Garudan Review: Suresh Gopi and Biju Menon Soar in a Gripping Crime Thriller

The much-anticipated movie ‘Garudan,’ featuring the stellar duo of Suresh Gopi and Biju Menon, finally graced the silver screens on November 3rd, 2023. Penned by the acclaimed writer/director Midhun Manuel Thomas and helmed by debutant director Arun Varma, this film, backed by Listin Stephen’s Magic Frames, had garnered considerable anticipation among audiences due to its captivating pre-release trailer.

Plot:

Set in the backdrop of a compelling thriller, the narrative chiefly revolves around two primary characters, Harish Madhav IPS and Nishanth Kumar, portrayed by Suresh Gopi and Biju Menon, respectively. Suresh Gopi’s character, Harish Madhav IPS, delves into the investigation of a heinous crime involving the rape and attempted murder of a girl named Teresa, leading to the arrest of Biju Menon’s character, Nishanth, a college professor, for the crime. Despite Nishanth’s persistent claims of innocence, he receives a life sentence. The film navigates their lives after a few years when Nishanth is released from prison.

Direction and Screenplay:

Arun Varma’s directorial debut is a commendable effort, delivering a taut thriller that managed to engage audiences for the most part. The screenplay by Midhun Manuel Thomas has its moments of highs and lows. While the film lacks a distinct ‘wow’ factor, it does hold sequences that captivate the audience. The initial half moves at a moderate pace, occasionally appearing lackluster.

However, the momentum elevates significantly during the pre-interval courtroom segment, setting the stage for a more compelling second half, which culminates in a satisfactory climax. Although the final twist might be somewhat foreseeable, the film’s quality in execution prevents it from feeling underwhelming. Arun Varma’s control over the narrative remains evident throughout, yet a deeper and fresher screenplay could have further heightened the impact.

Performances:

Suresh Gopi delivers an exceptional performance as Harish Madhav, skillfully portraying the emotional complexities of the character through impeccable body language and flashes of his signature fiery persona. Biju Menon steals the spotlight with an outstanding portrayal of Nishanth Kumar, showcasing remarkable body language, dialogue delivery, and mannerisms. Supporting actors like Siddique, Jagadeesh, Abhirami, Dileesh Pothan, Nishant Sagar, Divya Pillai, Major Ravi, and Thalaivasal Vijay also contribute flawlessly to the ensemble.

Technical Aspects:

The background score by Jakes Bejoy, while decent, could have been more impactful given the film’s genre. A more robust score might have elevated the overall viewing experience. Visuals by Ajay David Kachappilly are commendable, and editor Sreejith Sarang maintains a smooth narrative flow.

Final Verdict:

‘Garudan’ stands as a one-time watch, a decent crime-investigation thriller that will satisfy audiences, provided they approach it without heavy expectations. While it exhibits moments of brilliance and some shortcomings, debutant director Arun Varma succeeds in delivering a cinematic experience that doesn’t disappoint, showcasing potential for future endeavors.