Election (2024) - "A authentic ground level political film"

Directed by: Thamizh
Written by: Vijay Kumar, Azhagiyae Periyavan, Thamizh
Starring: Vijay Kumar, Preethi Asrani, Richa Joshi, George Maryan, Pavel Navageethan, Dileepan, Rajeev Anand, Natchiyal Suganthi, Sameer Dharshan
Genres: Action, Romance, Thriller
Country: India
Language: Tamil

Plot:

Natarasan’s father is a devoted grassroots politician who is sidelined by the party's district secretary in Vellore when he seeks a ticket. Heartbroken by the political betrayal and other such incidents, Natarasan, an engineer, decides to run as an independent candidate in an upcoming election to redeem his father’s pride. The film starts as a son's journey to restore his father's honor but delves deeper into the complexities of ground-level politics.

Performances:

• Vijay Kumar (Natarasan): Vijay Kumar delivers a powerful performance, reminiscent of his roles in "Uriyadi 2" and "Fight Club." His portrayal of Natarasan is compelling and nuanced.
• Preethi Asrani: Preethi plays her role adequately, adding depth to the narrative.
• George Maryan: George Maryan stands out with his portrayal of Natarasan’s father, bringing emotional weight to the story.
• Supporting Cast: The supporting actors, including Richa Joshi, Pavel Navageethan, and Dileepan, contribute effectively to the film.

Technicians:

• Direction: Thamizh's direction captures the essence of ground-level politics without unnecessary grandeur, making the film feel authentic.
• Screenplay and Writing: The writing effectively explores the realities of political campaigns, elections, and the emotional turmoil involved.
• Cinematography: The cinematography is realistic, contributing to the film's grounded feel.
• Music: The background score and songs are decent, complementing the narrative without being overly memorable.

Strengths:

• Realistic Portrayal: The film's depiction of political campaigns and the election process is grounded and realistic.
• Lead Performances: Vijay Kumar's and George Maryan's performances are particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the film.
• Authenticity: The film maintains a natural feel, avoiding over-the-top dramatization.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing: Some scenes feel lengthy and could have been trimmed to maintain better pacing.
• Character Arcs: The focus on Natarasan’s journey leaves other characters underdeveloped. The arcs of the hero's sister and brother-in-law, in particular, could have been expanded to enhance emotional engagement.
• Predictability: The climax is somewhat predictable, which diminishes the film's impact.

My Personal Take:

"Election" is a political film that stands out for its realistic portrayal of grassroots politics and the struggles within. While the execution is good, it could have been tighter to avoid pacing issues. The film’s strength lies in its lead performances and authentic depiction of political realities. Although it doesn’t reach the heights of an exceptional political drama, it remains a decent watch, especially for those interested in the intricacies of local politics.

Rating: 2.5/5