When the credits roll after Mask, the face behind it isn’t just the talented actors like Kavin or Andrea Jeremiah. It’s Vikarnan Ashok, the writer-director. His debut film is a mix of quirky storytelling and a gripping crime thriller aimed at Gen Z. However, it doesn’t always land as intended.
Vikarnan tries to explore the anti-hero theme with Kavin’s character, Velu—a hacker and scammer with a moral twist. We meet him as a flawed but captivating character molded by family struggles and ethical quagmires. His dynamics with love interest Ruhani Sharma add layers, but the film sometimes overemphasizes Velu’s traits, repeating lines that aim to clarify his dubious nature rather than letting it unfold naturally.
Andrea’s character, Bhumi, is equally complex. A seemingly philanthropic entrepreneur masking darker intentions, she embodies the duality of good and evil. Yet, the narrative sometimes feels heavy-handed, spoon-feeding her backstory instead of weaving it into the fabric of the plot.
While the film has bright spots, like witty dialogue or unexpected twists, it suffers from pacing and a reliance on cliché tropes. Vikarnan struggles to find the balance between sentiment and social commentary, occasionally feeling like he’s ticking boxes rather than crafting a seamless story. This might stem from a lack of confidence, as there are flashes of brilliance that suggest a sharper vision could have emerged.
Statistics show that crime thrillers particularly resonate with younger audiences, with a 2023 survey revealing that 68% of them prefer this genre. This resonates with Vikarnan’s target audience, and the film’s humor and unique ideas still strike a chord, using creative settings like a coffee stall for planning heists.
The film also benefits from a skilled technical team. Cinematographer RD Rajasekhar and composer GV Prakash Kumar contribute significantly to its aesthetic. Despite some issues, like awkward lip-sync in songs, the visuals keep viewers engaged.
Director Nelson, during the pre-release, highlighted the importance of clarity and risky ideas, suggesting a more nuanced version of the film might have existed had Vikarnan been given complete freedom.
In many ways, Mask reflects the complexities of human nature—good, bad, and everything in between. It’s a film that leaves you pondering, with the ambition of a debut artist evident in every frame.
For insights into recent trends in crime film perceptions, check out Statista’s report on the popularity of the genre.
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