Khuda Haafiz: Chapter II- Agni Pariksha Movie Review: Vidyut Jammwal starrer suffers a setback due to a predictable and stretched screenplay

Vidyut Jammwal 's Khuda Haafiz: Chapter II- Agni Pariksha is the perfect example of a storyline that starts on a high octane pitch in terms of emotions and sub-plots but goes haywire when there is a lack of crispness in the screenplay. What you ultimately get is a hammy and predictable chain of events and overly gory and illogical action sequences. The sole validating factor is the first half of this revenge/action flick which evokes a soul-stirring sentiment within you. 

The plot takes away from the first film Khuda Haafiz (2020) where Nargis ( Shivaleeka Oberoi ) is grappling with severe depression and PTSD after being forced into the flesh trade overseas. Sameer (Vidyut Jammwal) tries hard to make his wife recover but all attempts to the same fail until the couple mutually develop a soft corner for an orphaned child Nandini (Riddhi Sharma) and adopt her. But a grave crisis hits the couple rock bottom once again, and Sameer finds himself locking horns with more dangerous and sadistic forces to exact revenge. 

Khuda Haafiz: Chapter II- Agni Pariksha touches upon the sensitive and gruesome subject of rape and the direction by Faruk Kabir manages to hit the right chords while showcasing the brutality of the heinous crime and its aftermath on the victims and their families. However, where the execution falters is while establishing the investigation around the same as well as developing the interplay between the characters. The plot could've also added more feeling to the formation of the close bond between Shivaleeka's Nargis and Riddhi's Nandini. 

However, Khuda Haafiz: Chapter II- Agni Pariksha could've been curated as an adrenaline-pumping revenge drama if only the predictable and unnecessary subplots could've been kept at bay. There is a character of a journalist played by Rajesh Tailang whose work is just to add preachy monologues on women's safety which does not act as a suitable catalyst to take the storyline forward at all. There are some menacing antagonists introduced in the form of Thakur ( Sheeba Chaddha ) and Rashid Qasai (Dibyendu Bhattacharya) but they are not developed at all as the movie progresses. 

There are countless stereotypical aspects around the sub-plots like corrupted police officers, criminals turning out to be a relative of a powerful figure, assasins easily breaking into the prison to try to kill the male protagonist or the climax suddenly shifting to an international locale. One hopes for a twist or an interesting juncture in the plot which will command attention but alas, nothing comes through. However, the writing is impactful with the social message on the first half. 

Talking about the performances, Vidyut Jammwal inevitably delivers the action sequences in a top notch manner but struggles during the emotional scenes. The actor's expressions where he has to convey a sentimental pathos comes across as borderline forced. Vidyut however redeems himself from his performance in the first film as the actor has his bright moments in the scenes involving Nandini's character. 

Shivaleeka Oberoi manages to give a decent act as a survivor of PTSD and depression, managing to shine on the first half of the movie. But the actress' character development and chemistry with Vidyut falters in the second half. One fails to understand why her character decides to leave her husband alone in this crisis instead of emerging as a strong support system for him and she has less to do in the second half. Riddhi Sharma is a visual delight and kudos to the kiddo for delivering such difficult and tragic scenes with utmost conviction. 

Sheeba Chaddha and Dibyendu Bhattacharya absolutely shine in their respective parts and one only wishes that there was more depth and intensity to their characters to further establish their sadism snd brutality. Rajesh Tailang tries to give his best to a loosely written character. The action direction by Yannick Ben is sickening and terrifying during a prison sequence and will strike a chord with the action lovers. 

The climax deserved a more realistic and adrenaline-rushing action sequence, however. The Sufi soundtrack 'Rubaru' crooned by Vishal Mishra, Asees Kaur, and Niazami Brothers steal the show. Khuda Haafiz: Chapter II- Agni Pariksha looked like it would also be back with a third installment but one has to wait and see how much the predictable, as well as the done and dusted cut-to-cut revenge storyline formula, would strike a chord with the masses.