Rakta Charitra 2 () is a 2010 Indian political action thriller film directed by Ram Gopal Varma and written by Prashant Pandey. Based on the life of Paritala Ravindra, the film is a direct sequel to Rakta Charitra which released two months earlier. The film features an ensemble cast of Vivek Oberoi, Suriya, Sudeep, Shatrughan Sinha, Priyamani, Radhika Apte, Zarina Wahab, Ajaz Khan, and Ashish Vidyarthi. Shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi, with the latter titled Rakht Charitra 2, the film was released on 3 December 2010 and received mixed reviews from critics. Despite emerging as a commercial faliure, the film has gained cult status and is regarded as one of Varma's best works. It was dubbed and released in Tamil as Raththa Sarithiram in March 2011, with somes scenes reshot.
The film opens with a recap of the previous installment, depicting how Pratap Ravi avenged the murders of his father and brother and rose to power with the support of Chief Minister Shivaji Rao. As Pratap RaviâÂÂs influence spreads across Andhra Pradesh, Yeturi Suryanarayana Reddy, known as Surya, seeks revenge for the killing of his family. Surya attempts to assassinate Pratap Ravi by bombing his convoy, but the attempt fails, and he narrowly escapes capture.
Determined to strike again, Surya surrenders to the police under DCP Dasari Mohan Prasad, ostensibly for protection while secretly plotting another attempt. During a court appearance, he survives an assassination attempt orchestrated by Pratap Ravi and kills the attacker in front of the judge. He is subsequently imprisoned. In jail, Surya recounts how his family was killed in a bomb blast ordered by Pratap Ravi, strengthening his resolve for vengeance. Despite repeated attempts on his life inside the prison, Surya survives and refuses Pratap RaviâÂÂs offer of a truce.
Opposition leader Krishnaswamy advises Surya that, to defeat Pratap Ravi, he must surpass him politically. At SuryaâÂÂs urging, his wife Bhavani contests the elections, threatening Pratap RaviâÂÂs position. Amid rising tensions and failed attempts to eliminate Bhavani, Surya devises a final plan. Exploiting the confusion during a high-level political meeting, he orchestrates an attack and fatally shoots Pratap Ravi before secretly returning to prison with the help of a complicit prison warden.
Muddu Krishna takes responsibility for the murder, protecting Surya. Mohan Prasad later warns Surya that the same circumstances that created Pratap Ravi could transform him as well, but Surya insists he will not follow that path. The film concludes with Pratap RaviâÂÂs widow, Nandini, watching Surya deliver a televised election speech while holding her child.
Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave 3.5 out of 5, praising the film as a powerful, fast-paced, and intensely violent sequel directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Renuka Rao of DNA India gave 3 stars in a scale of 5, concluding that "Watch it if you had watched the first part, but don't be surprised if you don't like this as much". Nikhat Kazmi of Times of India gave 3 stars out of 5, stating that "Rakht Charitra doesn't break new ground like Satya and Company, nevertheless it remains a must-see film for Ramu fans." Shubhra Gupta of Indian Express gave 2.5 stars out of 5, and wrote that "Like in the first part, RGV's intention is not so much to delve into the complexities of Andhra politics, which stay firmly in the backdrop, but to create sequences where death is choreographed in varying ways. After a point, you are oblivious to the gore. But you cannot, at any point, bypass Suriya : he has eyes that speak. Bollywood is ready for him".
NDTV gave 2 out of 5 stars writing "Suriya saves the film from being a total loss. His expressive eyes have a quiet strength and his presence sears the screen". The Economic Times gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "The sequel carries forward the tale of power and revenge which exploded in Rakht Charitra 1". Rediff gave 1.5 out of 5 stars stating "RGV doesn't have anything new to offer in Rakht Charitra 2. The film does have some high points but they are too few to keep you engaged".