Master Movie Review: Thalapathy Vijay and Vijay Sethupathy shines in this overlong masala entertainer

Cast: Vijay, Vijay Sethupathi, Malavika Mohanan, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, Arjun Das

Directed By: Lokesh Kanagaraj

Since one and a half year, cinemagoers were waiting for this high budget mass entertainer starring Thalapathy Vijay. Finally, the day as come and Lokesh Kanagaraj film released to the theatres. The film satisfies the expectation of the fans of the star despite its flaws.

Master opens with the introduction of the antagonist Bhavani (Vijay Sethupathi) and it sets him up as an almost mythical villain who can kill anyone with a single punch. The first 15-20 minutes are spent on establishing Bhavani’s character, and the story of how he built his empire with young criminals from a juvenile home. Just when one gets the feeling that Bhavani has almost become almost invincible, then comes  JD (Vijay) – an alcoholic, laid-back professor problem.

Lokesh told in an interview that Master is 50% Vijay film and rest his film but the film looks like an out and out Vijay film. The film goes with the same issue what happened to Karthik Subbaraj's Petta starring Rajinikanth. But Lokesh shows his direction brilliance in some parts by showing a subdued lead character and it’s refreshing to see Vijay deliver a laid-back performance. He plays a chronic alcoholic and it almost feels like Vijay was tipsy even while performing his scenes.

As told before, Master goes with the hangover of Petta. The plot also revolves in the same premise, the story revolves in a college campus, the hero becomes a sort of messiah figure for the students. While there are other similarly themed films from the past, the comparison with Petta makes more sense because it was released recently.

The slight disappointment is Lokesh doesn't shoot outstanding action sequence which he did in his previous film Master. He goes slightly overboard and action goes a bit mediocre. This might be because the star overpowers the script. The pre-climax action stretch, featuring both Vijay and Andrea Jeremiah, is a bit of a downer, especially when you compare it with a similar chase sequence in Kaithi involving lorries.

The highlight of the film is the rift between JD (Vijay) and Bhavani (Vijay Sethupathy). Vijay Sethupathy gives an amazing performance, his effortless performance lifts the film. The film does dip in the second half and it occasionally gets tiring, but it’s the anticipation of the clash between Bhavani and JD that keeps the film alive. Their final confrontation is worth the wait.

Lokesh gives screen time for Arjun Das but the film tries too many characters which overwhelm the plot. Malavika Mohanan is waste in the film.

The music of the film is still a highlight of the film. With his background score and Sathyan Sooryan’s visuals, Master makes for a perfect festival release.

Overall, Master will satisfy the fans of Vijay and the film will be really entertainment for the audience who needs in this festive season and its a Pongal gift.