🐅 Beast (2022): A High-Octane Thriller That Misses Its Mark
Released in April 2022, Beast was one of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, the film stars Thalapathy Vijay in a role that promised intense action and gripping drama. With a storyline reminiscent of classic hostage thrillers, Beast aimed to deliver a cinematic experience filled with adrenaline-pumping sequences and emotional depth.
🎥 Plot Overview
Beast centers around Veera Raghavan (played by Vijay), a former RAW agent who finds himself trapped inside a shopping mall in Chennai that's been seized by terrorists. As the situation escalates, Veera takes it upon himself to neutralize the threat and rescue the hostages, all while confronting his own traumatic past. The film unfolds as a race against time, blending action, suspense, and mom.
🌟 Cast & Crew
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Vijay as Veera Raghavan
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Pooja Hegde as Preeti
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Selvaraghavan as Althaf
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Yogi Babu as Jill
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Shine Tom Chacko as Malik
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Redin Kingsley as Jack
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VTV Ganesh as Dominic Irudhayaraj
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Aparna Das as Aparna
The film's music was composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose soundtrack added a pulsating energy to the narrative. Cinematography was handled by Manoj Paramahamsa, capturing the confined yet dynamic setting of the mall with precision.
💰 Box Office Performance
Despite mixed reviews, Beast performed impressively at the box office. The film reportedly grossed over ₹250 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2022. In Tamil Nadu alone, it set several box office records, reflecting Vijay's massive fan following and the film's strong initial pull.
📝 Critical Reception
Beast received a spectrum of responses from critics and audiences alike. While Vijay's performance and the film's action sequences were praised, the screenplay and tonal inconsistencies drew criticism.
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The Times of India noted that even Vijay's star power couldn't salvage the film from its "flippant writing."
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Hindustan Times described the film as a "Die Hard-inspired thriller" that was bogged down by weak writing.
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Roger Ebert highlighted the film's erratic tone, stating that while it had the makings of a taut thriller, it often veered into goofiness, disrupting the narrative flow.
Audience reactions mirrored these sentiments, with many expressing disappointment over the film's inability to fully capitalize on its promising premise.
🎶 Music & Technical Aspects
Anirudh Ravichander's music stood out as a highlight, with tracks like "Arabic Kuthu" becoming chartbusters. The film's cinematography effectively captured the tension and claustrophobia of the hostage situation, while the action choreography delivered high-energy sequences that kept viewers engaged.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Beast aimed to be a gripping action thriller that combined star power with a compelling narrative. While it succeeded in delivering high-octane action and showcased Vijay's charisma, the film's inconsistent tone and underdeveloped script prevented it from reaching its full potential. Nevertheless, for fans of Vijay and action enthusiasts, Beast offers moments of entertainment and showcases the actor's versatility in handling intense roles.
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