Sep. 24, 2021|India|123 Min.|R
Genre: Adventure;Crime;Drama;Kids;Mystery;Romance;South;Indian;Thriller
Description: The 2021 film *Naduvan* initially presents itself as a family drama centered around betrayal and illicit relationships. The story follows Karthik, portrayed by Bharath, a busy tea factory owner who neglects his wife, Madhu (Aparna Vinod). Karthik’s relative, Guru (Aruvi Bala), is employed at the factory and stays in their outhouse. Guru soon discovers Madhu’s affair with Shiva (Gokul Anand), Karthik’s friend and business partner. The first half of the film revolves around whether Guru will reveal the affair to Karthik and if Shiva can eliminate Guru beforehand. Despite the dramatic setup, the scenes lack intensity and feel repetitive, failing to deliver the expected suspense.
Director Sharran Kumar attempts to add depth to the narrative by dividing the story into chapters and using voiceovers to emphasize hidden truths behind every mask. However, this approach comes across as pretentious, given the uninvolving plot. The film shifts focus midway, introducing a subplot about Guru and his friends at the factory, which eventually becomes the central storyline. The tone transitions into a home invasion thriller, portraying Karthik as a victim betrayed by those closest to him.
While the second half gains momentum as a thriller, the emotional core of Karthik’s relationships with Madhu and Guru remains underdeveloped. Stronger performances could have elevated the characters’ impact, but only Gokul Anand stands out, bringing energy to his role as the irresponsible Shiva. Overall, *Naduvan* struggles to balance its dramatic and thriller elements, leaving viewers wishing for a more compelling exploration of its characters and their conflicts.
Cast director: Sharran Kumar
Cast actor: Bharath Srinivasan, Aparna Vinod, Gokul Anand, Charle, Aruvi Bala, Karthik Sasidharan, Suresh Raju
Original name: நடுவன்