'Veeran' Review: A lightning bolt of entertainment strikes Tamil cinema

Superhero movies have frequently found success in Bollywood, such as 'Krrish' and 'Ra.One'. However, the South Indian film industry has been lacking prominent homegrown superheroes until recently. The Malayali audience celebrated their first indigenous superhero, 'Minnal Murali.' And now, the people of Tamil Nadu have their very own superhero 'Veeran,' directed by ARK Saravan, with Hiphop Tamizha Adhi donning the superhero persona in this film.

Lately, it seems like a common theme among superheroes is gaining their powers through a lightning bolt, and Veeran follows suit. This movie revolves around a Kumaran (played by Hiphop Tamizha Adhi) who is struck by lightning, resulting in the emergence of extraordinary abilities that drastically alter his life. As the story progresses, he realizes the responsibility he holds and embarks on a journey to protect and fight for the people of his village along with his two friends Sakkarai (played by Sassi) and Selvi (played by Athira Raj). While adhering to the familiar superhero movie template, this film manages to intrigue the audience by cleverly incorporating humour throughout. Despite following a conventional structure, the inclusion of comedic elements elevates the overall experience, making it an enjoyable and refreshing superhero venture.

The movie's first half-hour may give the impression of a slow start, potentially leaving you sceptical. However, as the story progresses, the plot gradually unravels and gains momentum. A prominent element emerges in the form of an evil scientist villain and his brother, who have sinister intentions for Kumaran's village. The villagers, resolute in their stance, refuse to succumb to the nefarious plans due to the presence of a small temple housing the idol of 'Veeran,' a legendary figure from local mythology. And the journey only gets more enjoyable from there. The village is teeming with fascinating characters that enhance the film's entertainment value, and on numerous occasions, these characters step into the spotlight, captivating the audience.

When it comes to performances, Hiphop Tamizha Adhi delivers a convincing portrayal of a neighbourhood lad dedicated to the betterment of his village. Sassi and Athira also deliver decent performances. However, the true highlight of the movie lies in the chemistry between Munishkanth and Kaali Venkat. The duo seamlessly takes control of the movie's comedy element, stealing the show. Vinay Rai undoubtedly excels in his portrayal of the evil scientist, but at times, it feels like his villainous role was sidelined, lacking significant depth or impact in the overall story.

Veeran may not present a completely unique storyline or offer extraordinary elements. However, it is still a highly enjoyable film. ARK Saravan deserves praise for his efforts in bringing this entertaining movie to life. Apart from the humour, there are certain scenes, like the grand introduction of 'Veeran' as he gallops triumphantly on a horse, that truly stands out and leave a lasting impact. All in all, Veeran proves to be a good entertainer with potential for a sequel.