“Kaithi,” a Tamil-language action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, hit the screens on October 25, 2019. The movie, whose title translates to “Prisoner,” takes viewers on an adrenaline-fueled journey filled with raw emotions and gripping sequences. With no songs, no heroine, and a story unfolding in a single night, “Kaithi” broke conventional norms of Tamil cinema. This review explores the movie’s highlights, strengths, and its impact on audiences.
2. Plot Summary
“Kaithi” revolves around Dilli, a recently released prisoner, who is desperate to meet his daughter for the first time. However, fate has other plans when he is roped into a dangerous mission by the police. A drug bust leaves several officers unconscious, and Dilli must drive a truck loaded with them to safety while being pursued by a ruthless gang. What follows is an intense cat-and-mouse chase packed with high-stakes action and emotional depth. The film keeps the audience engaged from start to finish without relying on unnecessary subplots.
3. What’s Good?
Acting: Karthi delivers a career-defining performance as Dilli. His portrayal of a rugged yet emotional character is both authentic and compelling. The supporting cast, including Narain as the steadfast cop Bejoy, adds depth to the narrative.
Direction: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s vision is the backbone of “Kaithi.” His ability to craft a tight, edge-of-the-seat thriller is commendable. The pacing is impeccable, with every scene serving a purpose.
Cinematography: Sathyan Sooryan’s cinematography captures the night’s intensity beautifully. The use of dim lighting and shadows enhances the film’s gritty atmosphere.
Music and Background Score: Sam C.S.’s pulsating background score elevates the tension in key moments. The absence of songs allows the narrative to flow seamlessly.
Action Sequences: The film’s action choreography is realistic and brutal, keeping viewers at the edge of their seats. The use of practical effects over CGI adds to the authenticity.
Emotional Core: Despite being an action-packed film, “Kaithi” doesn’t shy away from tugging at the heartstrings. Dilli’s yearning to reunite with his daughter forms the emotional backbone of the story.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The innovative storytelling approach sets “Kaithi” apart from typical action films.
- The absence of unnecessary elements like romance or songs ensures a focused narrative.
- Stellar performances and technical brilliance enhance the viewing experience.
Weaknesses:
- The film’s relentless pace might feel overwhelming to some viewers.
- A few characters lack depth, leaving their motivations unexplored.
- Certain action sequences, though thrilling, may appear slightly exaggerated.
5. Target Audience
“Kaithi” is a treat for action enthusiasts and fans of intense thrillers. The movie’s emotional undertones make it appealing to family audiences as well. However, its raw and gritty nature might not suit those looking for light-hearted entertainment. Fans of innovative storytelling and well-executed action will find “Kaithi” immensely satisfying.
6. Box Office Details
Budget: The movie was made on a modest budget of approximately INR 25 crore.
Worldwide Box Office Collection: “Kaithi” emerged as a blockbuster, grossing over INR 105 crore worldwide.
Day-Wise Earnings:
- Day 1: INR 7 crore (India) | INR 1.5 crore (Overseas)
- Day 2: INR 8 crore (India) | INR 1.7 crore (Overseas)
- Day 3: INR 10 crore (India) | INR 2 crore (Overseas)
- Day 4: INR 6 crore (India) | INR 1.2 crore (Overseas)
- Day 5: INR 5.5 crore (India) | INR 1 crore (Overseas)
The film’s strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim contributed to its impressive box office run, making it one of the most successful Tamil films of 2019.
7. Recommendation
“Kaithi” is a masterclass in storytelling and action filmmaking. With its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and technical brilliance, the movie is a must-watch for cinema lovers. Whether you’re an action junkie or someone who appreciates emotionally charged stories, “Kaithi” is a film that shouldn’t be missed.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Action, Thriller, Crime
Rating:
7.527/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Karthi | Dilli |
| Narain | Bejoy |
| Arjun Das | Anbu |
| Harish Uthaman | Adaikalam |
| George Mariyan | Napoleon |
| KPY Dheena | Kamatchi |
| Ramana | Tips |
| Amzath Khan | Ram |
| Kanna Ravi | Ajhas Ahmed / Sampath |
| Hareesh Peradi | Stephen Raj |
| Arun Alexander | Paalpandi |
| Vatsan Chakravarthi | Ajay |
| Udayaraj | College student |
| Kishore Rajkumar | Ashok |
| Lallu Prasath | Chittu |
| Black Sheep Deepthi | Thamizh, college student |
| Monekha Siva | Amudha |
| Krishnamoorthy | Muthu |
| Mahanadhi Shankar | Police officer |
| Malavika Avinash | Nalini (uncredited) |
| Chetan | Dr. Amudhan (uncredited) |
| R. N. R. Manohar | IG Of Police (uncredited) |
| Pugazh | (uncredited) |
| Pasupathi Raj |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
