Dhanush and Kriti Sanon team up to present a fresh serving of emotional intensity. From the trailer, songs, and promotional content, it was clear that this film would be an emotionally heavy love story. Now, let’s look at what the movie actually delivers.

Story

Shankar (Dhanush), the son of a small-time notary lawyer (Prakash Raj), is a lower-middle-class youth known for his violent streak and involvement in college politics.
Mukti (Kriti Sanon), a PhD scholar, is researching whether an inherently violent person can be reformed. To get her thesis approved, she promises to transform Shankar and present him as her case study.

Initially, Shankar brushes her off, but as Mukti intensifies her attempts, he gradually falls for her. Mukti, however, only pretends to love him to complete her thesis. Shankar takes the relationship seriously, and life soon separates them for three years. In this time, Mukti gets engaged to another man.

When Shankar returns and learns the truth, his suppressed aggression resurfaces. How he deals with heartbreak, becomes an Air Force pilot, and navigates the emotional chaos forms the crux of the story.

Performances

• Dhanush is excellent as the aggressive rebel, the vulnerable lover, and the disciplined pilot. His simmering anger remains visible throughout.
• Kriti Sanon is brilliant and, in many scenes, even overshadows Dhanush. However, her frequent smoking scenes feel unnecessary.
• Prakash Raj delivers a heartfelt performance as a helpless middle-class father.
• The supporting cast is efficient, and the actor playing the motivational pundit in Kashi leaves a strong impression.

Technical Aspects

• A.R. Rahman’s music enhances the emotional weight, though some parts feel familiar. The pre-interval segment is a standout with gripping BGM.
• Cinematography and production design are visually strong.
• Editing could have been tighter to match the film’s intense tone.

Highlights

• Dhanush & Kriti’s performances
• Music
• Strong emotional moments

Drawbacks

• Overlong runtime
• A few unconvincing scenes
• Repetitive smoking imagery

Analysis

The storyline is simple, but the execution leans heavily toward intense emotional drama. Shankar’s characterization slightly reminds one of the hero from Animal—violent, unpredictable, and emotionally volatile.

The film takes time to settle. The early hero-centric sequences and formulaic introductions give it a routine commercial vibe. But nearly 20 minutes before the interval, the narrative gains momentum, and the emotional depth kicks in.

Some visual choices, especially the constant smoking, appear repetitive. A few scenes—like Shankar threatening Mukti’s fiancé in a resto-bar, the bus incident, and the over-the-top terrace confrontation—feel cinematic rather than convincing.

On the brighter side, the emotional confrontation between Shankar and Mukti’s father is exceptionally well done. The Kashi episode, where the pundit advises, “Don’t chase Mukti, which also means salvation—stay rooted in love, and Mukti will come to you,” is a philosophical highlight.

Interestingly, the film has no physical villain; the flaws of each character collectively become the antagonist. This film works best for viewers who enjoy intense emotional dramas and are ready to experience nearly three hours of psychological depth. Those expecting a soft, feel-good love story may be disappointed.

Bottom Line:

Emotional and engaging in parts, but stretched and exhausting overall.