As an Indian movie buff who grew up on a steady diet of Bollywood masala and Hollywood blockbusters, I was thrilled to catch The Bad Guys 2 in theatres. This animated heist comedy, directed by Pierre Perifel and co-directed by JP Sans, is a sequel to the 2022 hit The Bad Guys, and it brings back the charm, wit, and high-octane energy that made the original such a crowd-pleaser. With a stellar voice cast led by Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, and Awkwafina, this film is a delightful mix of humour, heart, and action that appeals to both kids and adults. Here’s my take on why The Bad Guys 2 is a must-watch for Indian audiences who love a good dose of fun with a side of desi-style emotional resonance.
A Plot That’s as Spicy as a Mumbai Vada Pav
The Bad Guys 2, released on August 1, 2025, picks up where the first film left off. Our favourite gang of anthropomorphic animal outlaws—Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and Ms. Tarantula aka “Webs” (Awkwafina)—are trying to go straight after their prison stint. They’re now “Good Guys,” but as any Indian family drama fan knows, leaving the past behind is never that simple. The gang’s attempt to live a reformed life is hilariously derailed when they’re roped into “one last job” by a fierce all-female squad of criminals, the Bad Girls, voiced by Danielle Brooks (Kitty Kat), Natasha Lyonne (Doom), and Maria Bakalova (Pigtail Petrova).
The story kicks off with a jaw-dropping heist in Cairo, complete with a car chase that feels like it could rival the chaotic energy of a peak-hour Mumbai local train. From there, the plot takes the gang on a globe-trotting adventure, with stakes higher than a Diwali firecracker. The screenplay, penned by Yoni Brenner and Etan Cohen, keeps the pace brisk, much like a well-choreographed Bollywood dance sequence, blending slapstick humour with clever one-liners that land like a perfectly timed samosa dunked in chutney. The addition of a sci-fi twist—yes, there’s a trip to outer space—adds a quirky flavour that feels like a nod to India’s love for over-the-top drama.
A Starry Voice Cast That Shines Brighter Than Diwali Lights
The voice performances are the ghee in this animated biryani. Sam Rockwell’s Mr. Wolf is as smooth as Shah Rukh Khan in a romantic role, delivering charm and wit with every line. His struggle to balance his criminal instincts with his desire to be good feels relatable to anyone who’s ever tried to live up to their family’s expectations. Craig Robinson’s Mr. Shark steals the show with his goofy yet heartfelt portrayal, especially in a scene where he plays a wedding officiant, channeling the larger-than-life energy of a Punjabi wedding pandit. Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha brings the fiery energy of a street-smart bhai, while Awkwafina’s Ms. Tarantula is the tech-savvy didi we all wish we had, with her sarcastic quips cutting through like a sharp vada knife.
The new additions—Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova—bring a fresh tadka to the mix. Brooks’ Kitty Kat is a fierce leader, Lyonne’s Doom adds a mischievous edge, and Bakalova’s Pigtail Petrova is delightfully unhinged. The chemistry between the Bad Guys and Bad Girls is electric, reminiscent of the banter in a classic Bollywood dosti film. Zazie Beetz as Diane Foxington (aka The Crimson Paw) and Richard Ayoade as Professor Marmalade also return, adding layers to the story with their nuanced performances.
Why Indian Audiences Will Love It
For Indian viewers, The Bad Guys 2 feels like a Bollywood potboiler wrapped in animated glory. The themes of redemption, friendship, and defying stereotypes hit home like a heartfelt Yeh Dosti moment from Sholay. The film’s message about breaking free from labels—whether it’s being called a “bad guy” or something else—resonates deeply in a culture where societal expectations often dictate one’s path. The humour, including a cleverly placed fart joke, is universal enough to have kids giggling and adults chuckling, much like the lowbrow gags in a Rohit Shetty comedy.
Visually, the film is a treat, with vibrant animation that pops like Holi colours. The action sequences, from Cairo’s chaotic streets to a wild outer-space adventure, are as thrilling as a Rajinikanth fight scene. Daniel Pemberton’s score adds a zippy, energetic vibe, perfect for keeping the energy high, much like a dhol beat at a festival. The film’s 1-hour-44-minute runtime feels just right—not too long like a three-hour Bollywood epic, but packed with enough masala to keep you hooked.
A Few Hiccups, But Still a Blast
If I had to nitpick, the film’s ambition to go bigger than the original sometimes feels like a biryani with too many spices—overwhelming but still tasty. The first half can feel a tad slow as it sets up the new characters, but once the Bad Girls enter, it’s like the interval twist that flips the movie into high gear. Some critics have noted that the plot device, cheekily called “macguffinite,” is a bit silly, but for Indian audiences used to suspending disbelief for Baahubali-style grandeur, this is hardly a dealbreaker.
Critics and Fans Agree: It’s a Fun Ride
Reviews from outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety praise the film’s wit, energy, and heart, though some feel it doesn’t quite outdo the original. Rotten Tomatoes highlights its “sophisticated stupid” charm, while Letterboxd fans call it a “fun adventure” with gorgeous action set pieces. Indian audiences, I reckon, will eat it up for its blend of humour and heart, much like a family-friendly Dabangg.
Final Verdict: A Ticket Worth Buying
The Bad Guys 2 is like a perfectly spiced pav bhaji—messy, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a film that delivers laughs, thrills, and a touch of dil se emotion, making it perfect for a family outing or a fun date night. Whether you’re a kid who loves animals or an adult who enjoys a clever heist, this movie has something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn ka dabba, head to the theatre, and let these bad-turned-good guys steal your heart.
Where to Watch: In theatres across India from August 1, 2025
Pro Tip: Stay for the post-credits scene—it’s got a surprise that’ll leave you grinning like you just found an extra gulab jamun in your dessert bowl!
