Director Sundar C, known for his signature masala entertainers, helms the Tamil-language action thriller Action (2020) starring Vishal and Tamannaah Bhatia. The film promises a rollercoaster ride packed with jaw-dropping stunts, scenic locations, and espionage-driven drama. But does it deliver the edge-of-your-seat experience expected of its title? Let’s delve deeper into what makes “Action” tick and where it falters.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Colonel Subhash (Vishal), a special agent tasked with uncovering and defeating a deep-seated terrorist threat that jeopardizes national security. The narrative kicks off in Turkey, where Subhash faces betrayal and multiple threats while investigating an attack on his brother, Varadhan (Ramki), who is in line to become the Chief Minister. This personal vendetta is intertwined with a global espionage mission as Subhash follows the antagonists across continents — Turkey, London, and India.
His partner in crime, or rather justice, is Diya (Tamannaah Bhatia), who adds glamor and grit to the narrative. Together, they unravel a plot of political corruption and terrorism, leading to a dramatic final act that pits Subhash against international conspirators.
Action Sequences
True to its title, Action delivers an overdose of adrenaline-pumping set pieces. The action sequences choreographed by Anbariv are the film’s saving grace. From high-octane chases in Istanbul to intense hand-to-hand combat scenes, the film takes inspiration from Hollywood spy thrillers like Mission: Impossible and The Bourne Identity.
One of the highlights is Vishal’s parkour scene across the rooftops of Turkey, which, while technically impressive, occasionally defies physics. The drone camera angles amplify the grandeur, but the relentless emphasis on slow motion diminishes their impact, making the action feel repetitive by the end.
Performances
Vishal shoulders the film with commendable effort. His commitment to the action sequences and his portrayal of a stoic soldier determined to protect his family and nation are commendable. However, his emotional depth feels limited, often overshadowed by the film’s focus on spectacle over substance.
Tamannaah Bhatia, as Diya, plays a character with a mix of intelligence and charm. While she has fewer action sequences compared to Vishal, she proves to be more than just a sidekick, showcasing her ability to hold her ground in pivotal moments.
Aishwarya Lekshmi, cast as Meera, has a brief but impactful role that serves as a crucial pivot in the plot. However, her character feels underutilized, which is a missed opportunity given her acting prowess.
The supporting cast, including Akanksha Puri and Ramki, offer decent performances but are often bogged down by superficial writing that doesn’t delve into the complexities of their characters.
Direction and Screenplay
Sundar C, known for films heavy on entertainment, seems out of his depth with a genre that demands precision and a taut narrative. While he succeeds in crafting visually appealing sequences, the storytelling is riddled with clichés. The film tries to incorporate elements of espionage, romance, and revenge, but none are executed with the finesse necessary to leave a lasting impact.
The screenplay by Subha and Sundar C feels disjointed. While the first half builds intrigue and sets the stage for an international adventure, the second half falters with predictable twists and stretched sequences. The romance subplot is forced, and the climax feels like a hurried attempt to tie loose ends.
Visuals and Technical Aspects
The cinematography by Dudley is undoubtedly one of the film’s strongest assets. Exotic locales like Istanbul and London are captured beautifully, lending the film a glossy, international appeal. The aerial shots during chase sequences are visually stunning and elevate the film’s production value.
However, the VFX work is inconsistent, with some scenes appearing amateurish. The editing by N. B. Srikanth could have been tighter; the film’s 158-minute runtime feels bloated and tests the viewer’s patience.
Hip Hop Tamizha’s background score is energetic and complements the action scenes well, though the songs themselves feel like speed bumps in the narrative, adding little value to the story.
Strengths
- Action Set Pieces: The film excels in choreographing and executing large-scale action scenes, even if they sometimes border on implausibility.
- Cinematography: Exotic locations and dynamic framing provide a sense of grandeur.
- Star Power: Vishal and Tamannaah bring charisma and screen presence, keeping viewers engaged during less-than-stellar moments.
Weaknesses
- Weak Screenplay: The writing fails to balance the diverse elements of the story, making it a convoluted affair.
- Over-the-Top Action: While stylish, many sequences lack believability and feel derivative of better films.
- Pacing Issues: The film drags in several places, with unnecessary songs and drawn-out scenes diluting the impact.
- Inconsistent VFX: A polished look is undermined by below-par visual effects.
Verdict
Action (2020) is a mixed bag. It aspires to be a sleek action-thriller but ultimately falls short due to a weak script and excessive focus on style over substance. Fans of high-octane action sequences and exotic locales may find it enjoyable, but those seeking a gripping narrative might leave disappointed. Vishal’s and Tamannaah’s sincere performances and the film’s ambitious visual scale are commendable, but the overall execution leaves much to be desired.
Rating: ★★½ (2.5/5)
“Action” entertains in spurts but lacks the consistency required to make a lasting impact. If you’re a die-hard fan of masala entertainers or Vishal’s action films, it might be worth a one-time watch. Otherwise, this one is best enjoyed as a guilty pleasure on a lazy weekend.
