Movie Name: Demonte Colony 2
Release Date: August 23, 2024
Rating: 3/5
Cast: Arulnithi, Priya Bhavanishankar, Antti Jaaskelainen, Tsering Dorjee, Arunpandian, Muthukumar, Meenakshi Govindarajan, Sarjano Khalid, Archana Ravichandran
Director: Ajay R Gnanamuthu
Producers: Vijayasubramanian, RC Rajkumar
Music Director: Sam CS
Cinematographer: Harish Kannan
Editor: Kumaresh D
Demonte Colony 2, the sequel to the 2015 hit Demonte Colony, has arrived on the Telugu screens following its success in Tamil. With modest expectations, the film opens to mixed reviews. Here’s our take on the movie.
Story:
Debbie (Priya Bhavani Shankar) is determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious suicide of her lover, Samuel Richard, aka Sam (Sarjano Khalid). Guided by a daoshi (Tsering Dorjee), she contacts Sam’s spirit, only to unearth a startling connection between him and estranged twin brothers, Srini and Raghu (Arulnithi). Her investigation leads her to a cursed book, Unsung King of a Fallen Kingdom, and a recurring curse that strikes every six years. As Debbie faces mounting challenges, she must break this curse. How does this dark mystery tie back to Demonte Colony? Where is the cursed book hidden? And why are the twin brothers key to this story? All these questions unfold in a suspense-filled journey, brimming with unexpected twists.
Plus Points:
Director Ajay Gnanamuthu skillfully connects Demonte Colony and its sequel, creating a seamless narrative that adds depth to both films.
Priya Bhavani Shankar, who previously faced criticism for her performance in Indian 2, delivers a standout performance here, anchoring the film with her compelling portrayal of Debbie.
Arulnithi impresses in his dual roles, offering strong support to Priya and enhancing the film’s dynamics.
The screenplay is tight and engaging, filled with twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats, culminating in a cliffhanger that sets the stage for Demonte Colony 3.
Minus Points:
The film’s non-linear storytelling might confuse viewers unfamiliar with the first installment, making the plot harder to follow.
The visual effects, while adequate, fail to create a fully immersive horror experience. Better execution could have significantly heightened the film’s atmosphere.
Some characters, like those played by Arun Pandian and the college students, could have been more fully developed to enhance the horror elements.
A few scenes in the second half drag the pacing, and trimming them could have made the narrative flow more smoothly.
Technical Aspects:
Ajay Gnanamuthu’s direction ensures a cohesive and engaging story that connects well with the prequel. The screenplay, co-written by Ajay, Venky Venugopal, and Rajavel, effectively maintains suspense, though certain scenes in the second half could have been better refined.
Harish Kannan’s cinematography is competent but could have benefited from additional polish. Sam CS’s score is a highlight, amplifying the tension and excitement. Editing by Kumaresh D is clean, and the production values lend authenticity to the film. However, the CGI could have been more refined, and the Telugu dubbing is well-executed, making the film feel like a straight release.
Verdict:
Overall, Demonte Colony 2 is a solid horror thriller that delivers its share of chills and thrills. Priya Bhavani Shankar and Arulnithi excel in their roles, supported by a well-crafted story and a decent screenplay. While a few confusing moments, some drag in the second half, and underwhelming visual effects slightly dampen the experience, the film is still worth watching for fans of the genre.