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Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein Season 2: A Visually Stunning Labyrinth That Fails to Hit the Mark

November 23, 2024:

Cast:
Tahir Raj Bhasin as Vikrant,
Anchal Singh as Purvi Awasthi,
Saurabh Shukla as Akherai Awasthi,
Shweta Tripathi as Shikha,
Brijendra Kala as Suryakant Chauhan,
Surya Sharma as Dharmesh,
Anantvijay Joshi as Golden,
Gurmeet Chowdhury as Guru
Varun Badola as Sherpa,
Arunoday Singh as contract killer
Director: Sidharth Sengupta.

Netflix’s OTT thriller Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein has returned with Season 2, following the gripping cliffhanger that left audiences buzzing after its debut season. However, while the twisted narrative and high stakes promised an exhilarating ride, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 left off—Purva (Anchal Singh) is abducted by the conniving Jalaan (Arunoday Singh), who demands ₹100 crore in ransom from her father, Akheraj (Saurabh Shukla). The twist? Vikrant (Tahir Raj Bhasin), her husband, originally hired Jalaan to kill her but is now caught in a complex web of deceit. What follows is a chaotic spiral of betrayals, escalating ransom demands (₹100 crore to ₹1,000 crore—because why not?), and a storyline that stretches believability to its limits.

Performances:

While Tahir Raj Bhasin delivers a noteworthy performance as Vikrant, his distracting wig steals the audience’s attention in all the wrong ways.

Meanwhile, Anchal Singh as Purva, supposedly the central figure, disappoints with a stoic and emotionless portrayal, making it difficult for the audience to empathise with her plight.

In contrast, Shweta Tripathi as Shikha brings authenticity to her role, but the retrograde depiction of her storyline—Shikha’s storyline feels outdated, with an arranged marriage setup and an overly loving, devoted husband who serenades her endlessly—completely oblivious to her lack of interest. In today’s world, wouldn’t the first question a couple ask each other be, “Are you involved with someone else?”

Gurmeet Singh, however, shines in his role with an undeniably charismatic presence and commendable performance. His spy-tech wizardry might stretch credibility (zooming old satellite footage to an astonishing degree of detail!), but at least he keeps things engaging.

Strengths:

The series’ standout element is its visual grandeur. The scenic beauty of Indian locations—particularly the Himalayan landscapes—rivals those of European settings. It’s a reminder that Indian locales can serve as stunning backdrops for high-octane dramas. The occasional sharp dialogues, like the poignant observation on privilege (“God always stands in the corner of the rich”), inject moments of brilliance into the narrative.

Weaknesses:

Unfortunately, the series falters in its storytelling. Purva’s obsession with Vikrant and his hatred toward her lack clarity, leaving audiences questioning the motivations behind their actions. The director’s inability to define character arcs results in a muddled plot that lacks emotional depth. Escape sequences (like Purva’s hospital debacle) are so implausible that they pull viewers out of the story.

Moreover, the series is riddled with illogical moments—Rs. 1000 Crore ransom! Don’t buy that! Why is Shikha’s husband oblivious to her disinterest in him? These lapses in logic chip away at the suspension of disbelief required for a thriller like this. Take, for instance, the absurdity of Vikrant casually carrying a human head in his bag or dismembering a body at the very house hosting Shikha’s wedding. Somehow, there’s no foul smell, no suspicious glances, and absolutely no one notices a thing.

Even the background score, which is crucial for sustaining tension in a thriller, is inconsistent—effective in some scenes, forgettable in others.

Verdict:

While Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein Season 2 dazzles with its stunning visuals and a few strong performances (notably Gurmeet Singh and Saurabh Shukla), its convoluted storyline, lackluster character development, and over-the-top plot twists make it an exhausting watch. The series tries to be a high-stakes drama but ends up as a chaotic, disconnected narrative.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆