Hate Story 2

Hindi (A) ¬

Director: Vishal Pandya

Cast: Sushant Singh, Surveen Chawla, Jay Bhanushali and Siddharth Kher



It was teased as a femme fatale’s tale of revenge. It promised the beautiful Surveen Chawla taking on the often-underused Sushant Singh.

It could have been the slickest thriller of recent.



With the correct ingredients and individuals, it could even have been a tribute to Kill Bill!



Instead, director Vishal Pandya has served us a series of improbable events which, at most, could be an odd reference to Lemony Snicket.



The previews had made it quite clear. Corrupt politician kills mistress’ suitor, and leaves her to die. She returns for revenge.



Or so the story demands. And to satisfy this demand, logic goes for a toss as mockeries replace screenplay and plot.



Also, beware of the “demand” for item songs; in this case, it is forced upon the audience so abruptly after intermission that it should have come with a disclaimer for the viewers not to choke on their popcorn or spill their soft drink.



The only (somewhat) redeeming feature of “Hate Story 2” is its music (other than “Pink Lips”). The background tune should have found its place in a better film, and a couple of the songs are more than hummable, albeit “inspired”.



Otherwise, Chawla hardly fits the role of the hallucinating murderess, and Jay Bhanushali appears utterly clueless. Singh, as the politician (need we say what kind?), is far from his negative best, but still manages to elicit some hatred.



Revenge is a dish best served cold. Pandya needs more cinematic schooling to cook up something that at least passes for such delectable vengeance.

Arkadev Ghoshal