Meaghamann Movie Review
Cast: Arya, Hansika Motwani, Sudhanshu Pandey, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi, Anupama Kumar, Sanjana Singh, Avinash, Mahadevan, Harish Uthaman, Maha Gandhi
Direction: Magizh Thirumeni
Production: V. Hitesh Jhabak
Music: S. Thaman
The last time Thadiyaara Thakka came out, there wasn’t much speculation or hype, but it did slowly exceed everyone’s expectation and put forth a turning aspect in action thrillers. Hands down the credit went to Magizh, and with Meaghamann he has taken up a storyline that beehives around an undercover agent, his desperation to catch a drug dealer. Unearthing undercover cops and the mystery around them has always been Kollywood’s pet project from the days of Jai Shankar, Magizh has grabbed his chance to show Arya in a different light altogether, breaking free from the lover boy image. So what’s up with the captain of the ship, let’s find out:
The Story:
The movie has so many of Magizh’s signature elements, a whale of characters interconnected as the plot unveils, deadly violence only lesser when compared to his previous, a venomous villain and much more. Without much delay the movie shoots off by showing Jothibhai, one of Western Ghat’s most wanted Drug dealers, a man who is practically invisible to even his henchmen, Arya as an undercover agent trying to nab Jothibhai and then there is the usual rival gang too.
The film constantly tries to prove its intelligence, thanks to some razor sharp thrills, cinematography and music the essence of the scene is fulfilled. As you wait for Magizh to spring surprises, the shootout scene before the interval finally serves your inquisitive appetite with some boiling action. The first half revolves around a 1000 kilo heroine consignment where the police and two undercover agents try their tricks to corner in the dealers, the goons to enjoy the spoils of the drugs and then the second half steps up with more action and twists.
Magizh has made the audience constantly on the edge of their seats trying to spring in something new every scene, has he catered it? Well, sort off. An undercover agent amidst all the action gets caught red-handed, ah yes you have heard this story but the director does spring in a few meaty tricks that sure catches you off guard. And yes, there is the beautiful Hansika too, full stop.
What’s good?:
Arya’s makeshift character is completely fresh from his usual stereotyped playboy image. He sizzles in style and delivers his part of a steadfast covert agent amicably. Built like the rock of Gibraltar he looks tailor made for this role. Magizh has a thing for his antagonists, no wonder they are not just simply menacing but deep dark and portray a character that dreads one’s judgment. Sudhanshu Pandey as Jothibhai is brilliant and spot-on in terms of dubbing which usually comes as the biggest setback.
Forget the songs, the BGM deserves a thunderous applause and acts as a true catalyst in the movie at much wanted scenes. As does Satish’s work behind the lens, be it the landscapes of Goa or the action sequences. And yes, the action and fight scenes are trademark Anal Arasu styles.
Why, Where and What?
1. Romance! A million dollar question, why do some of Kollywood’s most promising directors fall in prey for some mediocre commercial elements in a film that devoid the need. Either Hansika’s character could have been etched better or left behind as it looks more of a forced intrusion into the movie itself.
2. The screenplay is too sluggish with the first half building up an array of characters, most of them look without a purpose and the inclusion of needless songs adds fuel.
3. A fitting climax could have served the movie’s purpose, does not leave behind a fulfilling end.
Barring these, Meaghamann is certainly not the captain of the ship but a rock-solid entertainer with a volley of twists and action.
