What’s it about?
Mukund Varadarajan (Sivakarthikeyan) has wanted to be an army officer since he was five years old, when he first saw the Indian army march. Despite his mother’s opposition to his intention to become a soldier, he writes an army selection exam during his undergraduate years and receives selection. At a college festival, he meets Indhu (Sai Pallavi), a Malayali Christian studying in Chennai.
Her parents oppose her love for Mukund due to his military service. Mukund eventually persuades Indhu’s parents and marries her after two years. After the marriage, the military appoints him as captain and assign him to Kashmir.
Leaving his wife and daughter behind, Mukund continues his duties in Kashmir while also devising strategies to assassinate the leaders of prominent terrorist organizations there. He succeeds to some extent. But during another major military operation, fate had a different plan for him.
Analysis
“Amaran” is biographical action war film is an adaptation of the book series India’s “Most Fearless: True Stories of Modern Military Heroes”. The film focuses on a segment based on Mukund in the book. It is the story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a member of the 44th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles, was killed on field while battling Hizbul Mujahideen militants in Kashmir in 2014.
Mukund’s story is told through the eyes of his wife, Indhu Rebecca Varghese. The love between Mukund and Indhu dominate the first thirty minutes or so. The narrative intensifies upon Mukund’s enlistment in the army. Up until that point, the story progresses slowly and predictably.
The pre-interval segment of Mukund’s war sequence effectively engages the audience in the film. The film subsequently transforms into an emotional journey. “Amaran” not only emphasizes the love and connection between Mukund and his wife but also showcases the challenges faced by the families of military personnel.
The most exquisite moments occur between Sai Pallavi and Sivakarthikeyan in their roles as husband and wife. Director Rajkumar Periasamy masterfully depicts Sai Pallavi’s character’s persistent anxiety about her husband and her emotional turmoil in the concluding episode.
The war sequences and action scenes, albeit well executed, convey a sense of predictability. Films such as Adivi Sesh’s “Major” have often approached the subject in a similar fashion. It is on the emotional front, the film scores majorly. The husband-wife sequences exceptionally well. The performances of the starring duo render the film profoundly emotional.
Sivakarthikeyan excels in the position of an army officer. He not only delivers one of his finest performances but also endures a physical metamorphosis to resemble a soldier. This film presents a distinct portrayal of Sivakarthikeyan as an actor. Sai Pallavi embodies the essence of the story. Despite the film’s focus on Mukund, Sai Pallavi narrates the story, making her character an integral part. Sai Pallavi imbues the role of Indhu, Mukund’s wife, with vitality. Bhuvan Arora and Rahul Bose are good in their roles. The actors portraying Sivakarthikeyan’s parents give fine performances.
The film possesses robust technical support. GV Prakash Kumar’s background is exceptional. The cinematography is superb.
Bottom line: “Amaran” skillfully blends emotional and war sequences, narrating the life story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who lost his life in the line of action in Kashmir. The film becomes more sentimental and emotional as it tells its story through the perspective of Sai Pallavi’s character. The performances of the lead actors also contribute significantly to the overall impact.
Rating: 3/5
Film: Amaran
Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Sai Pallavi, Bhuvan Arora, Rahul Bose, and others
Music: G V Prakash Kumar
Cinematographer: CH Sai
Action: Anbariv, Stefan Richter
Editor: R. Kalaivannan
Production designer: Rajeevan
Produced by: Kamal Haasan, Sony Pictures, R. Mahendran
Written and directed by: Rajkumar Periasamy
Release Date: Oct 18, 2024
