Sivakarthikeyan teams up with ace director AR Murugadoss for Madharaasi, a commercial action-drama that attempts to blend emotions, romance, and gun culture. But does it hit the bull’s-eye or miss the mark? Let’s take a closer look.
Storyline
The film follows Raghuram (Sivakarthikeyan), an orphan scarred by a troubled past who struggles with delusion syndrome. His life takes a positive turn when he falls in love with Malathi (Rukmini Vasanth).
Meanwhile, NIA officer Prem (Biju Menon) is on a mission to stop a powerful North Indian arms syndicate led by Virat (Vidyut Jammwal) and Chirag (Shabbir Kallarkal). A failed operation and Raghuram’s near-fatal decision bring the two men together, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle.
The film raises the questions: Can Raghu help Prem in this dangerous mission? Will he and Malathi’s love survive? And will the arms syndicate succeed in their deadly plans?
What Works
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Sivakarthikeyan’s performance is the biggest strength of Madharaasi. His transition from a vulnerable man to an action-driven hero is both convincing and engaging.
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Action sequences—especially post-interval—are stylishly shot and bring the much-needed adrenaline rush.
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Vidyut Jammwal’s presence as the antagonist adds weight, while his face-offs with Sivakarthikeyan keep the second half gripping.
What Doesn’t Work
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The first half suffers from logical loopholes that make the NIA’s role seem underwhelming.
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The romantic subplot between Raghu and Malathi feels weak and doesn’t carry the emotional depth needed.
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The film follows a predictable template of cops and smugglers, with very few surprising twists.
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Tonal inconsistencies dilute the seriousness of the narrative, leaving parts of the film unintentionally comedic.
Performances
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Sivakarthikeyan carries the film with charm, handling both emotional and action-driven moments with ease.
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Rukmini Vasanth fits well as Malathi, though her role is underwritten.
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Biju Menon as Prem does justice to his role but often feels sidelined.
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Vidyut Jammwal delivers a stylish villain act that balances Sivakarthikeyan’s heroic presence.
Verdict
Madharaasi is a mixed bag. It has the ingredients of a strong action entertainer but fails to fully capitalize on them due to its reliance on clichés and uneven writing. Still, Sivakarthikeyan’s star power, combined with Murugadoss’s flair for action, makes it a one-time watch for fans of mass entertainers.
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5