Among the latest releases this week, after Ghaati, is the much-awaited Kollywood film Madaraasi. Directed by Murugadoss, it stars Sivakarthikeyan as the hero and Rukmini Vasanth as the heroine. Let’s see how the film has turned out in our review.
Story:
Raghu (Sivakarthikeyan) loses his entire family in an accident during his childhood and develops Delusion Syndrome from the trauma. After 16 years of treatment, Malathi (Rukmini Vasanth) enters his life. Meanwhile, two friends, Chirag (Shabeer) and Virat (Vidyut Jammwal), plan to flood Chennai with guns, creating a massive challenge for the NIA. Officer Prem (Biju Menon) and his team set out to stop the gun culture. How Raghu gets drawn into this mission, what he does for his love, who is really behind the gun mafia, and whether the illegal arms reach the streets, form the rest of the story.
What about on-screen performances?
The first major highlight is Sivakarthikeyan himself. Choosing such an unexpected role after a big hit like Amaran is quite surprising. This is perhaps his most solid performance since Remo, offering a new version of himself as an actor. His emotions in the first half and the action portions throughout work really well.
Vidyut Jammwal also gets a strong role. Though his track feels average at first, in the second half, Murugadoss gives him a proper Thuppakki-range feast.
From the point Vidyut’s character takes off, the film’s momentum changes, and it is only for the good of the proceedings.
Shabeer (of Dancing Rose fame) gets a good role and impresses with his acting and action. Biju Menon is also okay in his cop role in the film.
Heroine Rukmini Vasanth also has a well-written role, with the film almost revolving around her. She does complete justice to her character. Biju Menon and the rest of the supporting cast perform well, too.
What about off-screen performances?
The production values are solid, with no compromises from the makers. Anirudh’s music isn’t exceptional but works decently; his background score, especially in the second half, elevates some scenes.
Sudeep Elamon’s cinematography is good, and Kevin Kumar’s action choreography impresses. The Telugu dubbing is also decent.
Though Murugadoss has returned after a long gap, his attempt doesn’t feel entirely fresh. There are a few scenes that leave their mark
The gun-culture theme has been seen in several recent films, and while he tries to add his own touch with the hero’s flaw and a mix of love and action, the narration still carries shades of his earlier style.
The action and emotional parts are okay, but not fully impactful. At times, they feel forced, at other times natural, leading to a mixed experience.
The second half, in particular, loses engagement, with the story running on routine lines for nearly 40 minutes, making it drag. Songs are another drawback; except for one or two, they are unimpressive and feel excessive.
Though the director blends the ongoing gun-culture concept with love and action, the execution is patchy, engaging in some parts and forced in others.
Even the choice of the title Madaraasi feels unclear. This cannot be called a full-fledged comeback yet; perhaps that is still to come.
What’s Hot?
Sivakarthikeyan’s performance
Action blocks
A few emotional highs
What’s Bad?
Routine Story
Over-the-top action in a few scenes
A few logical issues
Verdict:
Overall, Madaraasi impresses with Sivakarthikeyan’s solid role, action, and a striking Vidyut Jammwal also shines. However, the narration feels routine in places and average in others. If you are a lover of action dramas, give this film a shot, but with timid expectations.
TeluguBulletin.com Rating 2.5/5