BOTTOM LINE
Tries Hard, Delivers Bore
RATING
2.25/5
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 48m
What Is the Film About?
Raghu Ram (Sivakarthikeyan) wants to commit suicide, and on one such failed attempt, he shares the hospital with an NIA officer, Prem (Biju Menon). While getting treated, Raghu repeatedly shares his desire to die.
Prem, meanwhile, is handling an operation where he requires a guy who has to undergo a suicide mission. What’s the problem Raghu faces, and how it converges with Prem’s, unexpectedly, to solve all issues is the movie’s overall story.
Performances
Siva Karthikeyan is his usual self, but with a small caveat that brings a little difference to his character. The bits are convincingly done and the rest are done with the regular panache by the actor.
The small differences brought to the characterisation are utilised well during the last half an hour. Siva Karthikeyan is shown turning into beast mode action-wise, and that works well for him to show an impact. It separates his overall act from the rest which is a walk in the park for him.
Rukmini Vasanth gets a decent role for starters. It’s key to the proceedings, especially in the first half, where there is a love track going on. The actress looks lovely in simple traditional outfits. Performance-wise, too, she is alright, although there is nothing much to do. She goes mostly missing in the second half, and even when present, there is nothing much to do.
Analysis
AR Murugadoss directs Madharaasi. Like all his previous films, here too he picks a unique concept and characterisation for the hero, and the entire movie runs on it.
The core concept in Madharaasi here is related to gun culture. What if guns reach the frustrated people and negative forces in society? The basic story is the prevention of large trucks consisting of these guns crossing the border and reaching the general public. The NIA forms a team and starts the operation to stop it from happening.
The whole thing commences the movie on an interesting note with an exciting action block. It’s followed by the hero’s introduction who has his own issue going on and wants to die.
Once the hero’s track starts, it doesn’t take time to realise that something might be off. Clearly, there is a tonal inconsistency, and it’s enhanced further when the actual hero-heroine love track is revealed. On one hand, we have an action plot and on the other a proper love story.
Nothing is confusing, but the mixing of the hero from a love story to the action plot involving the gun mafia guys doesn’t come across well. The uneven tone takes away from the action build-up and excitement that’s planned for it.
During this process, the narrative bloats and one gets restless with some blocks even though they seem essential for further plot progress. It involves the hero’s backstory. It’s essential, but an already bloated narrative further makes it look like a drag.
It’s only towards the interval when the story entirely shifts to the action that a cohesive energy and momentum are felt. The interval block is interesting and one looks forward to the second half.
The beginning of the proceedings post intermission is alright. Again, there is a setup here for the rest of the half with a reversal in the hero’s characterisation.
However, as things continue, the illogical happening of events and lengthy shootouts, etc, makes things tiring. By the time an important character is eliminated, one feels that the movie might be over. However, there is a long stretch even after that and also involves introducing new elements to the story.
We have a Syndicate come into the scheme of things in the last half an hour. Then there is the next level transformation in the hero’s character at this point. So many things keep happening. It doesn’t energise the plot, but rather drags it down further, even though there are small bits that do look promising.
The climax is also long and overly drawn out making the tiring experience a permanent feeling. The way NIA is portrayed throughout to elevate the hero also doesn’t sit right. It leaves one with a tired and disappointed experience despite some exciting parts here and there.
Overall, Madharaasi has a decent plot in the typical AR Murugadoss style. But a bloated narrative with multiple tracks and subplots makes it a tiring and excruciating watch by the end.
Performances by Others Actors
The key supporting cast is limited but good. Biju Menon and Vidyut Jamwal are the noticeable names among them. Biju Menon is the emotional support, and he does well within his limitations. Vidyut Jamwal, in the hand, acts like the movie’s hero. His action sequences are designed with full swag and he shines in them. However, as a character, it’s the same routine villain stuff and he is alright.
The rest of the cast doesn’t have many prominent roles. Shabeer Kallarakkal stands out among them with his villain act.
Music and Other Departments?
Anirudh provides the music and the background score. The songs have the usual sound of the musician but are forgetful. The background score, too, lacks the impact usually associated with him. Apart from what we hear in the trailer there is nothing of note in the movie.
The cinematography is good, giving the movie a proper action feel. Sudeep Elamon brings a grittiness whenever required. The editing is fine. Veteran A Sreekar Prasad makes things look in order and avoids the narrative turning chaotic which it could easily have given the content. The action choreography is good. The writing could have been better.
Highlights?
Basic Concept
Sivakarthikeyan
Vidyut Jamwal Action Parts
Interval
Drawbacks?
Lengthy Feel
Overblown Narrative
Uneven Tone
Convoluted Narrative
Loud BGM
Did I Enjoy It?
No. But, parts of the movie are alright for action movie lovers
Will You Recommend It?
No
Madharaasi Movie Review by M9
