Jaihind 2

''Jaihind 2'' (in Hindi; ), also known in Tamil as ''Arjunin Jai Hind 2'', is a 2014 Indian multilingual action-masala film produced and directed by Arjun. It is a sequel of the Tamil film ''Jai Hind''. and was simultaneously made in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, with the former version titled as ''Abhimanyu''. The film focuses on India becoming a superpower, as it appeared in A. P. J. Abdul Kalam's dreams, and tries to tackle the issues in the education system. The film released on 7 November 2014. This film won the Karnataka State Film Award for Second Best Film. This film was a blockbuster at the Sandalwood box office, but did not perform well in Tamil and Telugu.

Plot

Jaihind tells the story of the journey of five people, linked by one man, who fights for children's rights to education. Parvathi (Yuvina Parthavi), from a very poor family background, gets an admission into one of the most affluent schools in the city. However, the man of the house is forced to sell one of his kidneys in order to pay the exorbitant school fees. They still are unable to raise nearly enough money for the school, and they finally give up and commit suicide. This disturbs Abhimanyu (Arjun Sarja) deeply, and the computer service engineer becomes a hero overnight, by propagandizing a solution for education costing so much. Abhimanyu suggests that all private schools be nationalised, which will compel them to offer services at very little fees compared to that being collected now, while still ensuring that the quality of education is not compromised. This is bad news for the private school owners, who make a business out of educating children. Abhimanyu is targeted and pushed to extremes for his ideas. He is put behind bars and has people conspiring to murder him. How he succeeds in his mission, despite all this, forms the crux of the movie.

Cast

;Tamil version
*Brahmanandam as Ezhumalai
*Mayilsamy as Kulfi Gopalan
*Sampath Ram (special appearance in "Ayya Padichavare")
*Scissor Manohar (special appearance in "Ayya Padichavare")
*Gana Bala (special appearance in "Ayya Padichavare")
*Jahangir (special appearance in "Ayya Padichavare")

Production

The movie shoot was launched on 9 June 2013 in a grand manner in Mumbai and budgeted at 20 crores. Art director, Sasidhar, erected a huge set, resembling a jail at a cost of Rs 25 lakhs. A high octane action sequence was filmed in a former army facility in Bangkok.

Soundtrack

;Telugu Track listing
*"Edige Ma Chinni" - Ravi Varma
*"Idi Pranayama" - Karthik
*"Manasa Nee Madhurima" - Saindhavi
*"Ayya Chandruda" - Manikka Vinayagam

Release

The satellite rights of the film's Tamil version were sold to Zee Thamizh and Kannada version were sold to Colors Kannada.

Tax Exemption Issue

The Tamil version did not get tax exemption, due to the claim that "Jai Hind" is not a Tamil word. Actor Arjun argued to the committee members but was unsuccessful in the attempt.

Critical reception

The movie opened with moderate to mixed reviews from critics. The Hindu stated "''Arjunin Jai Hind 2'' is the kind of film about which you shrug and say, “Well, if you liked ''Jai Hind''…”. If you have to watch a film about a one-man army, you could do worse than watch one with Arjun in it. He totally pulls it off". The Times of India gave 3 stars out of 5 and wrote, "For most parts, ''Arjunin Jai Hind 2'' plays like a collage of various Arjun films...What's interesting, however, is that instead of telling his story as a straightforward narrative, Arjun presents it as events from the lives of different individuals who come into Abhimanyu's life...The problem with the film is that it tells a predictable story and in a rather longwinded manner". The New Indian Express wrote, "The film conveys a relevant message, but one that could have been better executed. The saving grace is Arjun who has penned the plot and screenplay, directed and produced the film. The actor tackles his role with cool intensity. His physique well toned, the action king is a delight to watch in the fights-stunt scenes as he packs a powerful punch at his tormentors. If only his screenplay had matched the lofty message". Rediff gave 2 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Unfortunately, Arjun fails as a director. Despite the good storyline, he struggles to keep the audience involved. The real issue seems lost in all the unnecessary twists and drama surrounding the characters. Patriotic action dramas have been his forte, but ''Jai Hind 2'' neither creates empathy for the characters and their situation, nor has entertainment value". Behindwoods.com gave 1.75 stars out of 5 and wrote, "''Jai Hind 2'' travels on a very predictable path and the writing is quite disjointed. There is plenty of melodrama which gives the film a tonality of 80s...The theme of education for all is quite relevant at the time of ‘Right to Education', but had it been executed well, ''Jai Hind 2'' would have worked well". Indiaglitz.com gave 2 out of 5 and wrote, "Keeping himself up with the pace, Arjun has delivered movies of social concern and importance, from time to time. This take on education is a much needed wake up call for the current scenario". Regarding the Telugu version, a critic from ''123Telugu'' said that "On the whole, ''Jai Hind 2'' is an out and out Arjun film right till the end. Be it his acting, stunts or direction, he handles every department convincingly".

The Kannada version received more positive reviews. Bangalore Mirror wrote, "''Abhimanyu'' may not be unique in how the story is told, but the idea is novel and is appealing enough". Indiaglitz.com gave 8 out of 10 and wrote, "Terrific action, tolerable narration, appealing in contents – Arjun Sarja in his first direction in Kannada has given a ‘Paisa Vasool’ cinema ''Abhimanyu''". The New Indian Express wrote, "''Abhimanyu'' is a taut action film with a strong social message. The subject would not have lost its grip if he was a little focussed on what exactly he wanted to say. However, Arjun has put enough effort into the film to make it a worthy one-time watch".

References

External links

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{{Arjun Sarja

2014 films
Indian drama films
2010s Telugu-language films
2010s Kannada-language films
Indian sequel films
Indian multilingual films
2010s Tamil-language films
Films directed by Arjun Sarja
Films scored by Arjun Janya
Films shot in Bangkok
2014 multilingual films
Films shot in Mumbai