When it comes to Indian horror, the genre has long danced between two extremes: the over-the-top jump scares that rarely surprise, and attempts at deeper storytelling that struggle to deliver true fear. Chhorii 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2021 film, lands squarely in the latter category — a movie that clearly aims to blend thoughtful social messaging with unsettling supernatural horror, but sadly, loses its way before the credits roll.
Directed by Vishal Furia, Chhorii 2 picks up several years after the harrowing events of the original, where Sakshi (played once again by Nushrratt Bharuccha) narrowly escaped the clutches of evil forces. Now, she’s built a new life far from the haunted fields that once terrorized her. As a single mother and schoolteacher, Sakshi appears to have found peace, raising her daughter Ishani (Hardika Sharma) in a quiet, sheltered world.
But their peaceful existence comes with its own shadows — quite literally. Ishani suffers from an unusual and life-altering condition: her body cannot tolerate direct sunlight, forcing her to live in perpetual darkness, her movements restricted to dimly lit rooms and shaded pathways. For Sakshi, the isolation is both a shield and a curse. Despite the support of Inspector Samar (Gashmeer Mahajani), who has become both friend and protector, their delicate world is shattered when an otherworldly presence re-emerges.
The narrative kicks into gear when a ghostly entity begins to haunt Ishani, luring her away from the safe haven her mother has so carefully constructed. What unfolds is intended to be a chilling story of motherhood, sacrifice, and the generational scars of trauma — but unfortunately, the film fumbles its execution.
The strength of Chhorii 2 lies in its ambition. Furia attempts to weave a story where horror is not just about restless spirits and eerie silhouettes but about societal evils and inherited pain. However, the storytelling often slips into overly familiar territory. The tension never fully builds, the scares rarely surprise, and the weight of the film’s social commentary often drags down the pace, rather than enhancing the atmosphere.
Even the visual tone, which leans heavily on shadow and gloom, struggles to elevate the suspense. Like a flashlight on its last breath in a pitch-black room, the film promises light but mostly leaves the audience groping for genuine fear.
Bharuccha delivers an emotionally earnest performance, portraying a mother’s desperation and resilience with quiet strength. Hardika Sharma, too, manages to impress in her portrayal of a child caught between reality and the supernatural. But despite their strong efforts, the characters are adrift in a script that can’t seem to decide whether it wants to scare you or preach to you.
The sequel deserves credit for straying away from conventional horror formulas and trying to create a layered, character-driven experience. But in doing so, it often forgets the core ingredient of a good horror film — the ability to terrify.
Chhorii 2 is a film that wants to be more than just another ghost story, but in the end, its noble intentions get lost in the dark. The result is an experience that feels more hollow than haunting, leaving horror fans yearning for the chills the film never quite delivers.
