Another compelling film from Dhanush K. Raja, who also produced 'The Crow's Egg', which I recently reviewed. This time he partnered with the writer and director who previously earned him a best actor award at the Indian Academy Awards for 'Playground'. The story is adapted from a novel called 'Lock Up,' drawing loosely on experiences of its author, who now works as an autorickshaw driver. I’ve already noted that Indian cinema is gaining attention internationally, reaching film critics and festivals thanks to a younger generation in the industry seeking broader markets. It's worth exploring some of these independent Indian films rather than mainstream Bollywood productions. If you feel like you are encountering something completely new, this would be a good place to start. India resembles the European Union; each state possesses its own language and culture, similar to how individual nations speak different languages within the EU. This explains why it’s often referred to as the Indian subcontinent. The narrative begins with three Tamil laborers living illegally in a city park to save money from work in the neighboring Andhra Pradesh, who are taken into police custody without explanation. The film then reveals how law enforcement mistreats these young men, attempting to force them to confess to a crime they didn’t commit—a clear violation of human rights. > "The influence is more important than skill when it comes to promotions." The movie unfolds in two distinct sections and doesn't center on any specific characters. It's structured around various incidents linked by the individuals involved, all revolving around corruption within the police force and its impact on ordinary people. The plot contains surprising moments and decent surprises. The first half is set in Andhra Pradesh against a backdrop of a robbery case, while the second shifts to Tamil Nadu with another police-related story but a different setting. Welcome to what amounts to an Indian police torture chamber. It portrays the darker aspects of law enforcement—not just corrupt officers, but also those honest individuals caught between dishonest superiors. A brief romantic subplot appears early on before the narrative focuses entirely on police interrogation. The film’s pacing fluctuates, creating shifts in tone and circumstance. The story defied the familiar saying that “lightning never strikes the same place twice.” While it might be considered bad luck, for young people from impoverished rural backgrounds with limited education, as seen in this movie, it represents a matter of life and death and injustice. I wouldn’t be surprised to see international remakes made; it won three awards at this year's Indian Academy Awards, including one for the supporting actor playing an important police role. This is a Kollywood film, yet watching it feels akin to a dark Korean crime drama-thriller. I have seen other Indian films about police officers, but this one stands out for its realism—though not portrayed in a positive light. I highly recommend it, though don’t anticipate a perfectly crafted screenplay with a major twist. It conveys how the innocence of vulnerable people is exploited by those in power, which is truly heartbreaking. 9/10

Source on TMDB