Story:
The movie is set near Theni in the southern region of Tamil Nadu. It revolves around the friendship of Karunakaran (Unni Mukundan) and Aadhithya (Sasikumar), who bond over a shared traumatic experience. They support each other while significantly influencing the local temple and the events in the area. Chockan (Soori), Karuna’s devoted supporter, fiercely protects him from everyone, including the well-intentioned Aadhithya. The dynamic between the friends shifts, leading to a narrative of betrayal, anger, and, of course, more intense action.
Performances:
Sasikumar showcases his typical style with finesse and delivers a commendable performance. Unni Mukundan impresses with his sincere acting. Yet, it is Soori who truly shines in the movie. His transformation from a devoted servant to a righteous fighter adds depth to the storyline. He delivers a remarkable performance, maintaining his successful track record of severe roles post Vidhuthalai. Vadivukkarasi’s short but impactful cameo lingers in memory, while Shivada Nair effectively maximizes her brief screen time.
Analysis:
Garudan is a narrative meant for narration, not discussion, about the importance of friendship, the qualities of a devoted loyalist, and the bravery required to uphold justice even when it means going against your own people. While these themes are intricately woven into the storyline, Garudan is also a tale that must be shared simply because a police officer wishes to resign from a challenging jurisdiction due to constant transfers. Director Durai Senthilkumar skillfully introduces a plot that introduces various characters caught in the struggle for wealth and power, laying the foundation for complex relationships. The initial half of the film introduces numerous characters through a voiceover that may overwhelm viewers with its rapid pace. However, Garudan gradually gains momentum after the interval block. The film’s second half has intense turns and moments that offer intrigue, including the Climax.
Positives:
Garudan is a film that delivers intense action that will leave the audience thrilled and excited. Soori’s unwavering loyalty, portrayed through his witty dialogue delivery, adds a touch of humor. Chockan’s intense emotional outburst sets off a series of gripping action sequences that will leave a lasting impact. Furthermore, Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score and the meticulously crafted slow-motion shots of Soori enhance the heroic moments, making them genuinely believable and adding many strengths.
Negatives:
Garudan has its challenges. While well-executed, some scenes may be predictable beforehand, which makes some crucial twists less effective. Additionally, introducing multiple characters solely through voiceovers in the first half may feel burdensome.
Rating: 3/5
