SAAMANIYAN MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Ramarajan, MS Bhaskar, Radha Ravi, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, Bose Venkat, Mime Gopi
Director: R Rakesh
Saamaniyan marks the return of veteran actor Ramarajan to the big screen after a twelve-year absence. He takes on the role of Sankara Narayanan, an ex-army officer seeking retribution for a past injustice. The film attempts to blend social commentary with a vigilante thriller, but stumbles due to an overstuffed plot and a lack of finesse.
The story kicks off with Sankara Narayanan, accompanied by his friends Mookan (MS Bhaskar) and Fazil Bhai (Radha Ravi), arriving in Chennai. While their initial purpose seems innocuous, their true intentions are quickly revealed as they orchestrate a daring bank heist, holding employees and their families hostage. Their motives, rooted in a desire to expose corruption and fight for the common man, are initially intriguing but become muddled as the narrative unfolds.
Ramarajan, known for his portrayal of relatable characters, tries to adapt to a more mature role. While his presence on screen evokes a sense of nostalgia, the film struggles to balance his iconic image with the demands of a gritty thriller. The bank heist itself feels poorly staged and lacks believability, undermining the film‘s attempt to create suspense.
The second half delves into Sankara Narayanan’s past, revealing the events that fueled his thirst for vengeance. While the film tries to shed light on the struggles of ordinary families facing financial exploitation, the flashback sequences feel disjointed and add little depth to the narrative. The inclusion of subplots and an abundance of characters further muddles the storytelling.
Despite Ramarajan‘s earnest effort, Saamaniyan doesn’t deliver a cohesive and engaging experience. The film‘s ambition to tackle social issues and present an interesting vigilante narrative is hindered by a convoluted plot, logical inconsistencies, and an overall lack of finesse. The film‘s score incorporates classic Ilaiyaraaja hits that evoke some nostalgia.