Thiruchitrambalam is a reminder to directors, cinephiles and casual movie goers that you don't always have to go guns blazing to extract a reaction from your audience.

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The film revolves around an average joe navigating life and finding love; this film is yet another example of breathing fresh air into an over-explored genre.

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The film is predictable, and from the get-go, the viewer knows how the film will end. With the first half moving at an average pace, the second half saw things slowing down, and we have a dragged-out climax that derails an otherwise breezy film. The predictability of the trajectory in the film is a letdown, but it can be forgiven for the treatment of the writing and storyline.

The four lead characters: Dhanush, Nithya Menen, Bharathiraja and Prakash Raj, are a revelation. There is so much heart and sparkle in their performance that it leaves a smile on the viewer's face almost throughout.

Within this simple story is the realistic approach of an individual losing his ego and inhibitions to become a bigger man.

Returning to a genre that made him such a popular household name, Dhanush conveys a sensitive portrayal of a timid individual overcoming trauma. With Nithya Menon, this dynamic duo sweeps you up in sheer fun, carving up a slice of life that sprinkles the complexities of everyday life. 

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Relatable and a clean family entertainer, Thiruchitrambalam is a fantastic feel-good flick.

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Using multiple narratives, meta moments, and a star cast, Director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Vikram (2022) revolves around a covert cop investigating a series of the murder of police officials by a gang of masked men.

Unlike the character, Vikram (the film) is predictable. With the director already expressing his intentions for the expansion of a cinematic universe, the audience can pretty much guess the direction in which the film is headed towards. However, the director uses multiperspective to keep one second-guessing what comes next.

Kamal Hassan’s screen time in the first half of the film may be minimal, but The Ghost leaves his presence felt throughout. This works to the advantage of a phenomenal Fahadh Faasil as he delivers a scene-stealing performance. Like a Batman handing his mantle to his protégé, one can hope Fahadh Faasil has a role to play in the sequels to come. On the other hand, while I enjoyed his role as a downright baddie in Master, Vijay Sethupathi delivers a contrived performance here. Stiff and eccentric, VJS has his moments but comes up short.

Quasi-Bond or Bourne, Kamal Hassan reprises his role as Agent Vikram from the original Spy flick of 1986. Yet amidst the fan service, it is quite a treat to watch “Aandavar” shed his superstar image and step back for his co-leads to take the main spotlight. From the trailer, we have heard Vikram narrate an allegory about the story of a lion and the other animals in a forest. The same parable could be applied to the veteran actor and his character in the film. You can write the man off, but it takes one scene to show why he’s the GOAT.

However, even with an emotional subplot to this action thriller, the film feels like it is a training exercise in world-building. It is an ambitious project, and with the guest appearance of Suriya, there is a possibility of a mouthwatering face-off in the future. Coupled with a long runtime and some logical discrepancies, the film might feel a tad bit underwhelming. But with excellent cinematography and attention to detail, Vikram is a visual treat and a sure box-office blockbuster.