What's Behind
Chiyaan Vikram is known for his versatile performances in different genre films. Of late he is reeling under flops. He is pinning hopes on his upcoming film Mahaan. The film directed by Karthik Subbaraj is releasing directly on Amazon Prime. Let us see what impact Vikram made on movie lovers as Mahaan.
Story Review
Commerce Lecturer Gandhi Mahaan (Vikram), a staunch follower of Gandhian principles, lets go of his ideology and becomes a billionaire. He teams with his friend Sathyan (Bobby Simha) and becomes a liquor baron. However, he gets a huge shock when a young police officer Dada Bhai Nauroji (Dhruv Vikram) goes on a mission to eliminate the liquor mafia. To find out whether Gandhi Mahaan is able to run his liquor business or whether Dada is able to eliminate him and how this affected his relationship with his friend Sathyan and what is the connection between Gandhi Mahaan, Dada, and his mother Nachiku (Simran), enjoy Mahaan on Amazon Prime.
Artists, Technicians Review
Karthik Subbaraj drew inspiration for Mahaan story from yesteryear hit films. However, he used his creativity to make a few changes to generate curiosity among movie lovers. However, the initial narration of Mahaan's rise as a liquor baron doesn't interest the viewers. He has taken his own time to come into the real story and the real story starts only when both Vikram and his son Dhruv meet on screen.
The so-called twists also are very predictable but for the masses it doesn't matter. Vikram's fans will love the conflict between him and his son. At times director Karthik Subbaraj managed to increase the curiosity levels with the conflict scenes between Vikram and his son. But when one expected an interesting climax, it turned out to be routine. Despite this, viewers will be satisfied as Vikram impresses with his expressions and emotions. Karthik Subbaraj tested the patience of all for the entire first half with his narration and while the second half picks pace, the climax disappoints. Overall, Karthik Subbaraj came with a routine story, below-average screenplay and direction.
Vikram is seen in an out-and-out mass avatar after a long time. He performed his role quite well and effortlessly. He came with intense expressions and emotions and carried them throughout the film. He enacted daredevil stunts with ease. Vikram's son Dhruv looked good on screen. He attracted with his youthful looks and carried the energy in his performance. But he should improve on his emotions and expressions to reach the next level. Movie lovers, especially fans of Vikram will be delighted to see Vikram and his son Dhruv sharing screen presence for the first time on screen. Those scenes elevated the proceedings in the film.
Bobby Simha played the role of Vikram's friend quite well. He showed variations in his role to perfection. Simran got a limited screen presence as the wife of Vikram. Others like Vani Bhojan, Sananth, Vettai Muthukumar, Adukalam Naren performed their roles accordingly.
The music of Santosh Narayan is good and the songs are well shot. However, songs placement acted as the speedbrakers. Santosh Narayan however elevated the scenes with his background music. The cinematography of Shreeyas Krishna failed to make a powerful impact. It could have been far better and turned the film into a grand one. The editing of Vivek Harshan could have been far better as there are many drags in the film which tested the patience of the film slowing the pace of it. Production values are ok.
Advantages
Vikram, Dhruv
Background music
Disadvantages
Story, screenplay, direction
Editing
Cinematography
Missing emotions
Slow pace
Rating Analysis
Vikram's Mahaan generated immense interest as it is directed by Karthik Subbaraj and features Vikram sharing screen presence with his son Dhruv for the first time. Karthik Subbaraj delighted all fans and masses showing Vikram and his son Dhruv in powerful mass avatars. However, with the story missing emotions, routine narration, slow pace undid all the good work. Karthik Subbaraj's screenplay and direction failed to make an impact much to the disappointment of all. Considering these points, CJ goes with a 2 rating for Mahaan.