Director: AR Murugadoss
Cast: Vijay, Keerthy Suresh, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Radha Ravi, Pala Karuppiah
Music: A.R. Rahman
Introduction
Sarkar is a Tamil-language political action thriller directed by the acclaimed AR Murugadoss. The movie features Thalapathy Vijay in the lead role, supported by Keerthy Suresh and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. Released amidst immense hype, Sarkar garnered attention for its political undertones, social commentary, and Vijay’s star power. Let’s dive deeper into what worked for the film and what didn’t.
Plot Summary
The story follows Sundar Ramaswamy (played by Vijay), a corporate bigwig residing in the United States. Known as a “corporate monster” due to his ruthless acquisitions of companies, Sundar is the epitome of efficiency and power. He returns to Tamil Nadu to cast his vote in the state elections, only to find that his vote has already been illegally cast. This incident leads Sundar to unearth the rampant corruption and electoral malpractice in the system.
Fueled by this injustice, Sundar takes it upon himself to challenge the status quo. What begins as a quest for his voting rights transforms into a political revolution as Sundar decides to contest the elections. This sets him against the powerful and corrupt ruling party, led by the cunning Komalavalli (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar), and her father, the scheming Masilamani (Radha Ravi).
The remainder of the film focuses on Sundar’s battle against a deeply rooted system of corruption, his strategies to empower the common man, and his journey to becoming a catalyst for change.
Performances
- Vijay as Sundar Ramaswamy:
Vijay is undoubtedly the backbone of Sarkar. His performance is magnetic, and he carries the film on his shoulders with his charm, charisma, and strong screen presence. Whether delivering fiery dialogues, strategizing against his opponents, or rallying people for change, Vijay is in top form. - Keerthy Suresh as Nila:
Keerthy Suresh plays a supporting role as Sundar’s romantic interest. While her role is limited and primarily revolves around cheering Sundar, she adds lightness to the intense storyline. - Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Komalavalli:
Varalaxmi delivers a strong performance as the ruthless and shrewd politician. Her character serves as a perfect foil to Sundar’s righteousness. She commands the screen whenever she appears and adds depth to the film’s conflict. - Supporting Cast:
Radha Ravi and Pala Karuppiah deliver reliable performances as corrupt politicians. Their roles emphasize the societal issues the movie tries to address.
Direction and Writing
AR Murugadoss crafts Sarkar as a blend of political drama and commercial entertainment. The narrative is engaging, with plenty of high-octane moments designed to elicit whistles and applause from Vijay’s fanbase. The movie’s first half, which establishes Sundar’s mission and highlights his confrontations with the electoral system, is especially gripping.
The screenplay is effective in weaving Sundar’s personal journey with larger social issues. It brings attention to critical topics such as voter fraud, corruption, and public complacency. However, the second half feels slightly predictable as it adheres to the conventional template of an underdog fighting a corrupt system.
Murugadoss’s intent to address the importance of voting and political awareness is commendable, even if it’s executed with dramatic flair.
Themes and Social Commentary
At its core, Sarkar is a commentary on the need for electoral reform and active civic participation. The film emphasizes that democracy thrives only when citizens are aware of their rights and take responsibility for societal change.
Sundar’s transformation from an apathetic outsider to a proactive reformer reflects the importance of individual action in creating collective change. The film raises pertinent questions: Are we as citizens holding our leaders accountable? Are we willing to challenge corruption and fight for justice?
Though the themes are presented in a larger-than-life manner, they strike a chord with the audience, especially given the political climate in India.
Music and Cinematography
- Music:
A.R. Rahman’s music is a significant highlight of the film. The songs, especially “Simtaangaran” and “Oru Viral Puratchi,” are foot-tapping and align well with the film’s mood. The background score elevates the tension in crucial scenes, particularly during Sundar’s confrontations. - Cinematography:
Girish Gangadharan’s visuals are crisp and polished. The vibrant portrayal of rallies, public gatherings, and Sundar’s massive corporate world adds a distinct visual appeal to the film. The action sequences are well-choreographed and shot with precision.
Action and Dialogues
The film features power-packed action sequences, showcasing Vijay’s mass appeal. Sundar’s larger-than-life persona is accentuated through slow-motion shots and stylized fight scenes.
The dialogues, particularly Vijay’s monologues about democracy and the power of the vote, are impactful. Lines like “One vote can change the world” resonate with the audience and underline the film’s message.
Drawbacks
While Sarkar has many positives, it isn’t without its flaws:
- Predictability:
The second half becomes formulaic, with the narrative falling into familiar territory. The twists and turns, while entertaining, are not particularly surprising. - Romantic Subplot:
The romantic angle between Sundar and Nila feels underdeveloped and unnecessary. It doesn’t contribute significantly to the story and feels like a mere distraction. - Over-the-Top Moments:
Certain scenes, such as Sundar’s methods of inciting a revolution, feel exaggerated and far from realistic. This may work for die-hard Vijay fans but might alienate viewers seeking subtle storytelling.
Impact and Reception
Upon its release, Sarkar sparked significant debate and garnered mixed reviews. While fans hailed it as a bold political statement and celebrated Vijay’s performance, critics pointed out its preachiness and commercial compromises. The film also faced legal challenges due to its portrayal of certain political elements, further fueling its publicity.
Despite these controversies, Sarkar proved to be a box office success, underlining Vijay’s massive fan following and Murugadoss’s skill as a filmmaker. It became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year.
Conclusion
Sarkar is an engaging blend of social commentary and commercial cinema. Powered by Vijay’s charismatic performance and AR Murugadoss’s storytelling, the film delivers an impactful message about the importance of democracy and voter participation.
Though it has its share of predictable moments and cinematic liberties, Sarkar succeeds in entertaining and inspiring audiences. It’s a must-watch for Vijay fans and anyone interested in films with a strong socio-political message.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
