KO 2

KO 2 is from Elred Kumar’s banner R.S.Infotainment that gave us the super-hit flick, KO in 2011. Sarath, who earlier worked as an associate director for a couple of films has wielded the megaphone for KO 2. After a couple of forgettable films such as Urumeen and Bangalore Natkal, Bobby Simha is back as the solo lead for this flick. One of the most sought after heroines in recent times, Nikki Galrani has donned the cap of the female lead. Rest of the talented cast includes Prakash Raj, Bala Saravanan, John Vijay, Ilavarasu, Karunakaran and Nassar.

The technical crew consists of Leon James who has composed the tunes, Madhan Karky and Na Muthukumar the lyricists and Venkat and Philip who’ve taken care of cinematography.

KO 2 is the story of how a man is troubled to find the state of his guardian and takes matters into his own hands in the name of delivering justice. A journalist named Kumaran (Bobby Simha) kidnaps the Chief Minister (Prakash Raj) and as expected, the state comes to a standstill which thereby gets the attention he wants from media and cops. What follows is a series of quirky conversations between the kidnapper and others which happens to be thought provoking. The rest of the film shows what made the hero take a state’s CM as hostage and whether truth can prevail amidst some dirty politics forms the story of KO 2.

The film’s first half is terribly slow and the characters take their own sweet time to get established. With a very compromised first half, it’s post interval the film starts to speed up and that’s when audience, who were laid back till then and waiting for a twist, ended up watching the second half at the edge of their seats.

Bobby Simha has once again showcased his casual acting skills. But the energy the script demands is missing in him in almost all the scenes. With such a stellar cast that includes some veteran actors, it’s a pity that the main lead couldn’t do justice to his role. Nikki Galrani, though not having much scope in the film, has done her part gracefully.

Prakash Raj’s performance must’ve been a walk in the park for the splendid actor and not even the tip of his acting potential is utilized in this film. First half’s best performance is from Ilavarasu who has done the role of Home Minister Thillainayagam, while the second half is rocked by Karunakaran’s acting as a mentally challenged person. Nassar’s role can be mentioned more as a cameo appearance but for the story to start rolling, his character is vital.

Though not as classy or thrilling as the first installment, debutante director Sarath scores well with screenplay, especially in the second half. Dialogues are sharp and does justice to the film’s ‘political thriller’ tag. Music director Leon James has proved that the success of his first album,Kanchana 2 isn’t because of beginners luck and has delivered some good music for KO 2. Editing by Kevin could’ve made the first half crisp.

Overall, KO 2 is a decent political thriller that’s watchable thanks to a gripping second half.