The Kamal Haasan starrer, directed by Shankar, collected ₹81.31 crore in its lifetime run earlier this year.
Published Aug 11, 2024 | 11:48 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 11, 2024 | 11:49 PM
Sivakarthikeyan; Kamal Haasan in 'Indian 2'. (X)
Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated film, Indian 2, is now streaming on Netflix, following its theatrical release on 12 July. The OTT giant marked the occasion, with a quirky video, featuring the Ulaganayagan himself.
In the video, the actor-politician, initially announces the film’s availability on Netflix but is asked to redo it, incorporating the languages the film is premiering in. With his trademark flair, Kamal Haasan lists Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, adding a personal touch to the announcement.
Indian 2, a sequel to Shankar’s 1996 classic, hit Netflix within a month of its release. Despite high expectations, the film faced harsh criticism from both audiences and critics, prompting the filmmakers to trim 20 minutes, bringing the runtime to two hours.
Varma Kalai mattum illa, namma Senapathy ku Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada nu ella vitthayum theriyum 🫡🔥
Watch Indian 2 in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, now on Netflix!#Indian2OnNetflix pic.twitter.com/QhTQE4Ymh3
— Netflix India South (@Netflix_INSouth) August 9, 2024
This political thriller marks Kamal Haasan’s second collaboration with director Shankar, continuing the story of Senapathy as he returns to India to combat corruption. The film features an ensemble cast, including Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Bobby Simha, SJ Suryah, and Vivekh.
Sivakarthikeyan was, reportedly, the first choice for Chitra Aravindan but had to decline due to prior commitments. (Interestingly, Kamal Haasan is producing Amaran, which stars Sivakarthikeyan.) Siddharth ultimately took the role, receiving praise as the film’s “only saving grace.” However, Indian 2, faced harsh criticism, especially targeting Anirudh Ravichander’s music and background score.
The Kamal Haasan starrer collected ₹81.31 crore in its lifetime run earlier this year.
Despite its poor box office performance and continued criticism online, the Indian franchise is set to continue, with Indian 3 scheduled for a grand theatrical release in early 2025.
Senapathy. The man, the myth, the legend. 💪 pic.twitter.com/NaDGSOrmtp
— Netflix India South (@Netflix_INSouth) August 10, 2024
Shankar described Indian 2 as a broader narrative, focusing on what Senapathy would do in the modern age. He explained that while the first film was set in Tamil Nadu, the sequel spans events across the country, carrying a more expansive, pan-Indian message.
Shankar noted that Kamal Haasan has become more experienced and approachable over time. “Beyond being an actor, he is a true cinephile, always updating himself on the latest films and series. He’s always eager to adapt to current trends, which keeps their approach fresh.”
Director Shankar intends to resume post-production on Indian 3 after finishing his Telugu film Game Changer, starring Ram Charan.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana)
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