Movie Review : Draupathi 2
The film moves between the present and the past. 
In the present day, a young man ( Richard Rishi) due to a series of events, finds that a long lost temple deity is connected to happenings 700 years ago when King Veera Vallalar (Natraj) helped a younger king Veera Simha Kadavarayan ( Richard Rishi) from a nearby kingdom, to fulfil certain duties as a protector of his people.
Their life journey involved crossing paths and swords with the Sultan of the Madurai Sultunate and Tughlaq (Chirag Jani) from the Delhi Sultanate.
However during these long expeditions protecting his people, Kadavarayan's wife Draupathi's, mind was poisoned against her husband, by an enemy in the ranks, which led to greater conflict and upheaval.
What happened to the king and his subjects? Did he fulfil the tasks he set out to do?
The camera work of Phylip K Sundar captures the majesty of the kingdoms and the aesthetic and realistic sets created by the art department. Ghibran Vaibodha's music and well filmed songs add value, and help in transporting the viewer to a bygone era. The costume department deserves praise for outfits that bring the 14th century period to life.
Richard Rishi gives a nuanced and measured performance, bringing his character to life in a credible manner. He does a fine job in the action blocks as well, with a solid climax portion opposite Tughlaq.
Rakshana Induchoodan is a firebrand not just in the action blocks but also in her expressions, which beautifully convey her various emotions being it love, betrayal, disillusionment or majestic sacrifices. Her dialogue delivery is also superb.
Natty Natraj as the Veera Vallalar has lengthy dialogues to deliver in a more ancient form of Tamil than is spoken today, which he does with effieciency and clarity. He potrays royal grace and majesty in just the right proportions.
Chirag Jani as Tughlaq has done full justice to a lengthy role, and induces fear and conveys cruelty and a lust for power with a solid performance.
The supporting cast too have done a neat job.
Director Mohan G touches upon both fictional and historical elements to drive home certain ideas and viewpoints via this movie which aims to connect the past and the present. While some portions in the first half feel too lengthy, (more so due to the introduction of various unfamiliar characters and lengthy dialogues in ancient Tamil, with lots of information, that needs time to sink in), the second half moves with more greater speed as one event follows another and many facets of characters and changing circumstances come to light. There is more of action, drama and emotion to keep the viewer engaged.
The climax seems to promise a sequel, as the present day part of the story is still unresolved.
On the flip side, there are queasy portions and gory killings which make for tough viewing. Some vfx portions deserved more fine tuning. Though historical references seem to be made, one is not sure which portions are fictional and which are historically accurate.
Overall, the film is a period drama with an ample mix of drama, emotions and action, steeped in politics and idealogical warfare backed with sound performances.
