"Iraivan," directed by I Ahmed, explores the idea that humans can be very dangerous. It's a film about serial killers, a topic that many people find fascinating. However, the film sometimes feels like it's trying to follow a trend rather than offering a unique perspective on the subject. There are many intriguing aspects to explore about storytelling in this genre, but the movie falls short in this regard.
The story revolves around two men, Bramma and Arjun. Bramma is a psychopath who believes killing humans is like killing mosquitoes, while Arjun is a fearless cop who delivers justice to criminals. The narrative focuses on someone who admires these men in disturbing ways.
Unfortunately, the film doesn't do justice to these interesting ideas. It feels like the director didn't venture beyond the initial concept. The only memorable scene is when a grieving father decides to join his deceased daughter after seeing a horrifying video of her murder. Jayam Ravi's tired portrayal of Arjun is a departure from his usual sharp roles.
The film emphasizes style with flashy visuals, but it lacks emotional depth. It relies too heavily on shock and gore. Female characters are poorly written and often reduced to victim roles, lacking depth and complexity. Priya, Arjun's love interest, comes across as insensitive, and her character seems forced.
The movie's lack of emotional consistency extends to the investigation. The senior cop often seems clueless about his team's discoveries, needing last-minute exposition to catch up. He scolds his officers only to backtrack when they reveal crucial findings. The climax follows a tired formula, with the cops arriving too late for the action. In a ludicrous flashback, Bramma's bizarre "mosquitoes equal humans" idea transfers to Babu after a single conversation. Many moments blur the line between genuine psychopathy and absurd parody.
Babu, an eccentric character, is portrayed effectively by Vinoth Kishan, but the script offers little depth beyond an intriguing concept. Even a suspenseful moment hints that Arjun is right about Babu, removing any chance for surprise. It's clear the hero can never be wrong, maintaining a basic level throughout most of the film.
The most complexity arises from Babu's need for validation from his self-declared mentor, Bramma, and his desire to see fear in Arjun's eyes. The film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into Babu's ego. There's potential for a more serious exploration beneath the surface.
