Aishwarya Rajinikanth, daughter of the legendary actor Rajinikanth, makes her highly-anticipated return to the director's chair with Lal Salaam, following a significant hiatus. This cinematic endeavor features Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth in pivotal roles, garnering immense curiosity due to Rajinikanth's cameo appearance. Adding to the intrigue, the film showcases the iconic cricketer Kapil Dev in a special role. As Lal Salaam hits theaters on February 9, 2024, audiences eagerly await to be captivated by its narrative and performances.
Lal Salaam delves into the intricate dynamics of a village torn apart by ego and conflict, fueled by vested interests, against the backdrop of the beloved sport of cricket. Set in Kasumuru village, the narrative unfolds as Guru (Vishnu Vishal) and Shamshu (Vikranth) find themselves leading rival cricket teams whose clash during a match ignites a divisive rift among the villagers.
As the story progresses, the audience is drawn into the repercussions of this feud, witnessing how the lives of Guru, Shamshu, and their respective families are deeply affected. The narrative intricately explores the intertwined destinies of the villagers, highlighting the ripple effects of the cricket rivalry on their relationships and aspirations.
Amidst this turmoil, the characters of Moideen Bhai (Rajinikanth), his wife Fathima (Nirosha), his sister (Jeevitha), and the legendary cricketer Kapil Dev (portrayed by himself) emerge as pivotal figures, each with their own reactions and perspectives that shape the course of events.
As the narration unfolds, audiences are taken on a compelling journey, witnessing how the intertwined fates of the villagers unfold amidst the backdrop of cricket, ego, and familial bonds.
Vishnu Vishaal delivers a compelling portrayal of the young protagonist, effectively capturing the turmoil of his character amidst intense situations. His adept handling of ego and emotion shines through in his nuanced performance, displaying a range of expressions and body language that add depth to his portrayal. From moments of seething anger to tender displays of love, Vishaal adeptly navigates the emotional landscape of his role with skill and conviction.
Vikranth embodies the role of an aspiring cricketer with authenticity and depth, bringing sincerity to his portrayal that resonates with the audience. Jeevitha's emotional performance elevates the scenes she appears in, adding layers of poignancy to the narrative.
Rajinikanth, with his undeniable presence, leaves a lasting impact despite a subdued role, delivering powerful dialogues that carry profound messages for society. Nirosha portrays Rajinikanth's wife with finesse, while supporting cast members such as Vignesh, Livingston, Senthil, K. S. Ravikumar, Dhanya Balakrishna, and Thambi Ramaiah contribute effectively to the narrative, each carrying the emotions of their roles forward with conviction and skill.
The narrative crafted by Aishwarya Rajinikanth for "Lal Salaam" unfortunately unfolds as a predictable tale, revolving around village conflicts within the framework of two communities. Despite attempting to intertwine themes of communal dynamics and cricket, the storyline lacks innovation. From start to finish, the narration follows a familiar trajectory, compounded by a sluggish pace that tests the audience's patience. The emotional depth of the characters fails to resonate with viewers, further diminishing the impact of the storytelling.
The first half of the film primarily focuses on the skirmish during a cricket match, while the latter half shifts its spotlight to the village festival. However, Aishwarya's screenplay and direction fail to infuse vitality into the narrative, resulting in underutilization of the talented cast. Rahman's music, while adequate, falls short of enhancing pivotal moments, with the background score failing to heighten the dramatic tension.
On a positive note, Vishnu Rangasamy's cinematography effectively captures the essence of village rituals and atmosphere, lending authenticity to the setting. However, Pravin Baaskar's editing leaves much to be desired, as pacing issues detract from the overall flow of the film. Additionally, the dialogue lacks distinction, and while the production values are respectable, they do not significantly enhance the cinematic experience.
In summary, Lal Salaam emerges as a conventional, message-driven film reminiscent of 80s cinema. Despite spirited performances from Vishnu Vishal and the rest of the cast, the special appearances by Rajinikanth and Kapil Dev, and Aishwarya Rajinikanth's direction, the film falls short in presenting a fresh and engaging plot. The script and screenplay fail to leave a significant impact, rendering the overall experience ineffective. Taking all these factors into account, Cinejosh assigns a rating of 1.5 to Lal Salaam.