Laandhar Movie Review: Whodunit

Laandhar Movie Review: Whodunit

 

 

"Laandhar," directed by Shaji Saleem and starring Vidharth, begins as a gripping thriller. Vidharth takes on the role of Arvind, an honest Assistant Commissioner of Police in Coimbatore. The film opens with a series of intense events as a psycho killer, clad in a black raincoat, wreaks havoc in the city. The tension escalates when police officers are injured trying to apprehend him, and a suspect mistakenly killed by the police turns out to be innocent. The investigation then leads the police to Pattukottai, setting up a suspenseful quest to capture the real murderer.

 

The first half of "Laandhar " is characterized by its fast-paced narrative, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The screenplay moves swiftly from one scene to the next, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation. Each moment is filled with suspense, making the audience eager to see what happens next. However, the film's dynamic pace and gripping storyline are confined to the first half, building expectations for the second half.

 

Post-intermission, the film's momentum slows down significantly. The identity of the killer is revealed early in the second half, which diminishes the suspense that had been meticulously built up. The storyline then unfolds in a predictable manner, lacking the surprising twists that one might expect from a thriller. Flashback scenes in this part of the film also feel redundant, reminiscent of many other films in the genre.

 

Despite the narrative issues in the latter half, "Laandhar " has notable strengths in its technical aspects. Gnanasowndar’s cinematography is excellent, capturing the tense atmosphere and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the film. Praveen's music score complements the cinematography, adding a compelling layer to the viewing experience. These elements help to maintain a certain level of engagement even when the storyline falters.

 

In terms of performances, Vidharth delivers a strong portrayal of Arvind, convincingly embodying both a determined police officer and a loving husband. Among the supporting cast, Sahana stands out with her portrayal of Manju. She effectively conveys a range of emotions, from love to stress and anger, adding depth to her character. While the film's second half may not live up to the promise of its first, the strong performances and technical excellence make "Laandhar " an overall worthwhile watch.