GUTS MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Rangaraj, Shruthi Nayaranan, Nancy, Delhi Ganesh, Sai Dheena
Director: Rangaraj
Debutant Rangaraj’s earnest attempt at social commentary arrives with all the subtlety of a speeding lorry—well-intentioned but lacking the finesse to navigate its crowded narrative highway.
The film starts with Pethanasamy (Rangaraj) meeting a violent end while rushing his pregnant wife to hospital. Twenty-five years and one convenient time jump later, their son (Rangaraj again) has become a righteous Chennai cop investigating a transgender government employee’s murder. What follows is a predictable cocktail of corporate villainy, sand mining scandals, and generational revenge that feels assembled from a Kollywood starter kit.
Rangaraj wears multiple hats here—writer, director, and dual-role actor—but none fit particularly well. His farmer portrayal manages decent moments, but his police officer lacks the commanding presence the uniform demands. When emotional scenes arrive, they often feel more rehearsed than raw. Shruti Narayanan, despite being saddled with tragedy after tragedy, emerges as the film’s sole consistent performer, bringing dignity to an otherwise thankless role.
The screenplay’s biggest enemy is its own ambition. Corporate land grabs, police corruption, transgender rights—every social issue gets its moment, but none receive the depth they deserve. Plot points unfold with mechanical precision, each twist visible from several scenes away. Even the flashback structure, meant to add layers, only highlights how thin the material runs.
Manoj’s cinematography provides occasional visual relief, making modest locations look presentable. Jose Franklin’s functional score does what’s required without leaving any lasting impression. The supporting cast, including Delhi Ganesh’s brief appearance, professional enough but can’t elevate the pedestrian material.
While Guts deserves a nod for attempting socially relevant themes on a shoestring budget, good intentions don’t automatically translate to good cinema.