saga
• New Line Cinema
• Territory Pictures Entertainment
• Warner Bros.
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $100,000,000 (estimated)

Technical specs

• Runtime 3 hours 1 minute
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Atmos

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News

Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter

site categories

‘bridgerton’ review: in season 3 of netflix favorite, the spell starts to wear off.

A wallflower strikes up a romance with a longtime friend while trying to conceal her identity as the anonymous author of high society's most notorious scandal sheet in the new set of episodes.

By Angie Han

Television Critic

• Share this article on Facebook
• Share this article on Twitter
• Share this article on Flipboard
• Share this article on Email
• Show additional share options
• Share this article on Linkedin
• Share this article on Pinit
• Share this article on Reddit
• Share this article on Tumblr
• Share this article on Whatsapp
• Share this article on Print
• Share this article on Comment

Falling for a TV show is not exactly like falling for a romantic relationship. But it’s not un like it, either. There’s the initial flirtation, when you sample an episode or two to see how it strikes you. If all goes well, there’s the moment of commitment, when you decide to stick around to see the story play out. Then there’s the long haul: With each successive season, the series has the opportunity to deepen and mature — or to stagnate.

Related Stories

'bridgerton' season 3 boss on why this was the right time for polin and what's to come in part 2, golda rosheuvel, nick frost are pumpkin-obsessed in sky original's newly-announced 'grow'.

To be sure, there’s still plenty of fun to be found on the Regency-era marriage market, this time under showrunner Jess Brownell (replacing creator Chris Van Dusen). The main storyline is built around the series’ single most charming character, Penelope Featherington ( Nicola Coughlan ) — the wallflower who secretly has the entire ton under her thumb as Lady Whistledown, the anonymous author of its most notorious scandal sheet. For years, Penelope has pined after Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), her big-hearted friend and neighbor. When Colin returns from his grand tour of Europe at precisely the moment Penelope decides it’s time to get serious about finding a husband, those long-simmering feelings come to a head.

On the whole, however, this outing lacks the giddiness of earlier ones. Technically, there’s still plenty of skin. Previous leads Anthony and Kate (Simone Ashley) spend much of their return tangled in bedsheets, deep in the bliss of their honeymoon phase. Colin, who’s returned from his travels more dashing than ever, spends his days flirting with every eligible bachelorette in London, and his evenings sleeping his way through the brothels. And Benedict is stuck yet again in an aimless subplot that — at least in the six hours of eight that I’ve seen — serves no apparent purpose beyond meeting the season’s quota of sex scenes.

But the delicious yearning that has been Bridgerton ‘s bread and butter is dulled, significantly, by the fact that there’s not much actually standing between the would-be couple. It’s simply a matter of waiting out Colin until he catches feelings for Penelope — and even once he does, he’s so slow to make a move that one might be tempted to root for her other suitor, the scandalously vegetarian Lord Debling (Sam Phillips).

If anything, the most poignant love story is the one between Penelope and Colin’s little sister Eloise (Claudia Jessie), childhood besties whose bond was destroyed last season by Eloise’s discovery of Penelope’s activities as Whistledown. Eloise has since warmed up to mean-girl Cressida (an amusing Jessica Madsen), while Penelope has retreated into the company of her intolerable family. Yet neither woman seems able to get the other off her mind. When Penelope unveils her makeover at a party, it’s Eloise, not Colin, who can’t tear her eyes away. When Penelope sets her sights on Colin, it’s Eloise, not Debling, who reacts with the anguish of a jilted lover. It’s enough to make one wonder what a Bridgerton bold enough to break from Julia Quinn’s source material could have been.

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day

More from The Hollywood Reporter

John krasinski reveals what prop he “stole” from ‘the office’ set but has “always lied” about, nicola coughlan recalls pranking luke newton on ‘bridgerton’ set after learning about his boy band past, kevin spacey speaks to chris cuomo in first tv appearance in years: “i’m so much happier today”, ‘the big cigar’ review: andré holland’s apple tv+ huey newton series can’t decide whose story it’s telling, ‘daisy jones & the six’ cast was to perform live at 2023 lollapalooza before strike, marvel’s ‘silk: spider society’ dead at amazon.