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 I…

Visaaranai delivers an uncompromising and disturbing portrayal of abuse of power. The film opens with Pandi (played effectively by Dinesh) leaving his temporary sleeping arrangement and hurrying to the provisional store where he works, arriving late despite it still being before dawn. A group approaches the shop seeking information, and Pandi recognizes them as cops from Tamil Nadu, attempting to distance himself fro…