Vikram Tamil Movie
I was barely 4 years old when I watched Vikram in 1986. The excitement that the movie brought in me was something surreal that still lingers within me. Right from the electrifying intro song, to the smattering of "computer" terms that were used, the rat temple where men walk with weird masks, the fictional land of "Salamia" and the funny people surrounding it - Kamal has always been a torch bearer for the Indian film industry.
My movie-watching habits were greatly influenced by Vikram (1986) and the one and only Kamal Hassan. Still, the songs from the yesteryear movie ring within me. The title enjoys a credibility, especially among the 80s and 90s kids. So, for Vikram of 2022, with an engaging contemporary storyteller like Lokesh Kanagaraj and actors who are the crème de la crème of Indian cinema, I was expecting a feast! Did the movie meet this "man-child's" expectations?
Vikram is yet another drug mafia saga that has a sentimental subplot of a father avenging his son's death and further going on a mission to cleanse society from drugs. Of course, there are wicked cops and deadly drug lords who cross his path only to be decimated by his brain and brawn. I think the less said the better as it might spoil the show for people who are yet to watch the movie. Everything is wrapped in blood and non-stop action with bullets and grenades adding to the fireworks on screen.
If I were to rate the performances in the movie, it would be Vijay Sethupathi, Kamal, and Fahadh - strictly in that order. It's hard to choose the best performer from such a talented pool. However, Vijay Sethupathi was at his best and has underplayed his role to a large extent. As a drug-induced vulnerable antagonist, his mannerisms were way different from "Bhavani" in "Master". Less than a month back we saw him romancing two top heroines in "Kaathu Vaakula..." and now he is raising hell against two of the top actors (and that seems to be "Kaathu Vaakula" as well). He is able to pull off both! Salutes to his dynamism and fluidity!
Kamal Hassan - what else can one ask for? It's been 4 years since we saw him on the big screen. This movie proves to be a great comeback for producer Kamal Hassan. Then, what about the actor in him? I would say that this role has not done justice to his stature as an actor. He brings along an unparalleled screen presence and nuanced expressions. However, for this role, he is overkill.
Fahadh as the intelligent investigator speaks with his eyes and body language. He infuses unspeakable magic into a scene and elevates it several notches above. For example, in the scene where he enquires Kumaravel about Kamal, and then, suddenly switches gears and starts thrashing him. That transformation was magical and seamless!
Much is being talked about Lokesh Kanagaraj building his own "universe"! Yes, there is a connection between "Kaidhi" and "Vikram". The prospect of this connection or synergy sounds very interesting and we might even have our brand of "Marvel". As far as Vikram goes, the people who aid in this connection are Narain and Dheena. We get to experience "Dilli" and might even cross paths with him in the upcoming sequel.
There are a whole host of characters that play the supporting role. Notable amongst them were Chemban Vinoth as the wicked cop, Gayathrie as Fahadh's pair, Kalidas Jeyaraman, Swathishta, Santhaana Bharathi, and Marimuthu. Special mention has to be given to Vasanthi who plays agent Tina (a surprise package)!
Suriya who makes a cameo appearance acts like a perfect bridge that blends the outcome between Kaithi and Vikram. It's a great segway to Vikram part 3. Suriya's psychedelic appearance with tattoos and a designer beard has painted a great make-over for him! Hope to see more of "Rolex" in the upcoming sequel!
Among the technicalities, music, and cinematography are the cornerstones of the movie! Girish's camera has lighted up the night skies with action-filled sequences and movements that kept us on the edges of our seats! That was amply aided by Anirudh's western-influenced background score. Though it was jarring at times, it elevated the scenes and the punches were impactful. Anbariv, the stunt duo has done a fabulous job with well-choreographed stunts.
The movie's length, sluggish first half, logical errors, and an overload of action have been masked to a certain extent with a narrative that leans on the screen presence of the 3 heavyweights who compete at varying levels! There is also a sentimental subplot that has worked out to a certain extent, but largely seems to be forced into the narrative as an afterthought!
Vikram 2022 directed by Lokesh has hit the bull's eye with a brilliant screenplay, leveraging the strengths of the top talents from the Indian movie industry. We have a winner at the box office. This might draw the roadmap for such upcoming pan-Indian movies in Tamil!
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