Madharaasi Review

Even geniuses go through rough patches. Sometimes a bad phase leads them to create work so weak that everything they do afterwards looks brilliant in comparison. A R Murugadoss was going through such a bad phase for a decade, and hit his lowest point with Sikandar. Now, with Madharaasi, he is back on track - it looks good and enjoyable, even though compared to his earlier hits including Ghajini, Thupaki and Kaththi, it feels just average.

A gun-smuggling group from North India led by Virat (Vidyut Jammwal) plans to supply illegal weapons across Tamil Nadu and make huge profits. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), led by officer Premnath (Biju Menon) and his son Sandeep (Vikranth), tries to stop them at the border but fails. Prem gets injured during the operation. In the hospital he meets Raghu (Sivakarthikeyan), a young mental patient struggling with depression after multiple suicide attempts. An insider tells Prem that destroying the gang's factory is the only way to stop the weapons from spreading. However, breaking into the factory and destroying it is suicidal. Thinking Raghu has nothing to lose, Prem asks him to do the job. Raghu hesitantly agrees and starts sharing his past with Prem.

Murugadoss does not waste any time surprising you in Madharaasi. The movie kicks off with a high-octane interception scene - NIA agents chasing trucks loaded with illegal ammunition. Virat's entry amid this chaos ramps up the intensity with blockades being blown apart, vehicles flipping, hand-to-hand combats and gunfire - all choreographed with flair and freshness. The stage is set for an action-packed experience.

But then, the film takes a turn. We meet Raghu attempting suicide, and the narrative shifts into moments of genuine humour and emotional upheaval. The first half blends pulse-pounding action with well-timed comedic relief, reminding you of the classic Murugadoss touch.

After the interval, however, things get over the top. The action sequences grow grander but lose coherence. It feels like you have been playing an easy puzzle game at level 1 and are suddenly thrown into level 5. The stunts, acting and dialogues feel artificial, making it harder to stay connected.

Yet, reflecting on Sikandar, I found myself enjoying the film more than I expected. With that perspective, you might end up liking it too.

On the downside, the film's biggest flaw is its lack of novelty. Though it is marketed as an action-thriller, the thriller elements are minimal - action dominates, but suspense takes a backseat.

Also, the title Madharaasi feels misleading. Aside from Raghu being from Madras, there is little in the storyline that connects to the city or its culture. And mind you, none of the characters utter that word even once.

The message of the movie is sincere - it warns against the spread of gun culture in Tamil Nadu, or any other State for that matter. India is already grappling with the harmful effects of illegal arms trafficking, especially in Punjab and parts of North India. However, the film's execution falls short of its potential.

The opportunity to craft a gripping action-thriller around the issue is squandered by an overemphasis on Raghu's Fregoli syndrome. The film presents chase sequences and gunfights, but barely scratches the surface of the larger problem. There is no real exploration of how the arms trade operates or its impact on society.

For example, Virat's idea to "distribute guns for free" is followed by a few punters handing out around 200 firearms. Somehow, this leads to an overnight explosion in demand, and they are suddenly planning to ship five 24-wheeler containers full of guns. The plot feels far-fetched and disconnected from reality.

The performances are solid across the ensemble cast, but it is Vidyut Jammwal who truly stands out as the main antagonist. While he is known for his exceptional stunt work, Jammwal impresses here not just with action but also with restrained and convincing acting. Sivakarthikeyan shines as well, much like he did in Amaran. He effortlessly balances humour and heartbreak as a love-struck, Fregoli syndrome patient, and seamlessly transitions into a blood-thirsty avenger driven by vengeance against the gun cartel.

Biju Menon, playing an NIA officer, delivers a measured and believable performance. Unlike the over-the-top portrayals of law enforcement we have seen in many recent films, he comes across as calm, strategic and realistic. Rukmini Vasanth's role as a medico and Raghu's love interest is charming, though the script does not give her much beyond that to showcase her talents.

On the technical front, the film is well-crafted. With Vidyut Jammwal as the antagonist, the action sequences are naturally intense and executed with world-class precision. Anirudh Ravichander's sound design complements the visuals, and enhances the film's impact.

Despite a script that is not particularly well-written, Madharaasi carries the signature "Murugadoss masala" that audiences have enjoyed since Ghajini. It may not be groundbreaking, but it is worth a one-time watch for its action, performances and signature style.