Jism – 2 Review {2/5} & Review Rating
Indian storytellers are now breaking out of conventional shackles, while avid moviegoers are stepping into cinemas to view stories rarely attempted before.
JISM 2, an erotic thriller, is touted as the boldest film [in that segment] to hit the Hindi screen, but the question that crosses your mind is, does it boast of a captivating story as well? Do you carry the film and the characters in your heart once you exit the auditorium? Most importantly, do you reminisce about it? Does it have recall value? Or does one forget about it the moment the show concludes?
Although JISM 2 is the second installment of the 2003 hit that starred Bipasha Basu and John Abraham, there's a huge disparity between the two films. JISM 2 is visually stunning, the aesthetics are just right, but the voyage of a woman from the lust bazaar who markets desire is far from perfect. The lackluster screenplay of JISM 2 is its biggest undoing!
The star of the show is, without doubt, Sunny Leone. People are looking forward to watching JISM 2 for Sunny, erotica and a generous dose of skin show, in that order. In fact, a wide section of moviegoers might frequent the cineplexes to watch Sunny alone, but for another segment it could be erotica. As the reels unfold, you realize that Sunny delivers as an actor. Unfortunately, the script doesn't.
The other issue is that the story of JISM 2 unfolds at a leisurely pace, which shouldn't be the case if it's meant to be a thriller. Also, it gets too verbose and talk-heavy after a point, with Randeep Hooda's character delivering idealistic lines that test your tolerance. Notwithstanding the blemishes, the fact remains, the curiosity to watch Sunny Leone will act as its savior.
A porn star, Izna [Sunny Leone], is entrusted the responsibility of luring a dreaded assassin, Kabir [Randeep Hooda]. The people behind the task are two intelligence officers, Guru [Arif Zakaria] and Ayaan [Arunoday Singh], who need to recover some vital data from Kabir. Izna has to confront her bitter-sweet past, but the problem arises when Ayaan falls in love with her. She has to make a choice!
There's no denying that Pooja Bhatt has extracted an arresting performance from Sunny Leone. But the screenplay plays a complete spoilsport. This could've been a convincing take on obsession, vengeance and infidelity, but there's hardly any movement in the story. Plus, a few questions remain unanswered [How does Sunny get into the porn trade? When does Arunoday have a change of heart and fall in love with Sunny?]. Besides, the film is stretched without much reason in its post-interval portions. Additionally, you don't have compassion for any of the characters, as the film draws to a close.
The music of JISM 2 is soothing and soulful. The emphasis is clearly on melody here. The cinematography is top notch. The DoP captures the lush green locales of Sri Lanka magnificently.
Sunny Leone is dazzling to look at and has an incredible body, but does she deliver as an actress? To start with, Pooja has, very smartly, cast her as a seductress. Sunny's gestures, body language, erotic scenes and sex appeal are, unquestionably, far more seasoned than most divas, who restrain a sort of hesitation when it comes to steamy scenes. She is scorching hot in JISM 2 and takes the heat percentage to an altogether different level. Sunny's maiden attempt at acting comes across as confident and charming, but, at the same time, there is scope for improvement, especially during the emotional moments.
Despite Sunny and the hype adjoining her, Randeep enacts a pivotal character with aplomb. In fact, Randeep has lucratively carved a niche for himself, creating a space of his own with films like ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI, SAHEB BIWI AUR GANGSTER and JANNAT 2. He pitches in another striking act in JISM 2. Arunoday tries hard, but is not convincing enough. Also, he is awfully awkward and ill at ease in sequences that require him to breakdown emotionally.
Arif Zakaria is a name you correlate with competent performances and he is effective in this one as well. Sumeet Nijhawan gets limited scope. Imran Zahid is hardly there.
On the whole, JISM 2 has Sunny Leone as its USP, but the lackluster screenplay and the sluggish pace act as deterrents. However, Sunny Leone in the driver's seat, coupled with a generous dose of skin show and erotica, besides an attention-grabbing title, should act as a honey-trap to lure the audiences. But how one wishes this jism had soul as well!
