arstephenvasanth

This political drama has a gripping first half, where the director effectively conveys his pain through certain scenes. While some scenes successfully deliver the intended message, many others fall short. The movie is a mix of raw and commercial elements, which I found somewhat unsettling. It didn't evoke strong emotions in me, such as making me cry or burst into laughter, or fueling a sense of vengeance against the villain. It is common to compare older movies with current ones, and in the case of "Karnan," there were moments that evoked rage, especially the police station scene. However, in this movie, I felt a lack of connection. It was meant to be a potential cult classic, but with a few issues, it might lose its place in that esteemed position. It's not the worst movie, but it falls short of achieving cult classic status from my perspective as a movie viewer. The director had already set a high benchmark, which this movie failed to meet.

On the other hand, the movie has received numerous positive aspects, ranging from the performances of Vadivelu, Fafa, and Keerthi, who all deliver their career-best performances. The landscape shots are beautifully showcased, capturing scenic locations like Yercaud, hilltops, and night shots. The camera work is impressive, and as expected, the music by ARR (A. R. Rahman) demonstrates his exceptional quality. The layered editing is also a significant plus point. With a more gripping and grounded second half, this movie could have reached greater heights. The interval and climax sequences have their own peak moments, showcasing the director's bold attempt. It's a remarkable film to conclude Udhay's career.