Movie: Vikram Vedha
Direction: Pushkar, Gayathri
Cast: Madhavan, Vijay Sethupathi
Music: Sam C S
Cinematographer: P S Vinod
Editor: Richard Kevin
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Rating: ∗∗∗∗
What is It about: This film is inspired by the folklore “Vikramathithan Vedhalam”. It revolves around Vikram (Madhavan) and Vedha (Vijay Sethupathi), an encounter specialist and the latter being a gangster, the cat and mouse game between them forms the crux of the story directed by Pushkar-Gayathri.
Why it’s disappointing: This can very much stay put for this film.
What to watch out for: Neo Noir, is something which is less explored in Indian Cinema, and very few can get that right. There’s lot at stake, if not executed well would look like joke. But directors Pushkar-Gayathri did a fine job in executing this crime thriller. Their every move seemed calculated and thought through. At the drop of the title they grab your attention with the 2D animated sequence, followed by an impressive opening action sequence which was timed precisely. That being said, it doesn’t dull down at any point, regardless whatever the mood of the film, it just keeps going at a steady pace engaging the audience.
There’s a thin line between making a mass film, and a film which is poses to be a mass one. Former is the case of Vikram Vedha, it doesn’t pose but demands the respect which it deserves. Amazing play woven by Pushkar-Gayathri, even though most of the sequences may seemed borrowed and inspired, they executed it to its best. When the director is given a multi-starrer it becomes a task to distribute the weightage of role, whereas with VV it was evenly distributed with great diligence. The suspense factor was well placed and had a neat narration which deliberately gives you clues to resolve the puzzle. Well we had fun watching it unravel in the most stylish form it could.
The two strong pillars of Vikram Vedha, Madhavan & Vijay Sethupathi. They were brilliant, they were competing with each other not only in the film but also with their performances. Both try to trump each other, but that turned out to be a treat to their fans and the audience who enjoyed the spectacle with undivided attention. There are scenes were, Vijay Sethupathi overpowers Maddy, but he gives a stronger counter to balance the sanity. Both were insanely brilliant and stylish in their respective attires.
And there was this rookie Kathir, who may have a small stint but he makes sure to leave a stronger impact with the audience. And then the leading ladies Shraddha Srinath, who is known for her performance can teach one or two to the seasoned commercial Kollywood actresses, who have forgotten what a performance is. And then the most underrated actress of Kollywood, Varlaxmi Sarathkumar, always loved her performance. And it’s good to see her with potential films releasing back to back.
Among the supporting cast, Vivek Prasanna stood out with this impeccable timing and amazing body language. He is growing to be a very potential asset of Kollywood. So was the role of “Cheta”, he was great and did a commendable job.
The technical team did a fantastic job, cinematography by PS Vinod, was delectable, he had a great eye for the details and the aerial shots were brilliant. It was crisply edited by Richard Kevin, who was spot on.
Then comes the backbone of the film, music director Sam CS, who did a stupendous job with the background score. And the best part is the songs were good too.
Verdict: Pushkar-Gayathri, brought the audience back to the cinema halls, thronging for tickets who were deserted with the hike in ticket price. This definitely proves that when the content is good, audience don’t mind paying those extra bucks. The directors did a fine job in etching out this crime thriller. Don’t miss it, and catch it on a big screen to experience the play of Vikram-Vedha.
