Hero

Hero is a 2012 Indian Malayalam-language action thriller film directed by Deepan, written by Vinod Guruvayoor, and produced by Vijaya Nagothi for KLN Cinema. The film features Prithviraj Sukumaran in the leading role, along with a cast that includes Yami Gautam, Anoop Menon, Thalaivasal Vijay, Bala, and Srihari. Hero holds its audiences in its grip not just with its thrilling narrative but with its stellar action sequences, performances, and much more.

Hero tells a gripping tale of ambition, valour, and love. Prithviraj Sukumaran, delivering a remarkable performance in the lead role, plays Tarzan Antony, a martial arts student and stuntman. Tarzan is into the world of movies for the love of it. His reckless spirit and daredevil actions classify him as a thrill-seeker, but his life revolves around a world of his own making that is filled with action, adventure, and movies. Prithviraj's performance sheds light on not just his character's love for action but also his complex emotions that complicate his life's trajectory.

The primary focus of 'Hero' revolves around the world of stunts which is intriguing. Tarzan Antony finds himself in an array of remarkable action sequences that are breathtaking, taking the audience into a world of stunts and action, replete with excitement and thrill. The action scenes are choreographed with finesse, providing a cinematic spectacle that is rarely seen in the Malayalam film industry.

On to the supporting cast, Yami Gautam plays Gowri Menon, a glamorous film director who sets out to direct a superhero film. Her entry into Tarzan's life forms a significant turning point in the story. Yami Gautam does justice to her role, giving a convincing portrayal of a director grappling with her creative pursuits and personal life. Anoop Menon, as Premanandhan, channels his role's sophistication and charm. Premanandhan is a well-known script writer who is writing the script for Gowri's superhero film. This element opens up a whole new perspective to the film's story, exploring the dynamics of the film industry and the struggle involved in the creation of a movie.

Prithviraj and Yami Gautam share an endearing chemistry that adds dazzling sparks to the storyline. The love aspect in the narrative is beautifully embedded, not overshadowing the principal storyline but subtly reinforcing the evolving dynamics. The romance provides a tremendous emotional depth to the film, adding an extra dose of drama and tension.

Besides the action and romance subplots, the film also explores the realm of the film industry, showing the struggles, the hard work, and the dreams of everyone attached to it. Notably, Director Deepan's efforts to depict the world of cinema, both glamorously and real in Hero, deserve special mention. The tale takes us behind the scenes of movie-making, shedding light on the effort and toil that goes into the production of a film.

The screenplay by Vinod Guruvayoor is engaging and drives the narrative's tempo perfectly. The dialogues are crisp and impactful, delivering every emotion whether it be humour, romance, or drama with precision. Given the film's unique plot revolving around the film industry, the script does a commendable job of maintaining the thrill and excitement throughout the film.

Visually, the film is stunning. Shot extensively in vivid and dynamic environments, Hero is a visual feast. The cinematography is commendable, capturing the essence and the passion of the characters, the vibrance of the film industry, and the intensity of the action sequences. The music and background score bring more depth to the ambience of the movie, synchronizing beautifully with its different moods and adding an audio-visual treat to the experience.

Hero stands out with its combination of romance, action, and the thematic take on the world of stunts and cinema-making. The film entertains with its high-octane stunts, powerful performances, and its tribute to the dreamers in the film industry. It is definitely worth watching for the more thoughtful and mature exploration of the film industry, but also for Prithviraj's star performance and the thrilling action sequences. This film stands as one of the most impressive entries in the Malayalam action genre and Prithviraj's filmography.