No wonder filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj urged fans to watch his earlier movie Kaidhi before catching his latest offering Vikram. Though a Kamal Haasan starrer, the director takes audience on a trip down the memory lane to recreate those goosebumps moments in Kaidhi and tried connecting the dots between the two.
A James Bondisque film with every character having a say, the adrenaline action thriller is raw and real at many parts. Breaking the cliches boldly, Vikram witnesses the lead (Kamal Haasan) forcing his way only towards the interval. Until then it is a Faahad Faasil show. And, Vijay Sethupathi as dreaded baddie in the mix between versatile Kamal Haasan and trustworthy Faahad, ensures enough jaw-dropping moments all through.
In a nutshell, Vikram revolves around Kamal Haasan and a mysterious gang that bumped off his son (Kalidas Jayaram), a narcotic bureau officer. The onus to protect his grandson had fallen on his shoulders. Faahad as an undercover agent comes to investigate the mystery behind the killings and he unravels shocking details. And the man unleashing all unlawful acts is Vijay Sethupathi, who manages a drug cartel. A couple of trucks carrying the narcotics go missing and fearing repercussions from his big boss Rolex, Vijay Sethupathi with police nexus goes on a rampage. What happens then when a man with a mission steps in forms the crux.
A shrewd Kamal Haasan gives screen space for everyone. In the process, post-interval he shows why he is hailed the best actor by all. Be it emotion, anger or deceit, he does what he is good at doing. Vijay Sethupathi is cool but impressive in a role with negative shade. Faahad walks away with all honours matching Jamal’s performance. The surprise cameo by Suriya in the climax brings the roof down with applause. What more, every other character be it Santhana Bharathi, Narain, Gayathrie, Kalidas or Chemban Jose Vinod, Lokesh’s pen gives enough scope for their characters.
More on the lines of Kaidhi, almost all sequences including stunts unfold in nights. And to connect Kaidhi with Vikram, there comes the cop Narain. The bravado action sequences choreographed by Anbariv is the flesh and blood of Vikram. Girish’s camera and Anirudh Ravichander’s BGM go hand-in-hand.
A good writing towards the second half and with a team of good talents both behind and before the camera, Vikram makes sure there are no dull moments. A little more crisp first half would have added more vigour. But the strong screen presence of Kamal Haasan helps overcome the odds.
All said, Vikram, produced by RKFI and presented by Red Giant, is a different Kamal film. He breaks the regular pattern and explores new frontier. Three cheers Lokesh for his writing that gives his ‘Loki Multiverse’, a real and a genuine feel. Vikram with action aplenty wins admiration.