The film, marking the second collaboration between Kamal Haasan and director Shankar, was anticipated to match the success of the original but turned out to be one of their biggest career disappointments.
Published Aug 04, 2024 | 11:29 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 04, 2024 | 11:29 PM
Kamal Haasan's 'Indian 2' disappoints. (Supplied)
Shankar’s sequel to his 1996 hit Indian, Indian 2, featuring Kamal Haasan in the lead, was released in theatres, last month to a mixed response.
The film will stream on Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam starting on 9 August. The announcement was made by the streaming giant’s official X handle.
As Indian 2 gears up for its streaming debut, there were speculations about tensions between Netflix and Lyca Productions over licensing terms.
Reports suggested that Netflix was attempting to renegotiate terms to lower the licensing fee for Indian 2. However, the production house has confirmed that there is no rift between the two parties.
Indian 2 will debut on the platform less than a month after its theatrical release on 12 July. Following a lukewarm reception, the makers trimmed 20 minutes from the original, resulting in a final runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Thatha varaaru, kadhara vida poraaru 🔥#Indian2 is coming to Netflix on 9 August in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada!#Indian2OnNetflix pic.twitter.com/cJN0JWaprp
— Netflix India South (@Netflix_INSouth) August 4, 2024
Considered one of the most expensive films in Tamil cinema, Indian 2 continues the story of Senapathy, with Kamal Haasan reprising his role. He returns to India to combat corruption after being called upon by a group of young activists using social media to expose systemic issues.
In an interview, Shankar explained that he doesn’t aim for bigger budgets with every film. He added, “The budget is determined by the idea that excites me and what I need to do to bring it to life.”
The filmmaker, further, said that each film’s success broadens his creative possibilities, enabling him to undertake even larger projects, but this is always driven by a strong concept.
In addition to Kamal Haasan, the cast includes Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Bobby Simha, SJ Suryah, and Vivekh. Kajal Aggarwal filmed a role in the movie, but Shankar has confirmed her character will appear in Indian 3.
The technical team for Indian 2 includes music composer Anirudh, cinematographer Ravi Varman, and editor Sreekar Prasad. The film is produced by Lyca Productions and Red Giant Movies.
“Indian 2 is one of those films where you’re excited about the plot when you hear about it. But then, you watch the movie and realise otherwise. It doesn’t do justice to a terrific actor like Kamal Haasan. It is a sequel no one asked for,” read our review.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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