Vikram Vedha

Vikram Vedha is a critically acclaimed Indian Tamil-language neo-noir action crime thriller film which first graced the silver screens on 21st July 2017. This exemplary cinematic gem was written and directed by the duo Pushkar-Gayathri and featured a star-studded cast that included the talented R. Madhavan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Shraddha Srinath.

The powerhouse of talent, Madhavan, slips into the shoes of Vikram, an intuitive, brave and righteous police officer who is part of an Encounter Specialist Unit. His perspective towards crime and villains is straightforward: he believes that there's a thin line separating the good from the bad, and it's his chosen duty to eradicate the latter category from society to uphold law, order, and justice. Vijay Sethupathi enlivens the enigmatic character Vedha, who, in stark contrast to Vikram's persona, is a notorious and calculative criminal. He operates as a mastermind behind numerous activities in the city's underground darkness.

The narrative trajectory of Vikram Vedha revolves around the classic termed cat-and-mouse chase between Vikram and Vedha. The primary driving force behind the plot is how the central characters' lives intertwine, leading to an unforgettable game of intelligence, cunningness, and bravado. The situations that bring these polar opposite characters face-to-face unweave the distinct layers of these perfectly penned characters, showcasing the grey areas in the distinct definitions of good and evil.

Shraddha Srinath plays an essential role in the film as Priya, an advocacy lawyer. Her character plays the neutral ground between the two extremes of Vikram and Vedha. Her perspectives on justice, crime, and the law amalgamate the differing standpoints of both Vikram and Vedha. This brings an intriguing dynamic to the storytelling, adding depth to plot progression and character development.

Supporting casts include Kathir, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Prem, who all provide significant contributions to the film's narrative. They play their parts with conviction, delivering performances that remain etched in viewers' minds and influencing the trajectory of the story.

The unique and powerful screenwriting by Pushkar-Gayathri, complemented by the exceptional direction, makes Vikram Vedha an exhilarating movie. The interwoven stories within stories format, inspired by the ancient Indian folklore of King Vikramadithyan and the celestial spirit Vedalam, engage the audience throughout its duration and keep them on their toes, waiting for the next twist in the thrilling tale.

The film is delivered with fantastic cinematography by P. S. Vinod which captures the grittiness and rawness of the backdrop against which the plot unfolds. A high-stakes drama about crime, morality, and justice, Vikram Vedha explores the grey areas within its subject matter through sharp storytelling and powerful dialogue. It is an unquestionable testimony to the superlative skills of its directors Pushkar and Gayathri.

The electrifying background score by Sam C. S and stimulating sound design further heighten the tension and depth of the movie. Each scene is elevated by the nuanced use of sound, intensifying the suspenseful and gripping aura of the narrative.

Incorporating suspense, action, and psychological drama, Vikram Vedha showcases the layered moral complexities that can exist in so-called right and wrong paths. This film stretches beyond the simplicity of black and white depictions of good and evil, instead asking its viewers to question the nature of morality itself.

To conclude, Vikram Vedha is more than just a crime thriller. It is an intricate, thought-provoking film that packs a powerful punch, exploring different shades of morality, law, and human nature through compelling storytelling and gripping performances. The exceptional portrayal of characters coupled with a gripping narrative brings justice to an innovative concept inspired by folklore. This film is not to be missed for lovers of deeply layered cinema.