the director: Lokesh Kanagaraji
After an explosive trailer, all eyes were on Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Vikram, which brings together three powerful actors – Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil. Vikram is a part of the Kaithi universe and Lokesh Kanagaraj made it official a few hours before the film’s release. Hence, those who are not familiar with Kaithi (Lokesh’s second film) may feel alienated from Vikram.
Karnan (Kamal Haasan), Amar (Fahd Faasil) and Sandhanam (Vijay Sethupathi) are face to face in Vikram. Several police officers are killed and a masked group of men claim responsibility. While Amar investigates, we are curious to know how they all came together. This is where the ‘Bhoot’ gets busted and takes us into the story. The story of who or what this ‘Bhoot’ is and whether Amar and Sandhanam succeed in their mission makes up the story.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Vikram has his seal on it. In several interviews, the filmmaker talked about his love for Kamal Haasan. Every frame in which Haasan appears will make you sit and take notice. Though Kamal Haasan has less screen presence in the first half, he has managed to charm us. After that, it is Fahad’s show in every way. The investigation scenes in the first half pull us together when the film becomes too generic. Vijay Sethupathi as Sandhanam feels like an extension of his character from Master.
Vikram is not a film without flaws. The action entertainer takes his sweet time to set up the story, which tests our patience. But, once that happens, no one can stop Vikram. There are many whistle-worthy moments in the film that will make you hoot for the actors. Look for spectacular gap blocks and advance to it. Similarly, Suriya’s cameo as Rolex stole the show, even though he only appeared for five minutes.
The action sequences have been done brilliantly and it is wonderful to see Kamal Haasan doing them so effortlessly. In fact, it was a great pleasure to see Ulaganayagan back in action after four years. He scores in action sequences as well as emotional sequences.
The supporting characters played by Kalidas Jayaram, Narayan and Chemban Vinod Jose do a great job. Vikram is also a technically sound film. Be it cinematography by Girish Gangadharan or crisp editing by Philomin Raj, the technical department worked closely. Another hero from Vikram is Anirudh Ravichander’s explosive background score. There’s variety and oomph, which helps elevate key sequences.
However, Vikram suffers from uneven script. If only the first part had been carved taut, the effect of the film could have been raised a notch higher. The second half makes up for the negative, but is that enough?
Overall, Vikram is a film that has some great performances and makes you curious about the Lokesh Kanagaraj universe. Some scenes don’t quite hit the ground, but there is so much to cherish and enjoy.
3 out of 5 stars for Vikram.