Victim- Who is Next?
Introduction
Onto the next release of the weekend and I just finished watching the new Tamil Anthology Victim. Anthologies are always a bit of a hit and a miss kind of a genre. There would be gems hidden behind some of the mediocre ones and this is what makes the genre interesting. In other words Anthology as a genre is similar to the fingers of your hand where not all of them are of the same size but each one contributes(in whichever capacity, good or bad) in a manner to overall shape the film. So then is Victim worth your time, lets find out in our standard Anthology Template!
Dhammam
A Story of a man who in a strange turn of events is a victim of an accident wherein he is attacked for it. This is easily the best short of the four and it is no surprise given that PA Ranjith is at the helm of it. The screenplay has so many layers to it. The statue of Buddha symbolizing peace is a perfect metaphor used as an oximoron where people would go to any length in the wake of a violent outbreak. The importance of fighting over saving a man’s life is so brilliantly shown here. A simplistic story with such a layered screenplay is what PA Ranjith is known for and his direction is outstanding! Guru Somasundaram is outstanding in this short which comes with my highest recommendation.
Rating: 4.5/5
Kottai Pakku Vathalum Motai Maadi Sitharum
The only comedy out of the four – this short follows the story is set against the first lockdown wherein a man in order to save his job has to interview a seer. This until he unknowingly falls a victim of it. The screenplay here is wobbly right throughout where the writing seems silly from the onset and just doesn’t sit right. The quadraple twists right at the end do save the day to some extent but overall this one fails to create the right kind of impact. Director Chimbudevan does a decent job although he could have done a much better job. Nasser and Thambi Ramaiah lend a good hand in the acting department but overall this one misses the mark.
Rating: 2.5/5
Mirrage
A Story of a girl who is posted in a strange house by her work place until she realises that the house is haunted. The story here is really good but it required a little more detailed setup which was missing. The screenplay here follows a cliched trope as far as the horror is concerned thereby diluting its impact. A much more atmospheric approach was required here which would have resulted in a better product. The twist at the end is quite relevant but overall this one doesn’t quite hit home. Director M Rajesh misses the mark despite a good story. Priya Bhavani Shankar is good but she can’t save this short from the cliches.
Rating: 2.5/5
Confession
A Story of a girl asked to confess her sins while being held on gunpoint. The story here is quite vague and this virtue is what makes it interesting. This story had the potential to be transformed into a full length feature film. The screenplay here is thrilling with an interesting setup which will keep you glued. The twists and turns are intriguing here with a nice little ending which will leave you in a dilemma. Director Venkat Prabhu does a fabulous job here in keeping things tight and keeping your interests alive throughout. Amala Paul looks stunning and does a fabulous job, Kris and Natarajan are first rate. This short deserves a watch!
Rating: 3.5/5
Conclusion
Victim is an anthology which is a bit of a hit and a miss. More precisely, it comprises of 1 Blockbuster, 1 Hit and 2 Misses. Available on SonyLiv.