As the name suggests, the film though released as a part of a franchisee, is not a sequel to the 2008 Jannat. What the Bhatts have successfully managed is to continue their franchisees with the plot line (although inspired) being similar, which gives them a free hand to play around with the cast and characters in any manner as they deem fit. Raaz 2, Murder 2 and now Jannat 2. All have no relevance with the original films, and have serial kisser Emraan Hashmi as the only common link.

Sonu Dilli KKC (Emraan Hashmi, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji) is a rookie arms dealer, wanting to make it big in the thriving arms trade, till he meets ACP Pratap (Randeep Hooda, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster) and Jhanvi (Esha Gupta), both who force him to amend his plans forever.

The Bhatts are never known for making original subjects. But to get inspired and adapt to Indian sensibilities too is a difficult task. That is one of their areas where they succeed like no one. Partially inspired by the Nicholas Cage starrer Lord of War, partially by Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, Jannat 2 remains true to the original by exploring an ambitious man’s dilemma between pursuing his greed or love.

The film has its moments, but due to the exposure to a multitude of films, one tends to guess the suspense in the second half. The writing by Shagufta Rafique, though commendable in the first half, tends to go tad wary in the post interval portions. This, coupled with the rusty, expletive laden dialogues by Sanjay Masoom, tend to take its toll on you in the latter half.

Bobby Singh’s cinematography is good. Music by Pritam is already a chartbuster but it is the background score by Raju Singh which is a scene stealer.

The action sequences by Javed – Eijaz are worth a mention, especially for the 2 chase sequences which are brilliantly executed.

Manish Chaudhuri delivers another knockout performance after Blood Money and Rocket Singh. Brijendra Kala, Sumit Nijhawan , Mohd. Ayub lend commendable support. Esha Gupta doesn’t have much to do besides flaunt her assets.

The show belongs to Randeep and Emraan. Randeep, who proved his mettle with D and yet again in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, delivers a yet another scene stealing performance. His alcohol influenced cop act will leave you asking for more.

Emraan yet again plays a character which he seems to have developed a niche for, an ambitious grey character with his heart in the right place and he does full justice to the same yet again.

So where does that leave Jannat 2? Kunal Deshmukh, as director sets you off on a fantastic roller coaster ride, which doesn’t leave you with much of an impact in the end due to the sheer predictability. I am not saying he has done a bad job, but one comes out feeling that there was again an opportunity here to do so much more. Considering the releases this weekend, I would still recommend this film.

Rating: 2.5 / 5

YusuF Poonawala is an independent writer who authors The Y Factor , a blog where he reviews movies, English and Hindi.