Released on October 4, 2019, Asuran is a Tamil-language action drama film directed by Vetrimaaran. The movie stars Dhanush in the lead role, marking another successful collaboration between the actor and the director after Vada Chennai. Based on the novel Vekkai by Poomani, Asuran is a gripping tale of a man’s fight for justice in a rural backdrop. The film delves into themes of caste-based violence, family, and revenge. With its intense narrative and compelling performances, Asuran has become a standout in Tamil cinema, receiving widespread acclaim for its raw portrayal of human emotions and social issues. This review will explore the key aspects of the movie, including its strengths and weaknesses, and discuss why it has struck a chord with audiences.
Plot Summary
Asuran follows the story of Sivasamy (played by Dhanush), a farmer and a father, living in a small village in Tamil Nadu. He is a man who has been forced to confront his past when his son, Murugan (played by Ken Karunas), gets entangled in a violent conflict with a powerful landlord. The story is set against the backdrop of a deeply rooted caste system, where the oppressed are often subjected to brutal treatment. Sivasamy is forced to take up arms to protect his family and seek justice for the wrongs done to them. The film is an intense journey that explores themes of revenge, sacrifice, and the consequences of violence. While the plot may seem simple, the execution and depth of the characters make it an unforgettable experience.
What’s Good?
Asuran stands out for its remarkable performances, direction, and cinematography. Dhanush delivers one of his finest performances as Sivasamy, a man torn between his peaceful life and the need to protect his family. His portrayal of a father who is both loving and ruthless when it comes to safeguarding his loved ones is powerful and emotional. The intensity in his eyes and his raw expressions convey the pain and determination of his character, making him the heart and soul of the movie.
Vetrimaaran’s direction is exceptional, as he effectively blends intense action with emotional depth. The film is set in a rural environment, and Vetrimaaran captures the essence of village life with authenticity. The gritty realism of the rural backdrop adds to the intensity of the narrative, making it feel grounded and believable.
The cinematography by R. Velraj is another standout feature. The film is beautifully shot, with wide shots of the vast fields and close-ups that capture the emotions of the characters. The use of natural light enhances the authenticity of the film, making it visually striking without feeling overly polished.
The music, composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, complements the film’s tone perfectly. The background score, particularly during intense action sequences, heightens the emotional stakes. The music does not overshadow the narrative but instead amplifies the raw emotions that the characters experience.
The screenplay is tightly written, with no unnecessary subplots or distractions. Every scene serves a purpose, and the pacing is well-maintained throughout the film. The movie’s intensity builds gradually, leading to a gripping climax that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the biggest strengths of Asuran is its portrayal of the harsh realities of rural life and caste-based discrimination. The film does not shy away from showing the brutalities faced by the oppressed, making it a powerful social commentary. The relationship between Sivasamy and his son Murugan is deeply emotional, and the film does an excellent job of highlighting the generational differences in their approach to violence and justice.
Dhanush’s performance is a major highlight. His portrayal of a man who is forced to confront his violent past is both heartbreaking and inspiring. His character is not a typical action hero, and the film’s refusal to glorify violence makes his role even more impactful.
However, one weakness of the film is that it can feel heavy at times. The violence, while necessary for the story, can be overwhelming, and some viewers might find it difficult to watch. Additionally, the film’s pace, while generally steady, slows down in certain parts, particularly in the middle, which might cause some viewers to lose interest.
Another minor drawback is the lack of character development for some of the supporting cast. While Dhanush’s character is well fleshed out, some of the other characters feel underdeveloped, which might make it harder for the audience to connect with them emotionally.
Target Audience
Asuran will appeal to a wide range of audiences, especially those who enjoy intense dramas and action films. Fans of Dhanush will undoubtedly appreciate his powerful performance, while those interested in socially relevant cinema will find the film’s exploration of caste-based violence and oppression thought-provoking. The movie’s gritty and realistic tone may not be suitable for younger viewers, but adults who enjoy complex, emotionally charged stories will find Asuran to be a rewarding experience. Those who appreciate films with strong social messages and well-executed action sequences will also enjoy this film.
Box Office Details
Asuran was a commercial success, both in India and overseas. The film had a production budget of approximately ₹40 crore, which is a reasonable amount for a Tamil film. Upon release, the film quickly gained attention due to its powerful narrative and Dhanush’s star power. The worldwide box office collection for Asuran was around ₹120 crore, making it a massive hit.
The film performed exceptionally well in its opening days. On its first day, it earned approximately ₹7 crore in India, with a significant portion coming from Tamil Nadu. The movie’s earnings grew steadily over the next few days, with a total of ₹22 crore in India by the end of the first weekend. Overseas, Asuran also performed well, earning around ₹10 crore in its opening weekend. The film continued to do well in the following weeks, thanks to word-of-mouth and positive reviews, cementing its status as a major box office success.
In terms of day-wise earnings, the movie saw a strong opening, with ₹7 crore on day one, ₹6 crore on day two, ₹5 crore on day three, ₹3 crore on day four, and ₹2 crore on day five. The film’s success can be attributed to its strong storytelling, powerful performances, and timely social commentary, which resonated with audiences both in India and abroad.
** Recommendation**
Asuran is a must-watch for fans of intense drama and action. With its gripping storyline, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, it stands out as one of the best Tamil films of recent years. Highly recommended for those who enjoy socially relevant cinema with emotional depth and raw intensity.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Action, Drama
Rating:
7.72/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Dhanush | Siva Saamy |
| Manju Warrier | Pachaiyammal |
| Ken Karunas | Chidambaram |
| Teejay | Vel Murugan |
| Pasupathy | Murugesan |
| Prakash Raj | Venugopal Seshadri |
| Ammu Abhirami | Mariyammal |
| Balaji Sakthivel | Inspector |
| Subramaniam Siva | Murugan |
| Adukalam Naren | Vaddakooran |
| Pawan | Venkatesan |
| Bala Hasan | Rajesh Narasimman |
| A. Venkatesh | Viswanathan |
| Nithish Veera | Pandiyan |
| R. Velraj | Panchayat Member |
| Sentrayan | Pechimuthu (cobbler) |
| Munnar Ramesh | |
| Tamizh | |
| Subathra Robert | |
| Asuran Krishna |
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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.
