🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Howard J. Ford
- Genre: Horror, Action, Adventure
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 5.1/10 (5.6K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
An American engineer tries to reach his pregnant girlfriend 300 miles away through zombie-infested India, proving that long-distance relationships are tough even without the undead.
🍿 The Dead 2: India: Detailed Plot Synopsis
An Unexpected Outbreak in India
The film opens with the rapid spread of a mysterious, infectious epidemic across India. This new zombie apocalypse is traced back to a worker who arrived from Somalia, quickly turning the bustling streets into a perilous wasteland. The outbreak sets the stage for a desperate fight for survival, affecting millions across the densely populated country.

Nicholas’s Desperate Journey Begins
Amidst the chaos, Nicholas Burton, an American turbine engineer working in the remote Indian countryside, learns that his pregnant girlfriend, Ishani Sharma, is trapped near the slums of Mumbai. Driven by an urgent need to protect his unborn child and the woman he loves, Nicholas embarks on a dangerous 300-mile journey across the zombie-infested landscape. His path is fraught with ravenous undead and the collapse of society.

A Young Companion and Perilous Encounters
As Nicholas navigates the treacherous terrain, he encounters Javed, a young orphaned boy. Javed, familiar with the local area, becomes an unlikely companion and guide, helping Nicholas through perilous situations. Their journey is marked by tense standoffs, escapes, and a constant battle against the slow, relentless hordes of the undead, forcing Nicholas to rely on his wits and sheer brute force.

Ishani’s Trapped Reality in Mumbai
While Nicholas battles through the countryside, Ishani is barricaded in her home in Mumbai with her traditional, disapproving father. Her father, a Brahma-preacher, is concerned with his own infected wife and strongly objects to Ishani’s relationship with Nicholas. Ishani faces not only the threat of the zombies outside but also the emotional and cultural conflict within her own family as the city succumbs to the epidemic.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Nicholas Burton (Joseph Millson): The American turbine engineer and protagonist who embarks on a perilous 300-mile journey across zombie-infested India to reach his pregnant girlfriend.
- Ishani Sharma (Meenu Mishra): Nicholas’s pregnant girlfriend who is trapped near the slums of Mumbai and becomes his primary motivation for journeying across the zombie-ravaged country.
- Javed (Anand Krishna Goyal): A resourceful young orphan boy who becomes Nicholas’s loyal companion and guide during his dangerous trek across India.
- Ishani’s father (Sandip Datta Gupta): Ishani’s traditional father who disapproves of her relationship with Nicholas and is trapped with his family as the zombie outbreak consumes Mumbai.
- Ishani’s Mother (Poonam Mathur): Ishani’s mother who becomes infected by the zombie plague, adding to the dire situation of her family.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Nicholas Burton: “I have to get to Mumbai. Ishani needs me.” – Nicholas expresses his unwavering determination to reach his pregnant girlfriend in the infected city.
- Javed: “I know the way. I can help you.” – The young orphan offers his local knowledge and assistance to Nicholas, forming an unlikely bond.
- Ishani’s father: “You will not have my daughter!” – Ishani’s conservative father vehemently opposes her relationship with Nicholas, highlighting the cultural clash amidst the apocalypse.
- Nicholas Burton: “Keep going. Don’t look back.” – Nicholas delivers this grim instruction, emphasizing the relentless and desperate nature of their survival journey through the infected landscape.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $1,000,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 The Dead 2: India Reviews
Personal Review
I wasn’t sure what to expect from ‘The Dead 2: India’, but wow, it really pulled me in! I loved how it took the zombie apocalypse to such a unique setting; the Indian landscapes were absolutely breathtaking, making the danger feel even more isolating. Joseph Millson’s character, Nicholas, really made you root for him as he battled through hordes of the undead to reach his pregnant girlfriend. The tension was palpable in so many scenes, especially that intense motorcycle ride through the night with zombies illuminated by the headlight. Even with its low budget, it looked incredible and felt genuinely harrowing. It’s a solid, atmospheric zombie flick that delivers on both scares and heart.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of ‘The Dead’ (2010) and its unique take on the zombie genre”
- “Viewers interested in zombie apocalypse films set in diverse international locations”
- “Horror fans who appreciate slow-burn, atmospheric zombie movies over fast-paced action”
- “Audiences looking for independent horror films with strong visual aesthetics”
- “Those who enjoy survival stories with a dramatic and emotional core”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic Violence and Gore”
- “Disturbing Images (e.g., zombie attacks, decaying bodies)”
- “Strong Themes (survival, loss, family conflict)”
- “Children in Jeopardy (includes scenes involving child endangerment)”
- “Mild Language”
Professional Reviews
- Film Fanatics Digest: “‘The Dead 2: India’ bravely transports the zombie genre to breathtaking, sun-drenched Indian landscapes, creating a truly unique and visually striking experience. The Ford Brothers masterfully weave a tense, fast-paced survival narrative, anchored by Joseph Millson’s compelling performance as the determined protagonist. While some may find familiar elements from its predecessor, the film elevates the emotional stakes with its powerful story of love and resilience amidst chaos. It’s an atmospheric and gritty take on the apocalypse, delivering genuine scares and a refreshing authenticity.
Audience Reactions
Viewers particularly praised the film for its unique Indian setting and surprisingly emotional journey.: Many found the cinematography stunning, the pacing engaging, and appreciated Joseph Millson’s committed performance, often citing it as a refreshing, more grounded alternative to typical Hollywood zombie films.
Overall Consensus: A visually striking and emotionally engaging zombie sequel that stands out for its unique Indian backdrop and intense survival narrative, despite some minor plot flaws.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Filming in India presented significant challenges, with reports of dangerous conditions, particularly for the female actress, and locations that locals considered haunted during bunker/stairwell shoots.”
- “Despite being a low-budget production, the Ford Brothers utilized their resources effectively to achieve a Hollywood-caliber visual aesthetic, creating breathtaking vistas and authentic action sequences.”
- “The filmmakers intentionally broadened the scope from the first film, incorporating more mainstream elements and aiming for a fast-paced action-adventure feel, distinguishing it from typical zombie fare.”
- “The zombie apocalypse in the film is specifically stated to have originated from an infected worker returning to India from Somalia.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Dead 2: India?
Finding ‘The Dead 2: India’ is possible across several digital platforms. For horror enthusiasts, it’s frequently available on streaming services like Shudder, a dedicated horror platform. You can also typically rent or purchase the movie digitally through platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Check these services for current availability and pricing, as options may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Dead 2: India, you might like these similar films:
- The Dead (2010): The direct prequel, also directed by the Ford Brothers, establishes the unique ‘road movie’ style of zombie horror in a desolate African setting.
- Train to Busan (2016): A high-octane South Korean zombie thriller that similarly blends intense action with a strong emotional core centered on a desperate journey to protect a loved one.
- Children of Men (2006): Shares a bleak, post-apocalyptic atmosphere and the perilous journey of a protagonist tasked with protecting a pregnant woman, emphasizing hope amidst overwhelming despair.
- Dawn of the Dead (2004): A fast-paced and gruesome reimagining of the classic zombie film, offering relentless action and survival horror that appeals to fans of the genre’s more intense side.
- Cargo (2017): An Australian film that also features a parent/guardian trying to transport and protect their child through a zombie-infested landscape before they turn themselves, sharing a poignant, desperate tone.
🛒 The Dead 2: India Related Products
- The Dead 2: India (Special Edition Blu-ray): Experience the intense survival journey in stunning high-definition. This special edition includes director’s commentary, a behind-the-scenes documentary on the challenges of filming in India, and exclusive deleted scenes, offering an unparalleled look into the movie’s unique production.
- The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead (Paperback): Max Brooks’ iconic and comprehensive guide to surviving a zombie outbreak. Covers everything from weapon selection and tactical strategies to fortifying safe havens and long-term survival planning, a must-read for any apocalypse enthusiast.
- The Dead (2010) – Digital Download: The critically acclaimed predecessor to ‘The Dead 2: India’, set against the desolate landscapes of Africa. This digital download allows you to complete the Ford Brothers’ zombie saga and understand the origins of their unique apocalyptic universe.
- Zombicide: Green Horde Board Game: A cooperative board game where players team up as survivors to battle massive hordes of zombie orcs. Features detailed miniatures, challenging scenarios, and tactical gameplay, bringing the visceral horror of a zombie apocalypse to your tabletop.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Dead 2: India features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘The Dead 2: India’ is a standalone sequel to the 2010 horror film ‘The Dead’. While it features a new set of characters and a different geographical setting (India instead of Africa), it continues the themes and style of the original, depicting a zombie outbreak on a global scale.
‘The Dead 2: India’ was filmed entirely on location in India, primarily in the picturesque and historically rich region of Rajasthan. The filmmakers aimed to utilize the stunning landscapes and bustling urban environments of India to create a unique and visually striking backdrop for the zombie apocalypse.
The film features classic slow-moving, shambling zombies, reminiscent of George A. Romero’s early works. These ‘dead’ retain an air of menace with their biting and tearing of flesh, often appearing with distinct opal-white eyes. Despite their slow pace, they are relentless and converge en masse, creating a sense of creeping horror.
Critical reception for ‘The Dead 2: India’ was mixed. While it received praise for its stunning cinematography, authentic practical effects, and Joseph Millson’s compelling lead performance, some critics noted issues with pacing, certain plot elements feeling like a rehash of the first film, and occasional amateur acting from supporting cast members. It is often appreciated for offering an alternative to mainstream Hollywood zombie productions.
The main cast of ‘The Dead 2: India’ includes Joseph Millson as Nicholas Burton, the American engineer on a desperate mission. He is joined by Meenu Mishra as Ishani Sharma, his pregnant girlfriend, and Anand Krishna Goyal as Javed, the young orphan boy who becomes his unlikely companion.
🔥 Bonus Content
Exploring The Dead 2 – From Africa to India the Production Nightmares Continue
Ever wonder what really goes on behind the scenes of a challenging film? This video pulls back the curtain on ‘The Dead 2’, revealing the wild production nightmares the filmmakers faced, and honestly, it makes you appreciate the movie even more knowing what they went through!
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.