Asuraguru

Asuraguru is a 2020 Indian Tamil language action crime thriller film directed by A. Raajdheep, starring Vikram Prabhu and Mahima Nambiar. The film revolves around a top-notch and exceptionally skilled thief who has a shady past and a complex character. Vikram in the leading role puts up a fantastic performance which elevates the movie's overall impact.

The movie begins with the introduction of Shakti (Vikram Prabhu), whose knack for procuring whatever he sets his sights on, combined with high tech gadgets and intelligent plans, makes him a master thug. He is not just any ordinary thief; his modus operandi is to rob shady, corrupt businessmen who amassed their wealth through illicit means. Shakti's unusual lifestyle and activities draw the attention of the police and underworld.

Mahima Nambiar’s role as a determined, strong, and straightforward police officer compliments Vikram’s character. She plays the role of Diya, an honest cop who is set with the task to put an end to Shakti's fund heists, to bring him to justice. The cat and mouse chase between Shakti and Diya forms a crux of the story entwined with various plot twists.

On the other hand, we are introduced to Jamaludheen, a wealthy and corrupt businessman based in Kuala Lumpur. Decidedly vilifying, his character seethes with menace. The way Jamaludheen's character intersects with Shakti's life adds an interesting dimension to the story.

The adrenaline-fueled action sequences showcase Vikram Prabhu’s on-screen charisma while the heated exchanges and confrontations between the lead pair add to the film's intrigue. The action sequences and the technical aspects come out as major engaging factors of the movie. Notably, the cinematography by Ramalingam captures the pulse and intensity of the chase.

The narrative uses the classic trope of a jeopardized protagonist with a dark past and an efficient law enforcement officer trying to hunt him down. The question remains, can law and crime ever be projected black or white? Is Shakti a hero, a villain, or something in between? The exploration of the gray areas forms the crux of this action-packed thriller.

The intensity of the plot gets a new dimension with the film’s music. The music, composed by Ganesh Raghavendra, portrays the character's emotions effectively and magnifies the suspense quotient. Equally impressive is the contribution of Dialogues that come out sharp and crisp, making every scene quite impactful.

Throughout the film's narrative, the director seamlessly manages to weave in the suspense, thrill, and dramatic elements. The character development of the protagonist, played by Vikram Prabhu, is commendable as it keeps the audience at the edge of their seats, rooting for a thief. The charismatic villain, Jamaludheen, is shown as a glaring example of how power can corrupt.

The director's approach treads through different burning social issues, successfully spoon-feeding the audience with moral lessons as well as providing an engaging watch.

Regrettably, while the film shines thanks to the lead characters and their top-level performances, the supporting cast feels like it was not given enough justice as their roles come across as underdeveloped. It is also worth noting that some predictable turns and the slow pace of the screenplay at times make audience engagement a bit uneven.

Nevertheless, Asuraguru is a well-crafted action-thriller movie that keeps you engrossed with its unique storyline, interesting characters, and well-executed sequences. It makes a bold statement on crime and justice and offers an engrossing watch.