This film explores the conflict between rival gangs within Malaysia’s criminal underworld. It was highly anticipated, breaking records both before and after its release—a typical outcome for Rajinikant films, especially given that it was directed by Pa. Ranjith, who had only two films under his belt at the time. He faced considerable pressure to deliver a success while working with a major star from Kollywood, and I believe he handled it exceptionally well; the results speak for themselves. He’s skilled at blending commercial elements with more artistic approaches, something he'd done before, but this project involved a gamble by pairing those sensibilities with an actor known for his style and broad appeal. In this case, those familiar tropes were largely eliminated—I mean completely removed. Even for Rajinikant himself, it represents new territory. I’ve never seen him like this in the last 20 or 25 years of watching his films; it's a significant departure for Tamil cinema. Thankfully, the musical score is something that addresses my usual concerns with Indian films, as there are fewer songs than I typically encounter. The track "Neruppu Da" was a massive hit even before release, and I enjoyed it immensely. As is customary, the filmmakers kept most of the details under wraps, so I wasn’t sure what kind of film I was in for until I saw it. I expected something similar to “Baasha,” but I was surprised to find a completely different type of movie. What I mean by "different" is that it felt like a documentary recording, blending elements of realism with a feature-length narrative. It draws inspiration from the true story of a gangster boss and the ongoing struggle for equal rights and respect since the end of British colonial rule in Malaysia. The story unfolds primarily in Kuala Lumpur, where Kabaliswaran is released from prison after serving 25 years. Officials advise him against returning to his past life, but he emerges with a plan and seeks out those responsible for his imprisonment. The narrative then shifts to reveal events that occurred 25 years prior, gradually revealing details about his background while keeping his future intentions shrouded in mystery. Soon, his search for his lost family takes center stage, leading him on a journey across various locations and countries—a path fraught with trouble, as his former enemies view his presence as a threat to their business. The film then alternates between his personal quest and confrontations with those adversaries. > "Flying is its nature. Let it go. Free it. Let the bird decide whether to rise high or die trying." This film may not appeal to all Indian cinema enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate the lead actor’s traditional heroic portrayals. While he retains some of his signature style and catchphrases, his heroic actions are toned down, presenting a more realistic depiction of how people react to challenging situations. My recommendation is to set aside expectations of mass appeal; however, the pacing remains excellent even throughout its over two-hour runtime. He typically champions the cause of ordinary people against corruption and corrupt officials in his previous films—whenever injustice arises, he immediately intervenes, much to the delight of his fans. In this film, his character simply avoids those situations. I was genuinely taken aback by this different approach, but it’s a welcome change and indicative of what international cinema looks like. Credit is due to everyone involved in the filmmaking process, especially Rajinikant and Pa. Ranjith for taking such risks. The story focuses on the struggles faced by Indian ethnic communities in Malaysia, who were brought to the region by the British to cultivate vast tracts of land. Years later, tensions arise between these minorities—Chinese and Indian—as they compete for control of the criminal underworld and attempt to dismantle illegal activities. I consider this a compelling theme and a message-driven film, albeit one presented through a violent lens, which is inevitable given its gangster genre. The locations are stunning, with seamless integration of blue/green screen effects and real-life settings, particularly during the finale. I’ve become very interested in Auroville after learning about it, as this appears to be the first film shot on location there—though the filmmakers didn't fully capitalize on its potential. While the action sequences are enjoyable, their impact is somewhat limited. There’s no romantic subplot; Rajinikant portrays a character appropriate for his age, and the narrative incorporates family sentiments alongside the gangster elements. The family storyline is particularly prominent in the middle section of the film. Winston Chao, a Taiwanese actor, makes his Indian film debut and delivers a respectable performance despite this being a new experience for him. Radhika Apte has received praise, but I found her portrayal to be merely adequate. Dhansika as Yogi was the standout among the supporting characters. Kishore also made a memorable contribution with a small role. There’s no need to elaborate on Rajinikant's performance; he was phenomenal. Overall, I didn’t find any shortcomings in the casting choices. Given this film’s success, discussions about a sequel have already begun, although nothing is confirmed yet. I would welcome a follow-up, which might occur after “2.0.” In the meantime, watch this film, especially if you're not familiar with Indian cinema, as it offers something quite different from the norm. Although it isn’t a masterpiece, it’s worth seeing once for its uniqueness—particularly because it sheds light on the struggles of Indian minorities in Malaysia. It is a gangster film that balances action, crime and drama which is mostly good for grown ups. Finally, it's Neruppu da! _8/10_

Source on TMDB