Richie

Richie is an exciting neo-noir action crime drama that was released in 2017. Directed by Gautham Ramachandran, roleplayed by Nivin Pauly, Nataraja Subramanian, Shraddha Srinath, and others, this Indian Tamil-language film is a remake of the 2014 Kannada hit "Ulidavaru Kandanthe."

The film is titled after the main protagonist, Richard aka Richie (Nivin Pauly), a mysterious, eccentric, and rather fearless character with a rough exterior. Richard is a professional rowdy, revered and feared in equal measures by the people around him in his coastal town. His devil-may-care attitude sets the foundation of his fearless decisions. Pauly's strong and intense performance immediately captures the viewer's attention and pulls them into the often chaotic and intriguing world of Richie.

Set against the backdrop of a coastal town known as Manapad in Tamil Nadu, the narrative primarily revolves around the life, mystery, and rumors associated with Richie. Known to never step back from a fight and willing to tread willingly into danger zones, Richie is an enigma to the people around him. Intertwining tales of love, betrayal, and power struggles all contribute to Richie's complex persona, painting a picture of a man who is equal parts alarming and alluring to the local dwellers.

The film also employs a non-linear narrative style that keeps the audience glued. The unique storytelling technique is employed aptly and adds to the film's overall mystique, propelling the narrative forward while effortlessly shuttling between the present and past.

Natarajan Subramanian, popularly known as Natty, plays the role of a local boat mechanic named Selva. His unique friendship with Richie is one of the film's highlights. The camaraderie and conflicts between them underpin a significant chunk of the narrative. On the other hand, is the strong, independent, and expressive journalist named Megha, played by Shraddha Srinath. Her role is significant in unwrapping Richie's life to the audience as she embarks on a journalistic journey to pen down the enigmatic life of Richie.

Supporting these central figures are a variety of characters, each having their share of secrets, ambiguities, and significant roles in Richie's life. Prakash Raj plays a pastor, and Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli portrays the role of Richie's mother, both of which play crucial roles in the ensuing drama and action sequences.

One of the greatest strengths of Richie is the cinematography by Pandi Kumar. His impeccable eye for capturing coastal life's essence and the gritty undertones of an underworld scenario gives Richie an added layer of artistry. The intense action sequences stand out due to the high-quality visuals, giving the film a distinct flavor. Another highlight is the music; the background score by B. Ajaneesh Loknath creates intense atmospheres and draws viewers more deeply into the plot.

Richie is a blend of sentiments, action sequences, humor, and thrill. It's a story of a man whose life is drowned in mysteries and rumors; a man who tends to tread on the path that many fear to follow. The narrative builds up elegantly throughout the film, revealing pieces of the central character's life, yet leaves enough ambiguity by the end to leave viewers contemplating long after.

Though it's predominantly a crime-action thriller, Richie also houses emotional undercurrents. It explores themes of nested loyalties, bonds, broken love, and a beautiful yet wistful nostalgia for bygone days. It’s these elements intertwined with the predominating action that serve the film's artistry and make Richie a must-watch for diverse audiences—those who love the spontaneity of thrillers and also philosophical contemplations.

To summarize, Richie, played impressively by Nivin Pauly, is a movie that engulfs the audience in the world of action-packed underworld gang wars and emotional ups and downs. With his tough guy persona hiding a difficult past, the film is engaging and illuminating, complete with stunning visuals and a narrative that successfully keeps viewers hooked till the end.