The story revolves around an ex-police officer, Arjun (played by Hashmi), who is hired by a pimp, Sameer (played by Narayanan), to find girls for his brothel. As Arjun starts investigating, he comes across a mysterious girl named Reshma (played by Fernandez), who he believes is the key to solving the case. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that he might have gotten himself into more trouble than he had anticipated.
The film was a commercial success and received generally positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the performances of the lead actors and the film's gripping storyline. The film also spawned a sequel, "Murder 3," in 2013.
"Murder 2" was noted for its bold and controversial themes, including prostitution, sex trafficking, and violence against women. The film's depiction of these issues generated considerable debate and controversy in India, with some critics praising the film for bringing attention to these social issues, while others criticized it for being too sensationalistic and exploitative.
Despite the controversy, "Murder 2" was a commercial success and helped to establish Emraan Hashmi as one of Bollywood's leading actors. The film's soundtrack, composed by Mithoon, Harshit Saxena, and Sangeet Haldipur, also became popular, with songs like "Hale Dil" and "Phir Mohabbat" receiving widespread acclaim.
"Murder 2" is a gripping and intense thriller that explores some of the darker aspects of Indian society. While the film's themes may be controversial, its strong performances, engaging storyline, and memorable soundtrack have made it a popular and influential film in Indian cinema.
In addition to the film's themes, "Murder 2" was also noted for its visual style, with director Mohit Suri using atmospheric lighting and camera work to create a sense of tension and suspense throughout the film. The film's climax, which takes place in a dilapidated old house, is particularly notable for its eerie and haunting atmosphere.
The performances of the lead actors also received critical acclaim, with Emraan Hashmi delivering a strong and nuanced portrayal of the conflicted and troubled Arjun. Jacqueline Fernandez, in one of her early roles, also impressed critics with her performance as the enigmatic Reshma.
Despite its controversial themes and graphic content, "Murder 2" was well-received by audiences and helped to establish a new standard for Bollywood thrillers. Its success also paved the way for other films to explore similar themes and subject matter in the years to come.
"Murder 2" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores some of the darker aspects of Indian society, and it continues to be remembered as one of the most influential and memorable thrillers in Bollywood cinema.
"Murder 2" also marks a departure from the traditional Bollywood formula in terms of its treatment of sexual content. While sexual themes have been present in Hindi cinema for decades, "Murder 2" takes a more explicit approach, with several scenes of nudity and sexual activity. This approach was considered risky by some, but it paid off in terms of critical and commercial success.
The film's success also helped to cement the reputations of director Mohit Suri and producer Mukesh Bhatt, who had previously worked together on the hit film "Awarapan" in 2007. Suri and Bhatt continued to collaborate on several more films after "Murder 2," including "Aashiqui 2" and "Ek Villain," which were also successful at the box office.
Overall, "Murder 2" remains an important and influential film in the history of Indian cinema, and it continues to be remembered for its bold themes, gripping storytelling, and powerful performances. Whether viewed as a commentary on the social issues of its time or as a groundbreaking work of genre cinema, "Murder 2" remains a must-watch for fans of Bollywood thrillers.