Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta played one of the most remarkable roles of their career in Vadh 2
Vadh 2, released just yesterday on 6 February, has become one of those films people can’t stop talking about. With this film, director Jaspal Singh Sandhu returned to his gritty crime thriller universe. The film is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under Luv Films.
Vadh was released in 2022, and given the anticipation surrounding it, the sequel has now been released.
THE PLOT
The film is set in the Shivpuri jail in Madhya Pradesh where longtime prisoner Manju Singh, played by Neena Gupta, is on the verge of release after spending over three decades in prison for committing double murder in 1994. Her unlikely bond with prison guard Shambhunath Mishra, played by Sanjay Mishra, forms the emotional backbone of the story.
This uneasy prison life is shaken when a new superintendent, Prakash Singh, played by Kumud Mishra, takes charge. He is strict, openly biased, and believes in ruling with fear. Things take a serious turn when he punishes Keshav (Akshay Dogra), the powerful son of an MLA. Soon after, Keshav vanishes without a trace, shaking the prison authorities and the system around it. The case is handed over to Inspector Ateet Singh (Amitt K. Singh), who begins digging into what really happened.
As the search continues, the story uncovers deep-rooted corruption, personal grudges, and uncomfortable truths. Everyone becomes a suspect — Prakash, Manju, and Shambhunath — each hiding something of their own. The film doesn’t try to give neat answers. Instead, it shows how prison life blurs the line between right and wrong, and how survival often comes at the cost of morality, loyalty, and justice.
THE CAST
The film starred Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, who yet again delivered one of their most powerful performances. The supporting cast includes Kumud Mishra, Amitt K. Singh, Akshay Dogra, Yogita Bihani and Shilpa Shukla. Each cast member contributes to make the film a masterpiece. Each character feels lived-in and real, adding layers to the film’s exploration of institutional life.
CRITICS
Initial reports have indicated generally positive responses, with critics lauding the movie for its gripping narrative and realistic approach. In one review by Times of India, they praised the performances of the actors and the film’s ability to preserve the gritty approach that the first movie popularized. The film has been lauded for its courage in not shying away from serious issues such as caste, corruption, and dehumanization while in prison.
Nevertheless, the pacing has also had its share of criticisms, especially in the middle parts of the film, where the story slows down a bit. The subplot regarding the investigation also tries the patience at times, though this aspect is integral to the script. Be that as it may, it’s safe to say that Vadh 2 is a sequel worth looking into if you are seeking adult-oriented content in an industry filled with commercial films.
The cinematography by Sapan Narula has received special mention, which captured the oppressiveness of the prison atmosphere, and the minimal score by Rochak Kohli does not overwhelm the genuineness with its presence.
Final Verdict
Vadh 2 is a must-watch and outstanding sequel, giving viewers a chill down the spine. It’s not a simple entertainment movie; it challenges the audience to think and offers a haunting look inside a prison, where survival requires some impossible and hard choices. The cast’s extraordinary performance, particularly Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta, makes it a masterpiece.
Rating: 4/5
