Anjaan (2014) Tamil Movie Review – Full Movie Breakdown
Movie Title: Anjaan
Release Year: 2014
Language: Tamil
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Director: N. Lingusamy
Producer: N. Lingusamy, Jayantilal Gada
Production Company: Thirupathi Brothers, UTV Motion Pictures
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Cinematography: Santosh Sivan
Editing: A. Sreekar Prasad
Runtime: 158 minutes
Budget: ₹60 crores
Box Office: ₹75 crores
Plot Overview
Anjaan is a Tamil action-packed film that stars Suriya in dual roles, one of which is a charming gangster and the other a powerful and fearless character seeking revenge. The movie is set in the backdrop of Mumbai's underworld, showcasing a powerful narrative about loyalty, betrayal, and retribution.
The story follows Raju (played by Suriya), a powerful, fearless, and self-made gangster who works for a notorious Mumbai don. He becomes entangled in the criminal world, which leads to complex relationships, confrontations, and a deeper dive into the world of vengeance. Raju’s journey reveals that he is also on a mission to avenge the death of his close ones.
The second character that Suriya plays is a man named Raghavan, who is the younger brother of the central character and is forced to seek answers in the underworld. The intense narrative offers a thrilling ride with several high-octane action sequences, emotionally charged moments, and shocking twists.
Director's Vision – N. Lingusamy
Directed by N. Lingusamy, Anjaan was his follow-up film to the successful Vettai (2012). Known for his knack for creating high-octane action dramas, Lingusamy tries to blend action, drama, and family sentiment in Anjaan. However, his direction here is somewhat inconsistent. While the film boasts of stunning visuals and larger-than-life action sequences, it falters with a predictable narrative and some disjointed pacing that hinders its overall impact.
Cast and Performances
Suriya:
As usual, Suriya gives his all to his dual roles, showcasing his versatile acting skills. His portrayal of both Raju, the ruthless gangster, and Raghavan, the emotional brother, is commendable. He brings a charismatic presence to the character of Raju, and his portrayal of Raghavan is tender and endearing, effectively adding emotional depth to the film. However, despite his performance, the lack of a solid script prevents him from making a lasting impression.Vidyut Jammwal:
Known for his martial arts skills, Vidyut plays the antagonist in Anjaan. His performance is menacing, and his action sequences are well choreographed, making him a significant threat to Suriya’s character. His screen presence is strong and complements Suriya’s intensity.Samantha Ruth Prabhu:
Samantha plays the love interest of Suriya’s character, but unfortunately, her role is more of a mere decorative element in the film, lacking substantial screen time and character development. Although she shares good chemistry with Suriya, her performance is not as impactful as her previous roles in Tamil cinema.Rajpal Yadav:
He provides comic relief in the film, adding lighter moments to the otherwise intense narrative. His quirky yet hilarious character provides the audience with a bit of respite from the action sequences.Others:
The supporting cast includes Manoj Bajpayee, Dalip Tahil, Saran and Parvathi, who play pivotal roles, though they don’t have a substantial screen presence in comparison to the lead characters.
Music and Background Score
The music for Anjaan was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and while the soundtrack is decent, it doesn't have a lasting impact. Some tracks, like “Anjaan Azhagiya Laila” and “Siva”, are catchy and suit the film’s action-packed sequences. The background score by Yuvan adds intensity and emotional depth during the action scenes and dramatic moments, though it doesn’t stand out as much as his previous works.
Cinematography and Visuals
Anjaan has been shot beautifully by Santosh Sivan, one of India's most respected cinematographers. The film's cinematography plays a crucial role in enhancing the mood, whether it’s depicting the gritty streets of Mumbai or the bright, luxurious settings. Sivan's lens captures the action sequences with flair, making them visually engaging. The sleek camera work in the fight scenes and the fast-paced chases keeps the film’s energy high.
Action Sequences
Anjaan is packed with intense action sequences that are designed to entertain fans of commercial cinema. From street brawls to gunfights and high-speed chases, the movie boasts some high-octane action choreography. The hand-to-hand combat sequences, especially with Vidyut Jammwal, stand out due to his martial arts expertise. However, while the action is gripping, it often seems exaggerated and unrealistic, which detracts from the film’s overall credibility.
Script and Pacing
The script by N. Lingusamy and M. Rathnam fails to deliver a consistent narrative. While the film has some intriguing moments and high emotional stakes, the story feels like it loses direction at times. The pacing is uneven, especially in the second half, where the film feels dragged with multiple subplots. The predictability of the plot, especially the character's motivations and the ultimate climax, leaves little room for surprises.
Final Verdict
Anjaan had the potential to be a gripping action drama but falters due to its weak narrative and over-the-top approach to certain elements. While Suriya’s performance is admirable, and the action is entertaining, the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The lack of a solid emotional core, along with a predictable storyline, holds Anjaan back from becoming a memorable entry in Tamil cinema.
Pros:
- Suriya’s performance in dual roles.
- High-quality action sequences.
- Cinematography by Santosh Sivan.
- Engaging music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Cons:
- Weak and predictable storyline.
- Inconsistent pacing.
- Underdeveloped supporting characters.
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