Overall, a disappointing film firstly because of the story and screenplay, and secondly because of the direction.
Censorship category: UA
Reviewer's category: HF (Harmful to Female; see below)
+ves
1. Good performance from all of the actors as demanded by their respective characters. However their talent is not fully exploited. Kartikeya carried his role well. Aditya Menon is particularly good in his villain role. Good to see the main three main personalities of MAA (who have been in the news recently charging at each other) acting together in this film giving their best in their limited roles.
2. Enjoyable songs, music and choreography. bujji bangaaram is very nicely sung by Nakash Azeez.
3. Enjoyable lyrics.
4. Good locations and settings.
-ves
1. A beaten-to-death poor storyline. Too many cliches. This theme and events have been used so many times, so no surprise if people develop a distaste for such stories.
2. Poor screenplay with pale dialogues. Not a single good dialogue in the entire film!
3. Extremely ineffective and inefficient way of dramatising both preaching and application of morals and values through excessive dosages of crime and violence.
4. In terms of social impact, which this film attempts to address, the expected good would be buried under the impactful bad. Dramatic violence attached to the picturisation of gang rapes, taking videos and threatening via mobile phone sharing features would disturb hundreds of already disturbed minds.
5. Reasons for the body show of Kartikeya was obvious but unnecessary as the storyline does not demand this to the extent it was "used". Such gimmicks weakened the already weak story and screenplay.
6. Film title has the number 369. A copy of 'Aditya 369' title?
Concerns:
Some contents of film may cause indirect harm to women and some contents provoke violence as a justified solution. For example, picturisation of gang rapes and the unconstitutional nature of the solutions portrayed. Storyline around gang rapes and the scenes also appear exploitative sexualisation, as if to justify retributive violence. Unconstitutional solutions are harmful to a civilised society however the creative sector like cinema interprets and justifies these solutions. It goes against Indian Censor Board's first mission principle namely "To ensure healthy entertainment, recreation and education to the public."
Overall score: 5/10 (a pass)
