THEN CHENNAI MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Ranga Nathan, Riya Murugan, Nitin Mehta, Elango Kumanan, Vatsan Natarajan, Suma Iyengar
Director: Ranga Nathan
Rating: 3/5
Then Chennai arrives with a premise that feels genuinely fresh, a welcome change in a scene often dominated by familiar tropes. Director Ranga delivers a crime story that centers on Jason, a former naval cadet turned restaurateur, whose family-owned establishment in South Chennai becomes an unlikely hub for illegal IPL betting. It’s a setup that immediately grabs your attention, promising a blend of high-stakes crime and local flavor.
The story unfolds with a layered plot. Jason’s restaurant, managed by him and his uncle Tony, becomes a collection point for a powerful security agency run by Rudra, a character who’s both ruthless and surprisingly reasonable. When a gang of four robs the restaurant, things escalate quickly, putting Jason and his uncle under suspicion and triggering a chain of events that test everyone involved. The film builds tension, with Rudra’s pursuit of the robbers intensifying the stakes.
One of the film’s strengths is the character development. Jason’s backstory as a naval cadet is an interesting and unexpected angle, and it adds a layer of depth to the typical action hero archetype. The portrayal of Rudra, the antagonist, is also noteworthy. He’s not your typical one-dimensional villain; he possesses a code of ethics, making him a more complex character. It’s good that antagonists are not purely evil. The narrative moves at a good pace, and the overall story provides a decent sense of tension.
Technically, the film is well put together. Jen Martin’s music and Sarathkumar Mohan’s visuals add to the film’s atmosphere and feel. They certainly help in building the tone of the movie, which is a plus.
However, the film stumbles in the performance department. Ranga, who not only directed but also played the lead role of Jason, seems to struggle with the acting side of things. His performance, unfortunately, lacks the intensity needed to fully bring the character to life.
Then Chennai deserves praise for its fresh storyline and well-defined characters. It’s a crime drama that tries to do things differently.