In today's world, the shadow of terrorism appears to be everywhere. The story of "Raktabeej 2," directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee, is about finding light in the midst of this darkness. Similar to how detectives examine unprocessed documents to discover the truth, the plot of this movie progressively reveals more facets of politics, terrorism, and interpersonal relationships.
Familiar characters return in the sequel. The central DIG Pankaj Singh (Abir Chatterjee) and the state's SP Sanjukta (Mimi Chakraborty) are again the main driving forces. Alongside them are the former President Animesh (Victor Banerjee), his sister character played by Anusua Majumdar, and other family members. New additions include the doctor character played by Ankush Hazra and his lover Ayesha (Koushani Mukherjee). The police team includes Nityananda (Kanchan Mullick), Ria (Ananya Banerjee), among others.
This time, the story crosses the border into Bangladesh. While the conspiracy originates in India, its execution takes place in Dhaka during the President's visit for the Under-19 World Cup. In power is Prime Minister Sultana Rahman (Seema Biswas) - a character seemingly inspired by Sheikh Hasina. Swagata Mukherjee also catches the eye in the role of the opposition leader.
Against this backdrop, the film gradually unfolds the pattern of terrorism and the joint efforts of both countries' security forces. The film is not merely a political thriller, but also delves into the psychological complexities behind the creation of terrorism. No one becomes a terrorist overnight - past wounds, poverty, or a history of oppression slowly push them towards that path. This stark truth is repeatedly reflected in the dialogues. Lines like “Leaders of all countries are killers” or “The cause is greater than people”, leave the audience feeling unsettled.
In terms of acting, Abir Chatterjee is impeccable. His action scenes are flawless, and he's equally convincing in emotional moments. Mimi Chakraborty is equally adept at romance and action. Their chemistry particularly shines in the song 'Chokher Neele'. Ankush Hazra's cold-blooded villain character is one of the film's major surprises, likely to be remembered for a long time. Koushani fits naturally into her character. Victor Banerjee adds a different dimension to his character with his regal presence. Ananya Banerjee exudes confidence in her police role.
Despite limited screen time, Swagata Mukherjee leaves a deep impression. Pratip Mukherjee's camera work is successful everywhere, from capturing Bangladesh's natural beauty to the action scenes. Zinia Sen's screenplay maintains the story's pace. Among the songs, 'Order Chara Border' particularly resonates with the audience. However, the film's greatest strength is its emotion. The last five minutes, with one twist after another, leave the audience breathless. With its mix of action, politics, romance, and humor, the film emerges as a perfect entertainer. Although the presence of light comedy somewhat diminishes the gravity, the directing duo ultimately succeeds in satisfying the audience.
All in all, 'Raktabeej 2' is not just a thriller, but a powerful message of unity and humanity between the two countries. This film instills the belief that light can be found even within the darkness of terrorism. Thus, we now await the third installment.
