Kahaani 2 review roundup: Here's what critics have to say about the Vidya Balan-starrer

Vidya Balan-starrer Kahaani 2, which was released on Friday, December 2, has received mixed reviews from critics.

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, Kahaani 2 has been making tremendous buzz since this is the director-actor's second outing after the successful Kahaani that was released in 2012. The movie has impressed certain sections of critics and the audience alike. They claim it to be an intriguing, spine-chilling film that will leave the audience at the edge of their seats.

Vidya has once again stunned the audience with her power-packed performance.

The film revolves around Vidya's character Durga Rani Singh, who is seen as a helpless mother looking for her kidnapped daughter. She is also portrayed as someone who is on a run and is charged for kidnapping and murder.

Produced by Kushal Kantilal Gada, Dhaval Jayantilal Gada, Aksshay Jayantilal Gada and Sujoy Ghosh, the film also stars Arjun Rampal in a key role.

We bring you some critics' opinions about the movie. See the comments below in the Kahaani 2 review round-up:

Manjusha Radhakrishnan of Gulf News said: "Director Sujoy Ghosh has pulled off one of the most gripping openings scenes in a Hindi film to kick off his mystery Kahaani 2. He doesn't waste a minute as he draws us into the ordinary lives of Vidya Sinha (Vidya Balan) and her daughter, Mini, and turns their world upside down. But there's a coincidence in the film that's hard to believe. Still, that shouldn't stop you from enjoying this dark thriller. Also, watch out for director Ghosh's finesse in bringing out the middle-class milieu of West Bengal."

Kunal Guha of Mumbai Mirror said: "This one lacks jolts, ability to go beyond the obvious and offers a denouement that is not exactly satisfying. But it's watchable because it holds your attention throughout and keeps you hopeful about an unannounced turn of events that may spring out of thin air any moment. Sadly, it doesn't."

Rohit Bhatnagar of Deccan Chronicle said: "All in all, Kahaani 2 is definitely below expectations, and will only excite you if you're a Vidya Balan fan, or if you watch it as a standalone mystery, unlike the nail biting prequel, Kahaani."

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV said: "Kahaani 2 is what it is because of the power that Vidya Balan lends to it with a star turn that hinges on controlled underplaying. She surrenders herself completely to the character. Whether she is a frumpy school staffer passing herself off as a teacher or a battered and bloodied woman on the run, Balan is never less than astonishingly convincing. As far as thrillers go, Kahaani 2 isn't the last word. But it certainly isn't the same old story. Its understated style and riveting core make it well worth a watch."

Stay tuned for more updates.