Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein returns with its second season, and while it doesn’t bring anything drastically new, it continues to deliver the thrilling crime drama that made the first season a hit. The show, directed by Sidharth Sengupta, features strong performances by Tahir Raj Bhasin, Shweta Tripathi, Anchal Singh, and Saurabh Shukla. While the novelty might wear off a bit, the gripping story, the strong characters, and the exciting twists still make it worth watching.
Picking Up From Where It Left Off
Season 2 picks up right where the first season ended. Vikrant (Tahir Raj Bhasin) finds himself in a tough situation as his wife, Purva (Anchal Singh), is kidnapped by Jalaan (Arunoday Singh). The kidnappers demand ₹100 crore from Purva’s father, Akheraj (Saurabh Shukla), or else they’ll harm her. The twist? Vikrant had hired Jalaan to kill Purva earlier in the story, but he got double-crossed. Now, he’s stuck in a deal where the same person he trusted to end his marriage is asking for even more money.
A World of Subverted Gender Roles
The show has always played with subverting typical storytelling tropes, especially when it comes to gender roles. In Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein, the usual romantic crime thriller setup is turned on its head. Vikrant is trapped in a toxic marriage with Purva, who is manipulative and morally indifferent. What makes it more interesting is how the show connects this behavior to the patriarchy, with Purva’s character being shaped by her gangster father. The story highlights the cycle of manipulation and power between the characters, making it more than just a typical revenge plot.
Fathers and Sons: A Complicated Relationship
A significant part of the show focuses on the relationship between the two fathers—Vikrant’s father (Brijendra Kala) and Purva’s father, Akheraj. Both men are forced to face their failures as parents. Saurabh Shukla’s portrayal of Akheraj is brilliant as he admits that he never realized how his upbringing made his children cold and ruthless. Similarly, Vikrant’s father, played by Brijendra Kala, reveals his own shortcomings as a father, but his sense of humor and caring nature prevent him from being a typical villain. These complex father-son dynamics add a lot of depth to the story.
Vikrant’s Journey: A Darker Path
Vikrant’s internal conflict is at the heart of the show. Season 2 shows him grappling with the decision of whether to follow his father’s example and stay in the dangerous world he’s in or take control of his fate. While he was a reluctant, innocent man in the first season, he has now grown into someone who is willing to get his hands dirty. However, the weight of his past actions always follows him, and his struggle to find peace makes him an interesting character.
Tahir Raj Bhasin shines in this role. His ability to portray a character filled with regret, yet determination to find a way out, is impressive. Shweta Tripathi, as Vikrant’s wife, has a smaller role this time but adds some emotional depth to the series. Anchal Singh, playing the kidnapped wife, gives a solid performance, even if her character falls into the “damsel in distress” trope.
Minor Distractions
While the show is fast-paced and gripping, there are a few moments that feel out of place. Anant V Joshi, who was great in 12th Fail, plays a sidekick here and is reduced to a silly caricature. There are also some random scenes with foreign hitmen that feel unnecessary. Thankfully, these distractions are rare and don’t take away much from the overall enjoyment.
Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein
Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein Season 2 doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking, but it stays true to the elements that made the first season so enjoyable. The characters are well-developed, the storyline is engaging, and the performances, especially by Tahir Raj Bhasin, keep the show grounded. It may not have the same novelty as the first season, but it remains an exciting, fast-paced crime thriller that fans will appreciate.
Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix India.
