Imaikka Nodigal review: Nayanthara shines, Anurag is menacing in riveting thriller

Director: Ajay Gnanamuthu

Cast: Atharvaa, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap

The film opens with the core story without the establishment of any characters. Set in Bengaluru city, Rudhra (Anurag Kashyap), a psycho killer, kidnaps youngsters from rich families demanding ransom, but kills the victims as well ruthlessly. Anjali Vikramadityan (Nayanthara), an intelligent CBI officer, is entrusted with the job of nabbing the serial killer. The CBI is confused when the hi-tech killer himself sends a message to them and the journos that he is Rudhra during a press conference, as the psychotic assassin was killed in an encounter five years back. Besides work pressure, being a woman, Anjali has to deal with her superior Narayana’s (Devan) ego.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to Arjun (Atharvaa), brother of Anjali and a medical student in Chennai and his love affair with Krithika (Raashi Khanna). There’s a break-up and unable to bear her absence, Arjun comes to Bengaluru to meet her. There, a twist takes place and Rudhra kidnaps Krithika and frames Arjun in the case.  Did Anjali save herself as well as Arjun and co from Rudhra? The answer to this question forms the reminder, and it is narrated in an edge-of-the-seat sort of thrilling manner.

Looks like Nayan is inclined towards exploring roles with slightly grey shades like her last film Kolamaavu Kokila. But what makes her tick is her ability to portray them with utter conviction. Nayanthara in a mass role shines and delivers what’s expected out of her. The flashback portions involving Nayan and Vijay Sethupathi, though short, are admirable. Vijay Sethupathi’s character is a moot point to the story.

Anurag Kashyap in his K’town debut is menacing and is superbly aided by director Magizh Tirumeni who has lent his voice for him. Atharvaa is good at the action and emotional scenes. Raashi Khanna is just about adequate. Despite a taut narration, what goes against the film is the underwhelming romance portion and the running time of 2 hours and 50 minutes, which makes for a tedious watch.

While RD Rajshekar’s camerawork is slick, Hip-hop Adhi’s songs are functional, but the rerecording is good. Barring few hiccups, the riveting thriller is watchable once.