The highly anticipated sequel Chhorii 2 aims to fuse horror with hard-hitting social themes but ultimately falls short. Despite its ambition, the film lacks the suspense and scares, resulting in a rather underwhelming watch.
Chhorii 2, the sequel to the 2021 horror-thriller Chhorii, returns with the intention of shedding light on social evils while delivering spine-chilling horror. Unfortunately, in trying to do both, it ends up succeeding at neither. Unlike the cleverly crafted horror comedy Stree, which balanced humor and horror with skill—offering plenty of jump scares and eerie moments—Chhorii 2 misses the mark when it comes to engaging or terrifying the audience.
The original Chhorii was well-received for its strong message against female infanticide, wrapped within a gripping supernatural narrative. It not only raised awareness but also managed to maintain suspense and tension throughout its runtime. It was a rare horror film that combined social commentary with storytelling finesse. Naturally, expectations were high for the sequel. However, where the first film balanced message and mood, the second stumbles into a muddled zone where the scares are tame, and the message feels overbearing.
Starring Nushrratt Bharuccha reprising her role as Sakshi and introducing Soha Ali Khan in a key part, Chhorii 2 seems to have the ingredients for a compelling horror experience. Nushrratt brings her signature intensity to the role, and Soha attempts to lend gravity to the plot. Yet, despite the performances, the film struggles with pacing and tonal consistency. It relies heavily on dramatic monologues and symbolic visuals, but these come at the cost of genuine horror moments. The eerie atmosphere that one expects from such a film rarely materializes, and even when it does, it doesn’t linger long enough to create lasting impact.
A significant issue lies in the film’s overemphasis on messaging. While the intent to highlight women’s issues is commendable, the storytelling becomes too didactic. Instead of letting the horror elements naturally support the message, the script often feels like a lecture, which dilutes both the thrill and the thematic depth. Horror is most effective when it creeps in subtly, allowing audiences to feel the fear and discomfort that mirrors the real-world issues being addressed. Chhorii 2 unfortunately spells everything out, leaving little room for interpretation or emotional investment.
Visually, the film has its moments. There are a few well-shot scenes with flickering lights, abandoned homes, and ghostly figures in the background. But they lack the cohesion and buildup needed to generate true suspense. The sound design too, while occasionally eerie, feels repetitive, relying on typical horror tropes rather than innovating.
In the end, Chhorii 2 feels like a missed opportunity. With a stronger script and more balance between narrative and messaging, it could have been a worthy successor to the original. Instead, it turns into a film that is too caught up in preaching to remember its purpose: to entertain and terrify. For audiences looking for a thoughtful scare, Chhorii 2 delivers the thought, but not the scare.
Conclusion:
Chhorii 2 had the potential to be a powerful blend of horror and social commentary, much like its predecessor. However, in its attempt to amplify the message, it loses grip on the genre’s core appeal—fear and suspense. Despite committed performances by Nushrratt Bharuccha and Soha Ali Khan, the film falters with predictable scares and an overemphasis on dialogue-driven messaging. Ultimately, it feels more like a social drama wearing a horror mask, leaving viewers neither truly moved nor truly spooked.