Haami 2 Film Review
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Haami 2 Film Review
Haami 2, despite not being a direct sequel, has the potential to surpass the success of its predecessor, considering the first Haami was one of the highest-grossing Bengali films of 2018, enjoying a successful 60-day run in theaters. However, Haami 2 takes a safer approach compared to the previous installment. While the first film ventured into sensitive areas and incorporated topical commentaries inspired by recent news cycles, Haami 2 plays it closer to the chest, reiterating familiar themes such as the perils of seeking reality TV fame for children and the challenges parents face in recognizing their children's strengths.
Shiboprosad and Gargee portray Laltu and Mitali, a couple with two sons named Chinu and Bhepu. Bhepu is a child prodigy, while Chinu often feels overlooked by his parents, who go to great lengths to highlight Bhepu's talents, even enrolling him in a reality show. The film primarily explores the advantages and disadvantages of being labeled a "gifted child," but it only scratches the surface of the subject, offering a few concise one-liners instead of delving deeper. Perhaps a more in-depth exploration of the topic could have been beneficial, even if it meant sacrificing some subplots.
Unlike its predecessor, Haami 2 proves to be more enjoyable, thanks to its improved screenwriting and dialogue. The film strikes a better balance, reigning in the slapstick humor and avoiding excessive preachiness. Gargee and Shiboprosad display a seasoned on-screen dynamic, with Shiboprosad's character receiving fine-tuning to make his performance appear effortless and engaging.
The child actors, on the other hand, give the adult cast a run for their money in many scenes. They deliver their lines flawlessly, showcasing their comedic timing and intelligence. The actors portraying Chinu and Bhepu, in particular, share a heartwarming camaraderie that adds depth to their performances. The casting team should also be commended for selecting Anjan Dutt to play the character of Nitai Jyatha, a departure from the moody roles typically associated with him. Furthermore, Prosenjit Chatterjee appears as himself, taking on the role of a game show host, and delivers a satisfying performance.
Despite its strengths, the second half of Haami 2 tends to drag and loses focus, resulting in a meandering storyline. However, the filmmakers demonstrate a better understanding of their target audience, reflecting in their approach to the film. The director duo excels in portraying relationships with honesty, which has resonated with a wide range of viewers in their previous works. Identifying the specific demographic that Haami 2 would appeal to the most is challenging. It could attract over-zealous parents who constantly worry about their children's future or serve as an insightful watch for kids grappling with parental expectations.
Nevertheless, Haami 2 offers enough engaging elements to captivate audiences across different age groups. However, it faces tough competition from a movie featuring the immensely popular Bengali detective and another family-oriented film starring two prominent actors.