Nayakudu Review

Nayakudu (2023) Movie: What's Behind

Mari Selvaraj earned a special place for him in a very short time in Tamil Cinema. His previous two films Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan with Dhanush deals with societal discrimination towards certain castes. His third film, Maamannan also picks same theme. The film which was released in Tamil has been running successfully. It is being dubbed into Telugu as Nayakudu. Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vadivelu, Fahadh Faasil and Keerthy Suresh played main roles. The film's OTT partner is Netflix. Film released in Telugu Today, July 14th. Let's get into the review.

Nayakudu Movie: Story Review

Thimmaraju (Vadivelu), an MLA of a reserved constituency and his son, Raghuveera (Udhayanidhi Stalin) who is a martial arts trainer are from an oppressed community. Leela (Keerthy Suresh) and Raghuveera have feelings since college days but they won't express it to each other. Leela wanted to provide health services. For that purpose Raghuveera gives away his training institute building. But, some goons attacked the building and destroys it. Rathnavelu  (Fahadh Faasil), a privileged, pretentious son of a late politician is behind this. He is determined to make the father and son bow down to him. The fight against his casteism and for their rights form the crux of the story. 

Nayakudu Movie: Artists Review

Vadivelu surprised with his terrific performance in the lead role. He showed various variations brilliantly. Fahadh Faasil is a proved actor and he once again brings his impactful performance in an evil role. Udhayanidhi Stalin gave his career best performance. Keerthy Suresh had limited scope and she did well in her role.

Nayakudu Movie: Technicians Review

Director Mari Selvaraj is known for making hard hitting films centred with caste discrimination. He takes village politics in Nayakudu. Washing no time the director takes us to the theme right from the first scene itself. The way he establishes both hero and villain characters in parallel scenes is impressive. The first half deals with establishing characters and their ideologies. The conflict and everything was set for the face off between the main characters. The film starts off a bit slow but gets into its rhythm as it progresses. The interval converges with the outburst of Hero's role making it a whistle worthy sequence.

The second half is more racy compared the first half. Political moves and counter moves are designed in a powerful manner and raise the anticipation towards the further events, but the proceedings after a while look a bit underwhelming. However, towards the Climax Mari Selvaraj once again impresses with effective dialogues and intense presentation of the last moments. The film has Mari Selvaraj mark throught the movie. 

AR Rahman's music and songs stand as pillars for the film. He elevated scenes with his BGM and maintains intense mood. Theni Eshwar's cinematography impresses. Editing could have been better, especially in first half. The film has quality production values from Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant banner. 

Nayakudu: Advantages

• Udhayanidhi Stalin - Vadivelu Flashback
• Interval Sequence
• Climax
• Hard Hitting Dialogues

Nayakudu: Disadvantages

• Slow paced First half
• Regular Scenes in Second half

Nayakudu Movie (2023) Rating Analysis:

Altogether, Nayakudu leaves with a lasting impression towards the end. Though the second half has standard scenes, it deals with important issues like social inequality and the use of power in politics in a hard hitting, emotional manner. It has a terrific Interval sequence and climax filled with compelling moments in first half. Considering all these points, Cinejosh goes with a 2.25 Rating for Nayakudu (2023) Movie.