The Smile Man movie Review: Sarathkumar's Effort to Replicate Por Thozhil's success Falls Short Once More

Sarathkumar achieved significant acclaim portraying a complex police officer in the commercially successful and critically lauded Por Thozhil (2023). Since that time, he has endeavored to replicate that success, albeit without success. Smile Man, marking his 150th film, represents yet another attempt, featuring the actor as a troubled CBCID officer battling Alzheimer's disease while simultaneously pursuing a serial killer infamously dubbed Smile Man. Like many tamil films centered on serial killers, Smile Man is plagued by familiar issues such as convenient plot devices, clichés, and excessive flashbacks.

The film begins with a potentially engaging premise. The prologue showcases chidambaram (Sarathkumar) in pursuit of the serial killer, only to be overpowered after a near-fatal encounter. The elusive killer vows to return if chidambaram resumes his role as a police officer. Meanwhile, it is revealed that Chidambaram's partner (Sunil Menon), who is currently unaccounted for, has closed the Smile Man case, asserting that the serial killer has been killed. However, in the present timeline, murders begin anew. Victims are discovered with their skin meticulously carved to form a smiling visage, the signature method of the killer, prompting chidambaram to rejoin the force despite his deteriorating health in order to resolve the case he left unfinished years prior.
Director Syam praveen employs the typical red herrings, prominently featuring chidambaram as the primary suspect. His own team harbors doubts about him, as he conceals information and appears to possess knowledge beyond what he discloses. The screenplay takes considerable time, along with numerous victims and audience endurance, to develop the tense dynamic between chidambaram and the actual killer. As the narrative progresses, Syam praveen meticulously adheres to established clichés, gradually leading us to the core of the story.
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G GOWTHAM

27/12/2024 10:11 PM