"The Smile Man 2024 (Tamil) falls flat in engaging its audience, failing to evoke emotional connections with its characters. The thriller aspect, meant to send chills down the spine, barely manages to deliver.
The lead character's portrayal is contradictory, transitioning from a disciplined and honest cop in the past to a reckless, protocol-ignoring investigator in the present. The investigative officer's head is woefully underpowered, and the villain's character lacks depth, leaving audiences without a compelling backstory for their motivations.
The subplot involving the nurse character and her daughter feels forced and unrealistic. The action sequences are uninspiring, and the investigation is superficial, making the movie feel vague and unengaging.
However, there are some redeeming qualities. Sarathkumar delivers a stellar performance, bringing his character to life with his signature mannerisms. The music is passable, and the photography is impressive. The directors have done a decent job with the screenplay, but unfortunately, it's not enough to save the movie.
Overall, "The Smile Man 2024" is a poorly presented, boring drama masquerading as a thriller. Despite some notable performances, it fails to leave a lasting impact."