Bairavaa (Review)

Bharathan, renowned for “Azhagiya Thamizh Magan,” takes the directorial reins of “Bairavaa,” with Vijay and Santhosh Narayanan prominently featured, promising a cinematic spectacle. In the tapestry of anticipation, Vijay’s magnetic on-screen presence and Santhosh Narayanan’s musical prowess shine through, setting the tone for the entire movie.

Ilayathalapathy Vijay commands the screen, delivering a captivating performance that encapsulates his signature energy and charisma. His action sequences are not only thrilling but also addictive, showcasing why he is a beloved figure in Tamil cinema. The camaraderie between Vijay and comedian Sathish, reprising their collaboration from “Kaththi,” adds a layer of humor with impeccable timing. Keerthy Suresh, portraying a homely Nellai girl, complements Vijay seamlessly, creating an enchanting on-screen pair.

A Vijay-Santhosh Narayanan Spectacle

Santhosh Narayanan’s electrifying background score, especially the Varalaam Vaa track, enhances the movie’s cinematic experience. M. Sukumar’s visuals contribute significantly to the film’s vibrant and colorful aesthetic, making it a perfect festival-commercial-entertainer that invites the audience to celebrate with the cast.

The film’s standout elements are undeniably its action and comedy. Vijay’s action sequences, a major draw for audiences, live up to expectations, with scenes like the bullet sequence and pre-interval fight standing out. The movie successfully integrates social elements into the narrative, although Bharathan’s approach to character development appears somewhat disjointed, impacting the film’s overall flow.

“Bairavaa” doesn’t merely aspire to be a massive action movie; instead, it attempts to infuse social elements, showcasing Bharathan’s directorial ambition. While some narrative threads may lose coherence, the film ultimately delivers on its promise of a Vijay-Santhosh Narayanan spectacle that captivates audiences with its action-packed sequences and vibrant celebrations.

A Blend of Laughs and Action, but with Room for Improvement

While “Bairavaa” brings forth a few laughs and decent action scenes, the overall impact could have been achieved within a shorter runtime. Bharathan, known for his previous works like “Azhagiya Thamizh Magan” and “Vedhalam,” adheres to the mass commercial formula, delivering entertaining moments. However, the film falls short in character development and plot intricacy, reminiscent of Bharathan’s earlier ventures.

The characters lack uniqueness, and the plot, along with the characters, feels thinly sketched to accommodate the masala elements. The narrative prioritizes masala-packets over character depth, resulting in an average development. Interaction between characters is minimal, and the one-liners come off as empty, lacking substance. The sequence of events follows a familiar pattern, making it challenging to sustain audience interest.

Falls Short on Character and Plot Depth

The second half of the film becomes overstretched, meandering for around thirty minutes without a clear purpose before jumping to the climax. This extended portion could benefit from immediate trimming for a more positive word of mouth. Despite these drawbacks, the mass commercial formula succeeds overall, drawing parallels to the formula’s success in “Theri.” While “Bairavaa” offers laughs and action, there is room for improvement in character portrayal and narrative depth for a more compelling cinematic experience.

That being said, this movie is everything you can expect it to be.