“Imaikkaa Nodigal,” a Tamil-language thriller film, hit the big screens on August 30, 2018. Directed by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu, the movie stars Nayanthara, Atharvaa, and Vijay Sethupathi in pivotal roles. The film blends elements of mystery, suspense, and action, making it a gripping experience for audiences who enjoy intense narratives. With a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, “Imaikkaa Nodigal” explores the cat-and-mouse chase between a police officer and a mysterious serial killer. The movie is both thrilling and emotionally charged, drawing in viewers with its sharp plot twists and powerful performances. Let’s dive into the review of this movie to explore what makes it stand out.
Plot Summary
“Imaikkaa Nodigal” revolves around the investigation of a series of gruesome murders. The film begins with the discovery of a brutal crime, and the story follows the efforts of Anjali Vikramadityan (played by Nayanthara), a tough and determined CBI officer, who is tasked with solving the case. As the investigation progresses, she uncovers a disturbing pattern and realizes that the killer might be someone close to her. As the story unfolds, Anjali’s personal and professional lives collide, leading to an intense confrontation with the killer. The film maintains a gripping pace with several twists, keeping the audience guessing until the very end.
What’s Good?
One of the standout features of “Imaikkaa Nodigal” is its brilliant performances. Nayanthara, known for her strong presence in Tamil cinema, delivers a powerful performance as Anjali. She skillfully portrays the role of a determined and intelligent officer, bringing depth to her character. Her emotional range, from intense determination to vulnerability, is one of the highlights of the film.
Vijay Sethupathi, playing the antagonist, is a revelation. His portrayal of the mysterious and calculating serial killer is chilling, and he brings a level of unpredictability to the character. His screen presence is magnetic, and he elevates the movie’s tension with every scene he appears in. The chemistry between Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi is electric, and their interactions are some of the most gripping moments in the film.
The direction by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu is another highlight. He successfully builds suspense and keeps the audience engaged with unexpected plot twists. The pacing of the film is spot on, maintaining a sense of urgency and thrill throughout. The way the director weaves the mystery and action elements together is impressive, making “Imaikkaa Nodigal” a well-crafted thriller.
The music by Hiphop Tamizha adds to the film’s intensity. The background score, especially during key moments, enhances the suspense and drama. The cinematography, too, is commendable. The film’s visuals are sharp, with effective use of lighting and framing that complements the dark and eerie atmosphere of the story. The action sequences are well-choreographed, adding to the film’s thrilling experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
“Imaikkaa Nodigal” excels in several areas, but like any movie, it has its strengths and weaknesses.
The biggest strength lies in its performances. Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi both deliver standout performances, with their characters being the driving force of the film. Their strong screen presence adds a layer of depth to the movie, making the audience invest emotionally in the story. The direction and screenplay are tightly packed, ensuring that the film never drags, keeping the viewer engaged with every scene. The suspense and mystery elements are executed well, and the unexpected twists keep the audience hooked.
However, one weakness of the movie is its predictability in certain parts. While the film is filled with surprises, there are moments where the plot becomes a bit formulaic. The pacing, although generally good, can feel a bit slow in the second half of the movie. Some viewers might also find the character motivations a bit too convenient at times, with certain plot points relying on coincidences that stretch the suspension of disbelief.
Another downside is the limited character development of some supporting characters. While Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi’s roles are fleshed out well, other characters, especially those in the police force, don’t get as much depth. This leaves some of the subplots feeling underdeveloped.
Target Audience
“Imaikkaa Nodigal” will appeal to fans of thriller and suspense genres. The movie is packed with tension, mystery, and action, making it ideal for viewers who enjoy intense, edge-of-your-seat experiences. Fans of Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi will particularly enjoy their performances, as both actors bring something unique to the table. The movie is also suited for viewers who appreciate dark, character-driven stories with unexpected twists. However, those who prefer lighter, more straightforward narratives may not find this film to their liking.
Box Office Details
“Imaikkaa Nodigal” was produced on a budget of approximately INR 15 crores. Despite being a relatively small-budget film, it performed well at the box office, grossing around INR 50 crores worldwide. The movie had a strong opening, with a day-one collection of INR 5.5 crores in India. The film saw a steady increase in earnings over the first five days, with the total collections reaching INR 12 crores by day three. The overseas market contributed significantly to the movie’s success, with the international collections accounting for around 30% of the total box office revenue.
Here’s a breakdown of the day-wise earnings for the first five days:
- Day 1 (India): INR 5.5 crores
- Day 2 (India): INR 6 crores
- Day 3 (India): INR 7 crores
- Day 4 (India): INR 8.5 crores
- Day 5 (India): INR 9 crores
The film also performed well overseas, particularly in regions with a large Tamil-speaking population. The international earnings helped push the total worldwide collection to over INR 50 crores.
Recommendation
“Imaikkaa Nodigal” is a gripping thriller with standout performances and a well-executed plot. While there are a few minor flaws, the movie succeeds in keeping the audience engaged with its suspense and emotional depth. I would recommend this film to fans of thriller genres and those who enjoy intense, character-driven narratives. It’s a must-watch for Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi fans!
Table of Contents
Genres:
Action, Thriller, Drama, Crime
Rating:
7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Nayanthara | Anjali Vikramadithyan IPS |
| Anurag Kashyap | Martin ‘Rudra’ Roy |
| Atharvaa Murali | Arjun |
| Raashii Khanna | Krithika Rao |
| Manasvi Kottachi | Shalini Vikramadithyan |
| Ramesh Thilak | Arjun’s friend |
| Vijay Sethupathi | Vikramadithyan |
| Devan | CBI Officer Narayan Gowda |
| Udhayabanu Mageswaran | CBI Chief |
| Vikram Anand | |
| Kumar Natarajan | |
| Vetrivel Raja | |
| Vinoth Kishan | Dr. Vineeth |
| B Suresha | Minister |
| ‘Jeeva’ Ravi | Victim’s father (uncredited) |
| Raveena Ravi | Krithika Rao (Voice) |
| Deepa Venkat | Anjali Vikramadithyan IPS (voice) |
| Magizh Thirumeni | Ex-ACP Martin ‘Rudra’ Roy (voice) |
| Chetan | CBI Officer Narayan Gowda (voice) |
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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.
