159.Adanga Maru

Adanga Maru (2018): An engaging action thriller.

Language: Tamil

Genre: Action-Thriller

Director: Karthik Thangavel

Writer: Karthik Thangavel

Stars: Jayam Ravi, Raashi Khanna, Ponvannan 

Adanga Maru is a stylishly made action entertainer from debutant director Karthik Thangavel. The film follows the story of a sincere police officer who stands against some powerful people with a lot of mind games and a little muscle power. 

Synopsis: Subash is a newly recruited Sub Inspector, who is as straightforward as they come. He’s also an expert in hacking and handling various gadgets. When Subash was about to close the case about the mysterious death of a girl, he’s been asked to wrap up the case by terming it a suicide by his senior officer. This upsets him very much and he starts tracking down the case even after being asked to step out from it. He crosses paths with four men who are sons of the rich and powerful in the city. This changes his life upside down. He decides to avenge the people who turned his life upside down. What was Subhash's personal loss and whether he won against all the odds is what Adanga Maru is all about.

Though the plot isn’t anything new, the treatment which Karthik has given it makes Adanga Maru fast-paced and interesting. The first half sets up the character of the hero and his predicament in an interesting manner and it ends with a powerful interval punch which tells us how the hero is going to take on the powerful villains single-handed with the help of technology and mind games. The second half brings out the cat and mouse game between Jayam Ravi and the antagonists are well etched out. The loopholes in the screenplay can be forgotten since the fast paced narration doesn’t give much time to think through it.

On his debut director Karthik Thangavel has attempted to give an intense revenge drama with a tinge of technology. One can definitely say that the director has succeeded to a greater extent, except for the fact that the premise could have been much stronger. Karthik’s frustration on the system, especially the inability to thwart crimes against the women, is evident in the movie. 

Every actor does what is required of them, but it is Jayam Ravi who shines in the role of a revenge-seeking, intelligent common man. His subtle yet fierce action is the essence of the film. Raashi Khanna gets to play a mature character, a close to reality girlfriend who doesn't sound dumb or hyper. The supporting actors Sampath Raj, Azhagam Perumal, Mime Gopi, and others, have done justice to their characters.

The background score of Sam CS heightens the tension in the film. Majority of the film is filled with the Adanga Maru theme music which boosts up the intensity. Cinematography and editing handled by Sathyan Sooryan and Anthony L. Ruben is very good.

Verdict: Thanks to the speedy screenplay and Jayam Ravi’s wonderful perfo, makes this film a good watch.