Vijay is definitely not a big star in Telugu though he is Number Two in Tamil. He indeed has political aspirations to accept Sarkar directed by AR Murugadoss who previously delivered couple of hits with Vijay. Will the duo deliver hat trick hits? How this film is going to help Vijay politically in Tamil Nadu?
A successful NRI CEO Sundar (Vijay) comes back India to cast his vote in elections but finds his vote is already exercised by someone. He fights back using 49P of Indian Election Law and in no time more than 3.5 Lakh people join him in the movement. Court orders Governor to re-schedule the elections exactly when Punya Murthy (Pala Karuppiah) is about to take oath as Chief Minister.
Sundar then decides to join politics and fight against big fish in the state politics. When Sundar is gaining popularity winning hearts of public, Punya Murthy’s daughter (Varalakshmi) enters the scene to put into practice all her evil strategies. Who finally wins the elections and what’s the social message to take home?
Vijay and AR Murugadoss previously delivered big blockbusters. So, expectations obviously scaled high on Sarkar. This time, they seem to have missed the overall punch. The plot of fraud voting is unique and exciting though narration is not thoroughly exhilarating. There are uncountable build-up scenes which mostly serve its purpose but seem artificial if Vijay’s stardom is kept aside. However with overtly cinematic second half, Murugadoss works his way out scoring a few episodes that will connect with Tamil audience.
Murugadoss’s social sense of handling an issue centered on current electoral and political system is surely laudable but it’s the execution part, he was honest at times and depended on Vijay’s stardom leaving core to air.
AR Rahman’s background score lifted up scenes while songs remained neglected. Girish Gangadharan's cinematography gels well with film’s disposition. Editor Sreekar Prasad proves his know-how in sharp cuts but left many unwanted scenes in final cut to make narrative lethargic. Ram-Laxman’s stunt choreography is exceptional and masses will surely enjoy couple of action scenes. Production values of Sun Pictures are top notch.
Onto performances, Vijay’s screen presence went overboard in many places and his dialogue delivery sensed a little monotonous though his Fans would enjoy all the stylish mannerisms, especially superb fights. Varalaxmi struck to single expression throughout the film though the dubbing helped big time. Keerthy Suresh hasn’t got much to perform as her job is to just travel with Vijay. More importantly, the film hardly has romantic scenes, although both were exceptional in dances. Radha Ravi completely dominated the main villain played by Pala Karuppiah. Other artists are okay.
Vijay
First Half
Plot
Fights
BGM
Second Half
Climax
Sluggish Narration
Cinematic
Predictable Narration
Songs
Lack of Entertainment
AR Murugadoss is popularly known for making message oriented films treated as high standard commercial entertainers. Sarkar too is a commercial film with distinctive and interesting subject. The plot is instantly riveting yet Murugadoss should have taken extra care on screenplay. Appreciably, he didn’t add any additional comedy tracks, ton thanks to honesty in approach.
First half begins on interesting manner, introduction of hero in style and the following episodes of his comeback to India then fighting against con-political system are all racy. But, the narration turns shallow as it moves forward. Scenes like more than 3.5 Lakh people coming in support of Vijay to fight for their vote and cancellation of elections are far-off from reality. However, Metro Station fight will make masses go crazy. Towards interval, Vijay throws a big challenge on former CM and this is goose bump moment for Fans.
The latter part takes off grippingly with a scene of Vijay’s sudden entry into TV show, followed by his significant speech about corruption in political and corporate system. Vara Lakshmi is given enough space here to tighten up things. Nonetheless, the pre-climax and climax scenes are routine and conventional. If at all, AR Murugadoss took proper care in etching the second half political game scenes, Sarkar could have evolved as a product higher than Kathi standards.
All in all, Sarkar is not completely a thorough entertainer one expects from Vijay-ARM combo. Some high voltage action scenes, ARM mark writing are the saving grace. Vijay Fans may love this movie but normal Telugu audience may not. CJ goes with 2.5 star rating and we need to wait and see for Box Office result.
Finally, Sarkar carries a point that connects well with Pawan Kalyan Fans because the political agenda of Vijay’s character in the film has many inspirations to draw for Power Star’s strategies. A remake of Sarkar in Telugu with Pawan Kalyan might work well at Box Office and serve Jana Sena’s purpose.