What’s it about?
Arjun (Ajith) and Kayal (Trisha) are on the verge of divorce. Prior to their final separation, Arjun decides to escort Kayal to her parents’ residence. While en route to Tbilisi from Baku, their vehicle has breakdown in a barren area, resulting in Kayal’s disappearance.
Arjun firmly asserts that Rakhit and Deepika (Arjun and Regina), the couple who befriended his wife at a petrol station, abducted her, and he reports this to the police; nevertheless, his claims are unsubstantiated. Arjun must embark on a solo expedition to locate his wife.
Analysis
“Pattudala,” the dubbed version of the Tamil film “Vidaamuyarchi,” is inspired by the 1997 Hollywood film “Breakdown,” directed by Jonathan Mostow. The film, set in San Diego, USA, chronicles a man’s quest to locate his missing wife following a vehicle breakdown in the desert.
Director Magizh Thirumeni shifted the narrative’s setting to Azerbaijan and made several modifications, however the central concept remains unchanged. Notwithstanding the change in location and backdrop, the narrative fails to align with the current times. It is devoid of the requisite stunning twists need for a thriller of this nature. It lacks a robust emotional arc necessary to engage the mass audience.
The director initiates the narrative contemporaneously by highlighting the widening chasm between the married couple portrayed by Ajith and Trisha. Following an extended romance between the principal characters, the film captivates us when their vehicle malfunctions, leading to a road rage incident. The central sections are moderately engaging.
But from there, the narration entirely goes helter-skelter.
There are sequences that are invigorating. Portraying the primary heroine engaging in an extramarital affair constitutes a bold effort in a mainstream film. However, notwithstanding these audacious efforts, they contribute minimally to the total impact. The climax reverses the boldness of the opening.
Ajith does his character predominantly in a restrained manner. He exhibits heroic actions in the final act. Trisha performs her role neatly. Arjun and Vijay do adequately in the antagonistic parts.
The picture primarily benefits from the cinematography of Om Prakash, whose stunning vistas of Azerbaijan’s desolate landscapes contribute significant depth. Anirudh’s music is largely ineffective.
Bottomline: “Pattudala” is devoid of a compelling plot, and the narrative is uninspired, rendering the total experience monotonous. Notwithstanding the opulent cinematography and breathtaking locales, the narration fails to engage at any point.
Rating: 2.25/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Movie: Pattudala
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha, Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, Aarav, Nikhil Nair, Dasarathi, Ganesh, and others
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
Director of Photography: Om Prakash ISC
Editor: NB Srikanth
Art Director: Milan
Stunt Master: Supreme Sundar
Directed by: Magizh Thirumeni
Produced by Subaskar
Release Date: Feb 06, 2025
