What a brilliant piece of cinema. Karthik Subbaraj uses all the best aspects of cinema, even some that are very specific to Indian cinema to make one of the best masala films. The film is a tribute to the power of filmmaking while reminding us both why it is and to ask the why whenever needed. The culture of star worship in Tamil Nadu, as a political tool on one side and also here as a tool that turns out to be self-realization through the use of Clint Eastwood's spaghetti western on the other side. The elements from the first movie, the filmmaking centred around a gangster are there but by the end, it even reminds me of Viduthalai with how hard-hitting it turned out to be. This brought out the best performance from Raghava Lawrence and also showed that SJ Surya can shine even if he's not over-the-top as many criticize him. There's so much to talk about this movie all of which I probably haven't processed yet but what I can say is it is entertaining throughout while also being very hard-hitting with what it wants to say. My favourite Karthik Subbaraj film yet (haven't seen Iraivi) and my favourite Indian movie of the year.
Review of Jigarthanda Double X
