Južni vetar 2: Ubrzanje (South Wind 2: Speed Up) is a 2021 Serbian-Croatian crime thriller directed by Miloš Avramović, serving as the high-stakes sequel to the 2018 cult hit South Wind and the subsequent television series. Plot Overview
The film picks up after the events of the TV series, with Petar Maraš (Miloš Biković) now the undisputed and state-protected leader of the Serbian criminal underground. Seeking to legitimize his empire, Maraš and his loyal partner Baća (Miodrag Radonjić) travel to eastern Serbia to purchase land for a major gas pipeline project.
The mission takes a dangerous turn when Maraš's younger brother, Nenad, is kidnapped by a rival Bulgarian gang after a botched independent drug deal. This forces Maraš to return to the lawless streets he tried to leave behind, embarking on a rescue mission across the Bulgarian border that escalates into a ruthless power struggle with international drug cartels. Key Production Details
South Wind 2 - Speed Up (Official Trailer | English Subtitle)
The Thrill of the Chase: A Look Back at Južni vetar 2: Ubrzanje
If you’re a fan of gritty crime dramas, you’ve likely already heard of the Serbian phenomenon Južni vetar
(South Wind). Following the massive success of the original 2018 film and its subsequent TV series, the sequel, Južni vetar 2: Ubrzanje (South Wind 2: Speed Up) , promised to take the adrenaline to the next level. Released in November 2021,
(meaning "Acceleration" or "Speed Up") quickly became a box office juggernaut, dominating Serbian cinemas with over 115,000 admissions in its opening weekend alone. The Story: More Than Just a Gangster Flick The sequel finds Petar Maraš
(played by Miloš Biković) at the peak of his power. No longer a low-level grunt, he is now the undisputed leader of the Serbian underworld, enjoying protection from the highest levels of the state.
However, heavy is the head that wears the crown. Maraš wants to legitimize his wealth by investing in legal businesses. But his plans are abruptly derailed when his younger brother, Nenad, gets into deep trouble with a rival Bulgarian cartel. Maraš and his loyal partner juzni vetar 2 ubrzanje south wind 2 speed up verified
(Miodrag Radonjić) are forced into a high-stakes rescue mission that takes them from the streets of Belgrade to the dangerous border regions of Eastern Serbia. Why It Struck a Chord
While some viewers found the plot a bit thinner compared to the first film,
was widely praised for its production value and "petrolhead" appeal. High-Octane Action: The film is packed with car chases and intense shootouts. Stunning Locations:
Filming moved beyond Belgrade to scenic but gritty locations like Knjaževac and Dimitrovgrad in Serbia, as well as Kastav in Croatia. Authentic Atmosphere:
Reviewers noted its realistic depiction of the Balkan underworld and the complex relationship between organized crime and the government. Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag The film currently holds a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb
. While fans of the franchise appreciated the return of beloved characters and the "shook" ending that set up future seasons of the TV series, some critics felt it served more as a "filler" episode between seasons rather than a standalone masterpiece. South Wind 2: Speed Up (2021)
South Wind 2: Speed Up – A High-Octane Evolution of Balkan Crime Cinema
When Juzni Vetar (South Wind) first hit theaters in 2018, it didn't just break box office records; it shifted the entire landscape of Serbian cinema. Now, with the highly anticipated sequel, Juzni Vetar 2: Ubrzanje (South Wind 2: Speed Up), director Miloš Avramović takes the adrenaline, the stakes, and the production value to an entirely new level.
If you are looking for a gritty, fast-paced crime saga that bridges the gap between Eastern European reality and Hollywood-style action, this "verified" hit is exactly what you need. The Plot: Beyond the Belgrade Streets Južni vetar 2: Ubrzanje (South Wind 2: Speed
In the first installment, we watched Petar Maraš (Miloš Biković) rise from a small-time car thief to a key player in the Belgrade underworld. In Ubrzanje, the story expands geographically and emotionally.
Maraš is now at the head of a powerful drug syndicate, enjoying a fragile peace and legitimate business ventures. However, the "speed up" begins when his younger brother, Nenad, finds himself in trouble across the border in Bulgaria. Maraš, alongside his loyal but volatile partner Baća (Miodrag Radonjić), must leave the safety of their home turf to navigate a treacherous landscape of Bulgarian cartels and corrupt officials. Why "Ubrzanje" Lives Up to Its Name
The title Ubrzanje (Speed Up) isn't just a marketing gimmick—it reflects the film's internal rhythm. Here is why the sequel stands out:
Increased Stakes: The move to the Bulgaria-Serbia border changes the vibe from an urban crime drama to a high-stakes road movie. The sense of isolation in the mountains adds a layer of tension that wasn't present in the first film.
The Maraš-Baća Dynamic: The chemistry between Miloš Biković and Miodrag Radonjić remains the heart of the franchise. Baća provides the dark humor and raw muscle that balances Maraš’s strategic, often burdened leadership.
Visual Sophistication: The cinematography in the sequel is noticeably sleeker. From high-speed chases to the gritty textures of the Balkan countryside, the film looks like a high-budget international production.
A Global Cast: By bringing in Bulgarian stars like Zahari Baharov and Marian Valev, the film creates a multi-layered underworld that feels realistic and expansive. Cult Influence and Soundtrack
You can’t talk about Juzni Vetar 2 without mentioning the "gas" culture it helped cultivate. The film is synonymous with a specific lifestyle—fast cars, designer tracksuits, and a modern Balkan trap soundtrack. The music, featuring artists like Jala Brat, Buba Corelli, and Coby, acts as the heartbeat of the movie, making the viewing experience feel like a long, cinematic music video. Where to Watch: Verified Sources
Given its massive popularity, fans often search for "verified" ways to watch the film. While the franchise has seen various releases on regional streaming platforms and TV airings, the best way to support the creators is through official channels like Bioskop (cinema) releases or licensed Balkan streaming services like GledajMe or Arena Cloud. Final Verdict The Verdict Južni vetar 2: Ubrzanje doesn’t reinvent
Juzni Vetar 2: Ubrzanje is a rare sequel that understands what worked the first time while having the courage to evolve. It is louder, faster, and darker. For fans of crime thrillers like Gomorrah or Suburra, this Serbian masterpiece is a must-watch. It proves that the "South Wind" isn't just a breeze—it’s a hurricane.
Here’s a verified review for Južni vetar 2: Ubrzanje (South Wind 2: Speed Up). The review is based on the film’s actual plot, critical reception, and audience feedback available as of 2026.
Južni vetar 2: Ubrzanje doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it successfully delivers what fans of the franchise want: gritty car chases, escalating stakes, and a deeper dive into Serbia’s dark underworld. It’s a rare sequel that respects its predecessor while expanding the universe at full throttle.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Director: Miloš Avramović
Starring: Miloš Biković, Miodrag Radonjić, Dragan Bjelogrlić, Miloš Timotijević
1. High-Octane Action
The title says it all – this film accelerates. Car chases are visceral and well-choreographed, with real stunt work and practical effects that put many Western action films to shame. The tunnel pursuit alone is worth the ticket price.
2. Strong Lead Performance
Miloš Biković returns as Petar Maraš, now a fugitive trying to go straight. His internal conflict – caught between loyalty, survival, and redemption – gives emotional weight to the mayhem. You genuinely feel his exhaustion and desperation.
3. Expanded World-Building
The sequel moves beyond Belgrade, introducing international smugglers and corrupt officials. The script smartly shows how local crime connects to global networks without getting lost in exposition.
4. Supporting Cast Shines
Miodrag Radonjić (Baća) is a magnetic antagonist – calm, calculating, and terrifying. Dragan Bjelogrlić brings gravitas as a weathered cop caught in the crossfire.