Most sequels aim to recreate the magic of a successful original, though they more often end up milking a template and undermine the importance of a strong story. VIP 2 is no different, the setting is an extension of Raghuvaran's world from the first part. The civil engineer isn't an underdog here yet he uses a moped to drive to his office. Raghuvaran's girlfriend Shalini (Amala Paul) is his wife now, the film begins with an announcement of him winning the 'Best Engineer of the Year' award. Vasundhara, a business honcho of a construction company, is a roadblock to his progress. There's an added gender-conflict in VIP 2, the setting is grander too. Bigger doesn't always means better- Dhanush's fragile story turns the characters into caricatures.
There's no real struggle for Raghuvaran to emerge as a hero here, the slow-motion shots help but the sequences lack any meat. The film deals with the ego-clash between Vasundhara and Raghuvaran after the latter refuses a job offer to be a part of Vasundhara's firm. Vasundhara isn't hurt by his rejection but his attitude puts her off. She makes persistent attempts to topple Raghuvaran's world, this story-turn has Raghuvaran turning into a jobless engineer all over again.
The film isn't devoid of momentary highs, Raghuvaran's Moped gets a better justification than Amala Paul's role. Raghuvaran's conversations with her dead mother livens up the proceedings for a while, the father and son bond while talking about handling their wives. Raghuvaran repeatedly quotes Vemana padyalu, churns a few of his own too and the lengthy monologue about all humans being equal despite barriers impresses too. These little quirks appeal despite their irrelevance to story.
Raghuvaran B Tech had a weak antagonist, yet there was clear distinction between the people at either ends. Vasundhara appears to be a potent opponent to Raghuvaran, Soundarya Rajinikanth positions her like a Nilambari (from Narasimha) in the garb of a corporate. What makes this one among Kajol's weakest roles is Vasundhara's make-believe transformation towards the end. The director introduces her as a typical baddie but is desperate to give her a goody tag later. Dhanush and Kajol liven up the screen when they're together despite the weak conflict.
Diverting your attention towards the supposed Dhanush-Amala Paul romance doesn't help, Raghuvaran only goes on a booze-fest to be abused by his wife time and again. The climax is set amid the Chennai-flood backdrop though the car signboards say it's Andhra Pradesh. Sean Roldan's music doesn't add up to the story, the dialogues reference many Telugu film stars. VIP 2 has an impressive star cast (Ritu Verma in a special appearance reprises Surabhi's role from the original), neat performances, yet it ends up as a wasted opportunity.
