Chhorii 2 Review: Nushrratt Bharuccha Keeps Us Hooked, But Is the Horror Enough?

Bollywood horror film Chhorii, starring Nushrratt Bharuccha, gained attention when it released directly on Amazon Prime Video during the Covid-19 lockdown. The first part received a warm response for its unique take on horror and social themes. Now, the sequel, Chhorii 2, is out on the same platform. But does it manage to deliver the same impact?

Story

Sakshi (Nushrratt Bharuccha) confesses to killing her husband but avoids arrest due to lack of evidence. Years later, she is living in the city with her daughter Ishani, who suffers from a rare condition that prevents her from being exposed to sunlight. When villagers kidnap Ishani and take her back to their village, Sakshi must confront old demons and uncover disturbing secrets. Her friend-turned-cop Samar (Gashmeer Mahajani) and the mysterious Desi Ma (Soha Ali Khan) are central to the unfolding mystery.

Nushrratt Bharuccha delivers a strong performance, effortlessly portraying a mother caught in a web of fear, pain, and determination. Her emotional depth adds weight to the story. Film trade analyst Sumit Kadel commented:

"She nailed every emotion-rage, intensity, and pain. The movie is decent, but her acting really lifted the impact."

Soha Ali Khan brings a haunting presence as Desi Ma, while child actor Hardika Sharma impresses in her role. Gashmeer Mahajani's character has limited scope and could have been explored further.

Here's what netizens are saying on X:

Direction and Visuals

The film succeeds in creating a moody atmosphere, with several scenes designed to build slow-burning tension. The visual tone is striking, and the setting enhances the eerie vibe. One viewer noted, "More of a slow-burn thriller than outright horror, but captivating with its visuals."

However, the film struggles to maintain a consistent grip. The narrative dips in places, especially in the second half where the pacing slackens. Some sequences feel repetitive, taking away from the overall tension.

Verdict

While Chhorii 2 attempts to expand the world introduced in the first film, it falls short of matching the original's emotional and thematic depth. Strong performances, especially by Nushrratt Bharuccha, keep it watchable, but the uneven screenplay and diluted messaging hold it back.

Rating: 2.5/5