Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam 2: What Works, What Doesn’t

Five years after the release of the first part, Vishwaroopam 2 finally hit the screens today. The story picks up from where it left off – Wisam Ahmad Kashmiri (Kamal Haasan) has to foil Omar (Rahul Bose) and Salim's (Jaideep Ahlawat) plans to wreak terror in the UK and India. Every now and then, the film moves back to events unfolding in Afghanistan, which was a fascinating segment in the first part.

• Kamal Haasan doesn't get to exhibit his legendary performance skills here, but goes full throttle in the action scenes. His fitness levels and agility are admirable. The layers and hidden meanings, which are a part and parcel of Kamal's directorial ventures, find a place in this film too.
• Among the supporting actors, Andrea and Shekhar Kapur grab our attention due to the heft given to their parts. Pooja Kumar gets one extended underwater sequence and a few intimate moments with Kamal. The trio delivers the goods.
• Ghibran proves his quality as a skilled musician yet again. Among the songs, 'Naanaagiya Nadhimoolamae' is a lovely melody with a classical base. His re-recording seamlessly fits in with the film's ebb and flow.

• When Omar and Salim re-enter the fray, towards the end of the film, the drama and tension don't quite soar to expected levels. The final action block fizzles out, leaving viewers asking for more. Rahul Bose and Jaideep Ahlawat should've had more substantial screen time given how strongly they were positioned in the first part.
• The five-year-long delay in the release of the second part clearly shows. The story seems to be set around 2012 and the dialogues would've been more relevant had the film released on time in 2013 or even 2014.
• Some of Kamal's comments, opinions on religion and caste aren't in good taste and appear forced. His brand of humour is also not universal.
• Andrea's character arc is abruptly brought to an end. Being a pivotal character who keeps the audience invested in what is happening, we don't quite 'feel' as much when she is taken out of the proceedings.
• Some of the occurrences and resolutions are much too convenient. From a maker of Kamal's caliber, some plausibility is definitely expected.
• The dialogue delivery of most of the actors isn't clear and disrupts our involvement with the story.