Kanithan

Kanithan is a critically acclaimed and high-octane action thriller film from Indian cinema that hit the screens in 2016. This Tamil film was directed by T. N. Santhosh and features a talented ensemble cast including Atharvaa Murali, Catherine Tresa, and Tarun Arora. Santhosh, who also scripted the movie, weaves an incredibly engaging story that hits on the suspenseful aspects of the action-thriller genre while also addressing some key societal issues.

Kanithan follows the story of an ambitious young man, Gautham Ramalingam (Atharvaa Murali), who is an investigative television reporter. Gautham dreams of making it big in the field of journalism and lives a content life working for a reputed news channel. He is known for his fearless and exhaustive journalistic style, never hesitating to go the extra mile to expose the truth behind any story. Murali, with his gripping performance, brings authenticity and robust vigor to the character of Gautham.

The film takes an unexpected turn when Gautham, out of the blue, gets arrested for a crime he did not commit. He is shockingly framed in a 'fake certificate scam.' The narrative unfolds as Gautham becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy that he must unravel to clear his name. Gautham's journey ranges from intense investigative scenes to intriguing chase sequences, infusing the movie with moments of gripping suspense and thrilling action that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Adding to its brilliant storyline, Kanithan also does justice to the romantic sub-plot which is beautifully encapsulated within the main narrative. Catherine Tresa plays Anu, a motivated young woman and love interest of Gautham. Tresa's compelling performance as Anu brings in a charming juxtaposition to the action-packed narrative, adding layers to her character while seamlessly blending into the overarching narrative.

Tarun Arora, playing the antagonist's role, manages to leave a striking impact with his performance. His character, is the mastermind behind the fake certificate scam. He brings a bone-chilling demeanor to his character, amplifying the menace and making the story even more compelling.

Kanithan is not just a run-of-the-mill action film; it also seeks to address a pervasive societal problem – education and certificate forgery. The film uses the action-packed narrative to emphasize the detrimental impact of such scams on society and the value of genuine education. It enhances the story's social relevance, thereby setting it apart from many other entries in the genre.

The cinematography by Arvind Krishna excels in delivering captivating visuals, openly using various idioms of the film medium to intensify the narrative's inherent tension. Likewise, the excellent music composed by Sivamani complements the film's mood and pacing perfectly, adding an extra dimension to the suspense and drama. The exhilarating background score and the catchy songs prove to be highlights in their own right, greatly enhancing the movie's overall appeal.

In conclusion, Kanithan brims with an engaging storyline, credible performances, impactful societal message, and high-voltage action sequences. Its energetic pace and its accurate depiction of the dark underbelly of crime and corruption make it an excellent choice for fans of the action genre while its strong social commentary will appeal to a broader audience. Despite being a thriller, the movie manages to carry a layered narrative and strikingly real performances, stamping its mark not only as a commercially potent film but also a critically laudable cinema of substance. The high points of Kanithan are its intriguing plot twists, its stark socio-political relevance, and the compelling performances of the lead actors, making it a must-watch.