What Is the Story About?
Anupama, a culinary enthusiast and a Youtuber, who barely managed to find her way out of a crime scene recently, starts a new restaurant and pursues her dreams. Now, she is all set to test her fortunes in a ‘cooking idol’ challenge, accompanied by her house-help Shilpa. However, before the event kickstarts, Anupama lands in a precarious situation when she spots a dead body in her restaurant.
Performances?
Anupama, much like the prequel, needed an actress who was an all-rounder, someone who could be funny and convincing as a homemaker, chef and a small-time detective too. Priyamani rightfully gets a role that justifies her capabilities and experience. In Bhamakalapam 2, she is all the more agile and effortless with the action segments and adds credibility to the underdog victory.
On a high after her swashbuckling performance in Ambajipeta Marriage Band, Sharanya Pradeep strikes a chord with her likeable portrayal as a nosy maid. Seerat Kapoor’s femme fatale act adds more juice to the narrative while Anuj Gurwara is convincing as he steps into the shoes of a shady businessman.
Raghu Mukherjee’s unconventional screen presence lends a new dimension to his performance as a cop. The likes of Brahmaji, Suresh Kumar and Pradeep Rudra do justice to their roles while Sundip Ved, Rakesh Rachakonda, Nanda Gopal and other supporting cast are passable in their brief appearances.
Analysis
Bhamakalapam, the low-stakes crime saga, introduced a compelling protagonist through Anupama. She wasn’t only a curious, gossipy homemaker but also a woman with vast culinary dreams, who could be a Sherlock Holmes-lite whenever necessary. Abhimanyu Tadimeti’s film was reasonably successful in striking a fine balance between crime, thrills and humour.
Its sequel, which arrives on aha after two years, is more aware of what the franchise stands for. Given that Anupama’s identity as a character has already been established, the director senses the opportunity to dive right into the story and minimises the scope for any flab. The screenplay is taut, purposeful and the dark humour is weaved into the story seamlessly.
If Anupama was a homemaker-cum-Youtuber then, she also turns an entrepreneur this time, only to let her restaurant serve as a backdrop for a crime scene yet again. To escape scot-free, she has to join hands with a team to pull off a heist while enrolling in a culinary challenge. Juicy, ain’t it? Bhamakalapam 2 unfolds amidst a flurry of grey characters with shady intentions.
From cops to businessmen to drug dealers and an aspirant actress – none of them is to be trusted by their face value. Bhamakalapam 2 is a heist comedy which is aware that it’s no ‘Italian Job’ – it knows its boundaries and never tries to bite more than what it can chew. The setting is instantly relatable, the film uses its limitations inventively, pokes fun at its quirks and remains gripping.
The director emphasises Anupama’s multi-tasking abilities through many cheekily staged sequences. While instructing a co-participant in a competition about preparing biryani with avocado over a call, she climbs the stairs of a high-rise building, jumps balconies, flirts with danger, reaches for the terrace standing behind an elevator and almost gets herself killed in the middle of a car chase.
As a viewer, you root for Anupama because she doesn’t take herself so seriously despite her skills. With the heist, the complexity is minimal but arresting enough to grab your eyeballs. The narrative picks up steam in the second hour and a wild climactic sequence paves the way for a much-deserved third instalment.
Bhamakalapam 2 is a sharply written, self-aware and engaging sequel that fares better than its predecessor and the essence of the pivotal character comes through effectively.
Music and Other Departments?
Owing to its understated ambience, Bhamakalapam 2’s background score blends with the narrative quite well and the smartly timed jazz number brings some vigour to the proceedings later. Despite the limitations in its setting and locations, the film is mounted stylishly and scores big on its visual appeal. The 130-minute duration gets exhausting towards the final stretch – perhaps a subplot or two could’ve been avoided.
Highlights?
Priyamani, Sharanya Pradeep, Seerat Kapoor’s performances
Remains consistently gripping
The blend of crime, comedy and action
Drawbacks?
Lengthy runtime
Absence of a strong surprise element
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, provided you enjoy low-stakes crime comedies
Bhamakalapam 2 Movie Review Review by Binged Bureau
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