Vash Level 2 (2025) Movie: Review, Ratings, Earnings

Vash Level 2 (2025), a Gujarati supernatural psychological horror film and sequel to the 2023 hit Vash, directed by Krishnadev Yagnik, was released in theaters on August 27, 2025. Produced by Kalpesh Soni and Krunal Soni under K S Entertainment Studios, Ananta Businesscorp, Patel Processing Studios, and Big Box Series Pvt Ltd, and distributed by Panorama Studios, it includes a Hindi dubbed version titled Vash Vivash Level 2 for a broader Indian release. Expanding on the claustrophobic dread of the original, the sequel delivers a larger, more chaotic horror spectacle.
Cast & Crew
The film features returning actors Janki Bodiwala as Aarya, Hitu Kanodia as Atharva, and Hiten Kumar as the menacing Pratap, with Monal Gajjar in a key role as the school principal. Supporting actors include Chetan Daiya, Prem Gadhavi, and Hency Bapat. The technical team comprises music director Andrew Samuel, whose eerie score enhances the suspense, cinematographers Prashant Gohel and Haresh S. Bhanushali, who create a shadowy aesthetic, and editor Shivam Bhatt, maintaining a tight 103-minute runtime despite occasional pacing issues.
Storyline & Themes
Set 12 years after Vash (2023), the story follows Atharva (Hitu Kanodia), who discovers the dark force that once possessed his daughter Aarya (Janki Bodiwala) never truly left. When a group of schoolgirls falls under a mysterious, hypnotic control, exhibiting violent, synchronized behavior, Atharva confronts the returning black magician Pratap (Hiten Kumar). The film explores themes of enduring trauma, the cyclical nature of evil, and parental sacrifice, shifting from the original’s intimate horror to a broader societal menace.
Comparison with Original Vash
The original Vash (2023) was lauded for its tight script and personal, psychological horror within a single family’s farmhouse, earning critical acclaim and a National Film Award for Best Gujarati Feature Film. Vash Level 2 opts for a grander scale, with elaborate set pieces and a broader supernatural scope, trading slow-burn tension for visceral, action-oriented horror. While the increased production value and visual spectacle impress, some critics note that it sacrifices the original’s emotional intimacy and has a rushed climax.
Acting Performances
- Hitu Kanodia (Atharva): Delivers a compelling, emotionally charged performance as a father battling supernatural forces, anchoring the film with depth and desperation.
- Hiten Kumar (Pratap): Steals scenes with his chilling, charismatic portrayal of the antagonist, blending quiet menace with bursts of rage.
- Janki Bodiwala (Aarya): Despite a reduced role, her subtle, haunting performance as a traumatized figure adds credibility to the horror.
- Monal Gajjar (Principal): Effectively conveys horror and helplessness, enhancing the narrative’s stakes.
Supporting actors like Chetan Daiya and Prem Gadhavi contribute to the sense of a community under siege, though their roles are less developed.[](https://unb.com.bd/category/Entertainment/vash-level-2-2025-movie-review-ratings-earnings/167173)[](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35529436/)
Cinematic Craft & Direction
Krishnadev Yagnik’s direction is confident, using shadows, silence, and sudden jolts to maintain tension. The cinematography creates a nightmarish atmosphere, particularly in the first hour, while Andrew Samuel’s score amplifies dread. Editing keeps the pace brisk, though the final act feels rushed. The film’s craft elevates it above typical regional horror, signaling Gujarati cinema’s growing national presence.
Critical Reception
Critics have given mixed-to-positive reviews:
- India Forums: 4/5 stars, praising it as “a rare sequel that unsettles in the best way and lingers long after.”
- India Today: 3/5 stars, calling it “raw, chaotic, and unsettling” but criticizing pacing and a weak climax.
- Scroll.in: Lauded the shocking visuals but noted diminishing tension later.
Audiences have responded enthusiastically, with packed shows in Gujarat and strong traction for the Hindi version, fueled by social media praise for Bodiwala’s performance and production quality. IMDb rates it 8.1/10 based on 155 reviews.
Box Office Earnings
Vash Level 2 earned ₹1.15 crore on its opening day in India (₹0.80 crore from Gujarat, ₹0.40 crore from the Hindi version), with a gross of ₹1.42 crore, marking one of the highest openings for a Gujarati film. With a ₹5 crore budget, it is on track for profitability, driven by strong urban word-of-mouth.[](https://unb.com.bd/category/Entertainment/vash-level-2-2025-movie-review-ratings-earnings/167173)
Vash Level 2 is an ambitious sequel that expands the franchise with a broader scope and higher production values, though it lacks the original’s intimate dread. Standout performances by Kanodia, Kumar, and Bodiwala, combined with Yagnik’s bold direction, make it a compelling horror spectacle. Despite pacing flaws, it solidifies Gujarati cinema’s growing influence in the horror genre, paving the way for potential franchise growth, with talks of a Vash Level 3 already circulating.