Did not hold up very well on a rewatch unlike part 1 hence I’d rate part 1 higher than this. The main reason for that is this felt more like Denis focusing on the spectacle and magnificence than the actual drama.

It felt like the story took a backseat to make room for the spectacle. Take for an instance the whole Feyd-Rautha birthday sequence. Shot in BW on an epic scale with mammoth sets and immaculate production design. No doubt it is an achievement and spectacular to watch but does the Character deserve it ? He did not amount much in the end and it never felt like the character earned the time he’s given.

The parts of the movie where we get to the actual meat of the story felt like they were rushed which should not be the case for an 160+ minute movie (Almost the case of Ponniyin Selvan 1&2). There was hardly any dialogue or a conversation that happens for a while that is worth ing. (Only the one with Paul and Chani talking about swimming strikes)

And hence, the shifts in character arcs felt abrupt. I understand there is time for explanation and yet something feels wrong. Something says it could’ve been better.

That being said, It is one of the greatest theatrical experiences. The visuals were unbelievably good. There are few hair standing sequences and epic imagery.

One thing that gives away the intent of the movie is its trailer and prerelease content. Where almost every major scene and shot has been revealed. The “Silence”. The “Sand-worm Riding”. The “Gurney Halleck” comeback. The epic sand-worm showdown. And a few absolutely incredible shots. It is almost as if Denis just wanted to bring Audience to his movie and took a gamble.