Maanaadu (2021) :
Brief Review -
Perhaps, the smartest Time-Loop Film Ever Written with a Mind-Blowing Crossover working as the USP Factor. Venkat Prabhu has written a time loop thriller that can be compared to other films of the same genre on Global level. Right from 'Groundhog Day' to 'Edge Of Tomorrow' to visually splendid 'Doctor Strange' to Villeneuve's 'Arrival' to Christopher Nolan's groundbreaking 'Tenet', this film surpasses the level of thrill and multilayer narratives with its unique idea. The best thing one has to notice about the film is, as they even quoted it - 'No Film ever elaborated why Time-loop happened to the protagonist'. And this film has an answer to it. Even if it's a mythological one, it is still an answer to get away with it. And guess what? It's not just the protagonist who is trapped in the time loop, but also the antagonist and with a reason (quite fascinating and fictional though, but a reason alright). Maanaadu has this Mind-blowing Crossover as the USP factor, which we haven't really seen in many films and on such smart level. The second half takes you on a crazy ride of continuous events, new questions and new answers. There is nothing wrong with the writing of the film but the execution isn't that great. It has those typical low grade cliches as other Tamil Films, however, that may not even bother you if you are okay with it. Nevertheless, the idea is wonderful, simply groundbreaking. The performances are decent and the Prabhu's direction is Mass friendly. He gives you all the massy moments like Hero's stylish entry, cool pauses, action, twists and the face off between the good and the bad. The film even goes on to touch Islamophobia, Hinduphobia, the demolition of the Babri Masjid, and how Tamil Nadu alienates Muslims. But there is a honest message of unity- well, that's too mainstream, no. Overall, an uncanny attempt but well judged and deserves to be Watched.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Perhaps, the smartest Time-Loop Film Ever Written with a Mind-Blowing Crossover working as the USP Factor. Venkat Prabhu has written a time loop thriller that can be compared to other films of the same genre on Global level. Right from 'Groundhog Day' to 'Edge Of Tomorrow' to visually splendid 'Doctor Strange' to Villeneuve's 'Arrival' to Christopher Nolan's groundbreaking 'Tenet', this film surpasses the level of thrill and multilayer narratives with its unique idea. The best thing one has to notice about the film is, as they even quoted it - 'No Film ever elaborated why Time-loop happened to the protagonist'. And this film has an answer to it. Even if it's a mythological one, it is still an answer to get away with it. And guess what? It's not just the protagonist who is trapped in the time loop, but also the antagonist and with a reason (quite fascinating and fictional though, but a reason alright). Maanaadu has this Mind-blowing Crossover as the USP factor, which we haven't really seen in many films and on such smart level. The second half takes you on a crazy ride of continuous events, new questions and new answers. There is nothing wrong with the writing of the film but the execution isn't that great. It has those typical low grade cliches as other Tamil Films, however, that may not even bother you if you are okay with it. Nevertheless, the idea is wonderful, simply groundbreaking. The performances are decent and the Prabhu's direction is Mass friendly. He gives you all the massy moments like Hero's stylish entry, cool pauses, action, twists and the face off between the good and the bad. The film even goes on to touch Islamophobia, Hinduphobia, the demolition of the Babri Masjid, and how Tamil Nadu alienates Muslims. But there is a honest message of unity- well, that's too mainstream, no. Overall, an uncanny attempt but well judged and deserves to be Watched.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.