V1 review: Enjoyable in parts

Direction: Pavel Navageethan

Cast: Arun Castro, Vishnu Priya, Lijeesh, Linga

Actor Pavel Navageethan known for his power packed roles in films like Vada Chennai, Madras and Magalir Mattum makes his directorial debut with an investigative thriller titled V1.

Agni (Arun Castro), a former cop is a forensic science trainer and a body language expert. He would easily identify the criminal in a group. Agni and his subordinate Luna (Vishnu Priya) are entrusted with the job of unraveling a complicated murder case of a girl Narmadha (Gayathri) that takes place at door no V1 of an apartment complex. But Agni suffers from nyctophobia, which poses as a hazard in his investigation. In a flashback, we are told that he has developed this phobia after he loses his beloved wife in an accidental death.

However, the murder case leads to the suicide of Narmadha’s live-in partner Inba (Lijeesh), unable to overcome the guilt.  And there starts a roller coaster ride for Agni and Luna, with several suspects thrown in the course of the investigation.  

Most of the screenplay unfolds in an interrogation room, which sets the right tone. Also, multiple characters recounting their version of the same occurrence has been interestingly shot. And yet another plus is that the director provides ample unpredictable twists and turns in the course of the narrative. The plot is also intriguing, but it is in the execution the director errs. The big reveal in the climax is disappointing. The reason given by the killer of Narmadha is ineffective.

Arun Castro and Vishnu Priya adapt themselves well and shine in the given characters. But Vishnu Priya sounds too loud at times. Technically, Ronnie Raphael’s re-recording goes well with the mood of the film. And sans songs, the pace is well maintained. Krishnashekar’s cinematography is also good. A decently made whodunit thriller enjoyable in parts!