Velaikkaran (2017) – Full Movie Review
Overview:
Velaikkaran is a Tamil-language action thriller released in 2017, directed by Mohan Raja and starring Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role. The film also features Nayanthara, Fahyadh Faasil, and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles. The film was produced by R. D. Raja under the banner of 24AM Studios. The story addresses themes of corruption, corporate manipulation, and the struggles of the working class, making it both a social commentary and an action-packed thriller.
Plot Summary:
Sivakarthikeyan plays the character Arun, a young man who moves to Chennai with high aspirations. After initially working as a low-level employee in a fast-food company, he eventually exposes the underhanded corporate practices within the company. Arun’s journey from being a small-time worker to becoming an agent of change is at the core of the film. As he navigates the brutal world of corporate rivalry and exploitation, he finds himself entangled with powerful people, including a corrupt business tycoon (played by Prakash Raj) and a morally complex manager (Fahadh Faasil)
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Director:
- Mohan Raja – Known for his commercial filmmaking style, Mohan Raja is a master at blending mass appeal with socially relevant themes. In Velaikkaran, Raja delivers a powerful narrative that balances thrilling action sequences with a critique of the corporate world and social inequality.
Cast and Crew:
- Sivakarthikeyan as Arun: A young man caught between his dreams and the corrupt world of corporate practices.
- Nayanthara as Aarthi: Arun's love interest, who plays an important role in his emotional journey.
- Fahadh Faasil as Aadhi: A morally complex character who works for the corrupt corporate system but finds his worldview changing as he meets Arun.
- Prakash Raj as Rajapandian: The antagonist, a corrupt businessman involved in exploitative practices.
- Robo Shankar as Robo Shankar: Provides comic relief while also showing his loyalty to the protagonist.
- Thambi Ramaiah as Aarthi’s father.
- Vijay Vasanth and Sachin Khedekar in supporting roles.
Music:
- Music Composer: Anirudh Ravichander
- The soundtrack of Velaikkaran is a big highlight of the film. Anirudh’s music, especially tracks like “Karuthavanlaam Galeejaam” and “Siru Kaalam”, energize the narrative and enhance the film’s emotional depth. The score complements the tense atmosphere and adds momentum to key scenes.
Cinematography:
- Cinematography: Ramji
- Ramji’s work in Velaikkaran is visually striking, capturing the gritty and urban side of Chennai. The contrasting shots of the working-class struggle and the corporate powerhouses provide a fitting backdrop for the film’s central conflict.
Editing:
- Editor: R. K. Selva
- The editing in Velaikkaran is tight, maintaining a fast pace while ensuring that key moments of emotional intensity and action sequences are impactful.
Critical Reception:
Velaikkaran received positive reviews for its bold narrative and strong performances. Sivakarthikeyan was lauded for his intense portrayal of Arun, a shift from his previous comic roles. The film's socially-conscious themes resonated well with audiences, and the performances of Fahadh Faasil and Prakash Raj were particularly appreciated for their depth.
Critics noted the film’s engaging screenplay, which combined corporate espionage with a social message about the exploitation of the working class. Some critics, however, felt that the film's pacing could have been tighter, but overall, the film was praised for its engaging storyline and social relevance.
Review:
Velaikkaran is not just an action thriller; it’s a film that explores the darker side of corporate life and the struggles of the common man. Sivakarthikeyan, in a more serious role than his usual comic ones, brings depth and sincerity to the character of Arun. His performance is both refreshing and convincing, making it clear that he has evolved as an actor capable of handling complex roles.
The film has an engaging first half, with the social message woven seamlessly into the narrative. The second half, which delves deeper into corporate corruption and Arun’s internal struggle, keeps the audience hooked with suspense and emotional stakes. The inclusion of Nayanthara provides the necessary emotional arc, but the film's real strength lies in its antagonist performances, particularly Fahadh Faasil and Prakash Raj.
The film’s music by Anirudh is a standout, with catchy tracks and a compelling background score that matches the tone of the film. The cinematography by Ramji is another strong point, with the urban setting of Chennai depicted in a raw and realistic light.
Conclusion:
Velaikkaran is a well-crafted social thriller that combines action, drama, and a sharp critique of corporate exploitation. Sivakarthikeyan’s performance marks a turning point in his career, while the direction and storytelling by Mohan Raja hold the audience’s attention. The film is a solid entry in Tamil cinema that reflects the reality of modern-day corporate life and the often-ignored plight of the working class. While it may not break new ground in the genre, Velaikkaran succeeds in delivering an impactful message with mass appeal.
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