“Veera Dheera Sooran” Film Review

Despite the superhuman efforts Vikram makes in preparing for his films, a good script has evaded him for a long time. That has changed with his role in his latest film, Veera Dheera Sooran, written and directed by S.U. Arunkumar, the director of the critically acclaimed Chiththa. Dushara Vijayan plays the female lead, and the supporting cast includes SJ Surya, Suraj Venjaramoodu in his Tamil debut, Balireddy Prudhviraj, Maruthi Prakashraj, Sreeja Ravi and Parvathi T.

Those who have not seen this film should be warned: This is not a masala mass entertainer. Secondly, one needs to pay careful attention to what unfolds on screen, or the viewer can miss out on major experiences of the film – some of them apparent – like the complicated story, and some of them subtle references or details.

It was S.U. Arunkumar’s idea to write, direct and release Part 2 before commencing Part 1. It is a novel concept and one that has worked brilliantly. The relationships have already been determined, the characters have been developed and the reasons for the conflicts have been entrenched even before the first scene opens.

There is a wonderful contrast between the opening sequences of each of the principal characters and how they develop thereafter. The revolving themes of friendship, trust, loyalty, betrayal and treachery become deeply embedded in the characters, gelling perfectly to logically extend each character.

Kaali (Vikram) is a simple stall owner whose wife, Kalaivani (Dushara Vijayan) tries to keep him in check, largely unsuccessfully because Kaali is trying to get over a violent past. When Ravi (Balireddy Prudhviraj) approaches him for assistance, it gives early indications of the inner turmoil it brings to Kaali and the fear and anxiety Kalaivani feels about Ravi’s return to Kaali’s life. Add to this mix, a colourful policeman in SP Arunagiri (SJ Surya) and the ingredients are ready to work at a breathless pace, in intricate detail and with a harsh expose of human weaknesses. With the entire film unfolding in a single night, the tension is almost relentless, the story deeply absorbing and the mysteries sufficiently deep.

In a new brand of narration, SU Arunkumar takes his viewer deep into the minds and hearts of his characters, revealing minute details and leaving enough unsaid and unrevealed to pique interest.

A script as intense as this needed powerful acting performances to make the vents credible and Arunkumar has created the perfect ensemble of talent to carry his script. Vikram is simply magnificent. As he did in Ponniyin Selvan, a lot of his acting comes through powerful expressions and an amazing ability to emote only with his eyes. Also notable is that for a man who turns 59 next month, he is in amazing shape.

Dushara Vijayan has repeatedly shown that she is a talented and very versatile actress. Her portrayal of Kalaivani ensures that she is not overpowered by Vikram’s towering screen presence.

SJ Surya once again delivers a polished performance without his over-the-top humour, but replaced by a powerfully executed character-driven role where facial expressions and body language say far more than the spoken words.

Suraj Venjaramoodu plays Kannan to chiselled perfection while Balireddy Prudhviraj is in a realistically fleshed out role. This applies to every other member of the cast as they are not restricted to a one-dimensional means to move the story forward. The level of perfection seen with every member of the cast is a testament to the vision and guidance of director S.U. Arunkumar.

Music by GV Prakash Kumar reaches a new high in the background score, particularly in the second half of the film. The songs, although relegated to the background, are effective in conveying multiple emotions and detail through the songs.

Cinematography by Theni Eswar makes stunning use of camera angles that even a total novice would notice, Eswar’s use of lighting and filters is equally impressive.

S.U. Arunkumar has proven through this film that he is one of Kodambakkam’s finest directors and has succeeded in improving on his previous film, Chiththa. Veera Dheera Sooran, is an intense thriller where the action sequences are concentrated in the last 45 minutes of the film. There are two brief lulls in the otherwise relentless pace, but the film remains one that is deeply engaging and absorbing.

Veera Dheera Sooran is a film that redefines the thriller narrative and is an unmissable film.

Veera Dheera Sooran scores 9 points out of 10.