Madharaasi Movie Review: Sivakarthikeyan and AR Murugadoss deliver a power-packed action entertainer
AR Murugadoss makes his comeback with Madharaasi, an action drama loaded with high-energy fight sequences, strong mass moments, Sivakarthikeyan’s fiery presence, and Vidyut’s menacing performance. Let’s dive into our Madharaasi review.
One of Tamil cinema’s most popular filmmakers, AR Murugadoss, returns after a break with Madharaasi, a sleek action thriller that once again highlights his talent for commercial storytelling. While it doesn’t quite match the grand scale of Ghajini or Thuppakki, this film stands out as his best outing since Kaththi, effectively mixing mass moments with a psychological layer.
The movie’s biggest strength lies in its action blocks, which are executed with style and intensity. Each fight is choreographed like a spectacle, keeping viewers fully engaged. The first half races ahead with racy screenplay and hardly any dull moments. In contrast, the second half slows down to focus more on character dynamics, causing a slight dip in pace. Still, thanks to the well-written conflicts and strong performances, the film sustains its grip till the end.
Sivakarthikeyan carries the movie with one of the strongest performances of his career. He seamlessly blends rage and charm — furious and intense in action stretches while still retaining his trademark humor in lighter moments. The psychological disorder element tied to his character gives him extra depth, differentiating him from the usual mass-hero template.
On the other side, Vidyut Jammwal makes a solid return to Tamil cinema as the antagonist. With his commanding physique and screen presence, he brings menace and charisma, earning equal whistles from the audience. His confrontations with Sivakarthikeyan form the crux of the film and are executed with intensity. Among the supporting cast, Biju Menon offers gravitas with a dependable performance. Rukmini Vasanth is effective in her role though her scope is somewhat repetitive. Shabeer’s psychotic characterization adds another interesting layer to the proceedings.
Technically, the film shines with Sudeep’s slick cinematography giving it a stylish visual tone. The editing is sharp, especially in the action sequences, though the second half could have used some trimming. Anirudh’s background score elevates the film with pulsating energy, enhancing the impact of the action. However, the songs don’t meet the high expectations set by his previous collaborations with Murugadoss.
In conclusion, Madharaasi emerges as a solid mass entertainer, driven by star power and adrenaline-fueled action. Despite issues like uneven pacing in the latter half and underwhelming songs, the film delivers plenty of high moments, stylish set pieces, and memorable performances, making it a satisfying big-screen experience. At a time when star-centric films are faltering, Madharaasi proves to be a worthy theatrical watch.
