BOTTOM LINE
Satya Delivers Once More
RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 19m
What Is the Film About?
Babu Mohan (Sri Simha Koduri) and Yesu Dasu (Comedian Satya) work in the HE (High Emergency) team. More than just colleagues, they are thick friends at work and partners in crime. The story of Mathu Vadalara 2 revolves around how they get entangled in serious trouble, leading to a murder web surrounding them, and how they eventually prove their innocence and find a way out.
Performances
Sri Simha Koduri and comedian Satya play the lead roles, and due to the nature of the quirkiness and comedy tone, it is Satya who dominates literally over everyone. Be it his over-the-top body language or ‘athi,’ he delivers, which comes across as entertaining as it can get, and his biggest success is that it never gets irritating.
We should appreciate Simha for giving space to Satya without any egos; only then will the film benefit, and it did rightly so. Simha is fine, but the ease will come with more films and experience.
We have Faria Abdullah, a known name, but she gets a forgettable role. She appears at regular intervals throughout the film, but the role is more of a supporting cast type, which does not benefit her professionally. However, the film still benefits from having a known female presence among the cast.
Analysis
Mathu Vadalara 2 is directed by Ritesh Rana, who also directed the first film. The movie begins with a kidnapping episode that quickly establishes a quirky tone. Whether it’s the HE team, ‘Operation Thaskara,’ or the free-flowing writing of Satya’s one-liners, they all land effectively.
The background score adds to the pace, making the film feel racy even though only two characters are handling most of the action. The twist in the kidnapping drama creates intrigue, making the first half crisp and entertaining. But on the flip side, it is now clear that only Satya is shouldering the film. Including Sunil’s character, none of the others stand out or make a an impact on the ongoing story.
The first half works out to be satisfying even though there is no episode that brings the roof down, but the continuous one-liners do the job and make the first half interesting.
The second half starts with Sunil’s character trying to prove the two friends as culprits. However, the ideas are so basic that they are neither good nor entirely bad—they are just passable. What follows makes it seem like they are trying too hard to generate laughs after a smoothly flowing first half.
Not only that, but the introduction of Vennela Kishore as a film star and his overlong track totally dilutes the vibe that the first half established. The ideas used to connect Vennela Kishore’s track to Riya’s murder and what follows with Raja Chembolu’s character are utterly ordinary, with no impressive work here. However, Satya remains the sole savior with his one-liners.
One would expect a satisfying closure, but the way the director uses actress Roshini and the reasons provided are more of a cliché routine template climax, which can’t elevate a quirky film like this. It’s not entirely bad, but the routine and basic climax are apparent. Nevertheless, Satya shoulders the film in the second half, albeit intermittently.
Overall, Mathu Vadalara 2 is once again Satya’s show, with a good first half and an okayish second half. It is a one-man show in the literal sense; Satya, with his unapologetic attitude, carries the film well and makes it entertaining.
Performances by Others Actors
Mathu Vadalara 2 has a bunch of well-known supporting cast members, but none of them stand out due to the way their characters have been written and presented. Take, for example, Sunil—his role is as ordinary as it gets. Senior actress Rohini plays a typical role, and the same goes for Raja Chembolu; they are as boring as they can be on paper or on screen, without an iota of freshness. Ajay gets a key role, but again, it is decent but nothing stands out. Vennela Kishore delivers as usual, but his track disrupts the flow. However, it’s not his fault—it has more to do with the direction.
Throughout the film, it is only Satya’s performance or his character that stands out; there is no second person who takes anything home.
Music and Other Departments?
Mathu Vadalara 2 is technically good, backed by a background score that is apt for a quirky film. Kaala Bhairava’s BGM complements the visual tone perfectly; he knows when to mute it and when to use it, rather than just making it noisy, which is a trend followed by others these days. He is an asset to the film.
Cinematography by Suresh Sarangam is good, and along with the setting, he provides refreshing visuals. Editing by Karthika Srinivas could have been better, especially in the scenes involving lengthy Vennela Kishore, which dilute the flow and introduce boredom.
Production values by Mythri Movie Makers and Clap Entertainment are good, and at no point does the film feel like a low budget.
Highlights?
Satya’s body language and performance
First half of the film
Background score (BGM)
Several comedic one-liners
Drawbacks?
Second half loses momentum
Apart from Satya, everyone else has ordinary roles
Overlong Vennela Kishore track
Climax is underwhelming for a quirky film
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, I enjoyed the first half the most and the second half partially.
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, it’s a harmless one-time watch.
Mathu Vadalara 2 Movie Review by M9
U.S. Premiere Report:
Mathu Vadalara 2 is once again a one-man show by Satya from start to finish. After a good first half, the film slows down considerably in the second half, but Satya carries it through. The ending is just alright. Overall, it works well for the target audience and is a one-time watch for others. Satya is sure to gain more fans.
Mathu Vadalara 2 starts with a kidnapping episode but instantly sets a quirky tone. Stay tuned for U.S. premiere report.
Mathu Vadalara 2 is a sequel to the successful 2019 film, Mathu Vadalara. Satya earned a good number of fans for his hilarious comedy and carried the film on his shoulders. The sequel is expected to have the same strengths.
Cast: Sri Simha, Vennela Kishore, Satya, Faria Abdullah
Written and Directed by : Ritesh Rana
Banners : Mythri Movie Makers and Clap Entertainment
Producers : Chiranjeevi(Cherry) and Hemalatha
Music : Kaala Bhairava
Editor : Karthika Srinivas
DOP : Suresh Sarangam
U.S. Distributor: Prathyangira Cinemas