Rajavukku Check

Rajavukku Check is a 2020 Indian Tamil-language thriller movie that skillfully blends elements of suspense, family drama, and psychological intrigue. Directed by Sai Rajkumar, the movie shines the spotlight on its leading man, Cheran, on a comeback trail, who is ably supported by Srushti Dange and Irfan. Despite its intense themes, the film showcases an intelligent narrative that keeps viewers engaged until its satisfying climax, and offers an interesting cinematic experience that's quite diverse from conventional thrillers.

The plot is centric around the protagonist, Chandrasekhar (Cheran), a decorated police officer who is forced to confront his own personal demons as he battles a life-altering situation. With his career hanging by a thread due to his uncontrollable alcoholism, Chandrasekhar must also alleviate the growing troubles in his fractured relationship with his estranged daughter Yazhini (played by Srushti Dange). Cheran delivers a compelling performance, portraying a flawed character filled with vulnerability and despair, battling alcohol addiction while doing his utmost to protect his family.

While Chandrasekhar's complicated relationship with his daughter forms an essential part of the narrative, the film quickly escalates into a thriller when their lives are shaken up due to unforeseen events involving a psychopath, played to chilling perfection by Irfan. The story manages to connect with its audience through familial sentiments, father-daughter bonds, and the nerve-wracking predicament brought on by the antagonist.

The movie is filled with suspenseful moments and engaging subplots, but the crux of it revolves around the intense and enthralling game of checks (an evident analogy to chess in the movie context). Chandrasekhar must use his investigative skills in the race against time, despite his life falling apart around him.

Director Sai Rajkumar has cleverly embedded this motif of chess into the movie’s narrative as a reflection of the characters’ strategic moves against each other. This metaphorical representation intensifies the thrilling aspect all the way through the film.

Without revealing too much, it is safe to say that the game of checks becomes the pulse of the movie, leading to a tension-filled climax that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the end. The subtle lesson to always be observant and stay a few steps ahead, delivered via the chess analogies, provides an added depth to the gripping storyline. The thrill is enhanced periodically by Vinod Yajamaanyaa’s captivating background score.

Srushti Dange, in the role of Yazhini, carves out a memorable performance. The warmth and tenderness of the father-daughter relationship in the midst of a thrilling narrative provides a unique contrast and propels the film’s emotional quotient. Her portrayal brings a sense of authenticity to the character's struggle to believe in a father who is constantly battling his addictions.

Irfan has shined as the antagonist and displayed a great performance in delivering the needed thrill element required for such roles. His chilling demeanor and his psyche-based scary tactics are highlighted brilliantly.

The supporting cast is equally noteworthy, with performance-driven roles that contribute substantially to the storyline. The talent on display indeed builds the overall ambiance of the film and adds substance to the narrative.

‘Rajavukku Check’ is also a rather beautiful film on a visual level. M. S. Prabhu's sharp cinematography enhances the gripping and thrilling atmosphere. The film's visuals have a dark and moody tone which mirrors the grim circumstances and intense situations the characters find themselves in.

Another strength of this film is its editing, which maintains a brisk pace and ensures that there isn't a single loose thread by the end. Cinematically captured and narratively compelling, this film maintains a delicate balance between emotional core and clever suspense. Through a nuanced and layered script, the director has managed to bring life to this wonderful thriller drama.

To wrap it up, ‘Rajavukku Check’ is indeed a must-watch film for thriller lovers and cinema enthusiasts who relish unconventional and intense narratives, blended with familial emotions and psychological elements. The impressive performances, intriguing plot, and the element of suspense make it a captivating watch. With elements to make you contemplate, the film delivers a unique cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the movie has finished.