Rifle Club(2024) - A visually stunning retro action drama that relies on style over substance.

Directed by: Aashiq Abu
Written by: Dileesh Nair, Syam Pushkaran, Sharfu
Starring: Anurag Kashyap, Raffi, Dileesh Pothan, Darshana Rajendran, Vineeth Kumar
Genres: Action
Categories: Malayalam Featured, Malayalam Movies 2024
Country: India
Language: Malayalam

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Synopsis:

Set in 1991, Rifle Club revolves around a famed rifle club in Wayanad. A Malayalam superstar, Shajahan, who is known for his romantic roles, visits the club to train in hunting for a movie inspired by Mrugaya. However, his plans are interrupted when the club gets uninvited visitors. What these visitors want and how the club deals with them forms the crux of the story.

Performances:

• The cast delivers exceptional performances, elevating the film to a higher level.
• Anurag Kashyap stands out with a stellar portrayal, his contemptuous smile adding menace and charisma.
• Dileesh Pothan, Vijayaraghavan, Vishnu Agastya, and Vani Viswanath all deliver standout performances.
• Supporting actors like Darshana Rajendran, Vineeth, and Unnimaya provide depth and quality, adding to the immersive experience.

Technical Aspects:

• Aashiq Abu’s direction is top-notch, seamlessly blending retro visuals with action-packed sequences.
• The cinematography captures the natural beauty of the Western Ghats and the period ambiance with finesse.
• Rex Vijayan’s BGM perfectly complements the film’s intense, eerie tone, adding to the retro feel.
• Production design by Ajayan Chalisssery deserves a special mention for recreating the period setting and the retro aesthetic of the rifle club.
• Action choreography by Supreme Sundar is solid, delivering high-impact sequences, though some could have been trimmed for better pacing.

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Strengths:

• The retro theme is handled beautifully, adding a unique charm to the movie.
• Stellar casting and performances across the board.
• Excellent visuals and period-accurate production design.
• Engaging second half filled with high-octane action sequences.

Weaknesses:

• The story feels overly simplistic and somewhat repetitive.
• The pacing in the first half could have been tighter, as some scenes drag unnecessarily.
• A few action sequences could have been shortened to maintain momentum.

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My Personal Take On Cinema:

Rifle Club is a retro-styled action entertainer that thrives on its execution rather than its story. While the narrative feels simple and familiar, the performances, visuals, and Aashiq Abu’s masterful direction ensure that the film remains engaging.

The second half delivers phenomenal action sequences, rifles, and fire-filled chaos that more than compensates for the slower moments in the first half. The retro theme is well-executed, and the Western Ghats’ beauty adds richness to the visual palette.

Though the film lacks a strong storyline, the making and performances make it worth a watch. For lovers of period-style action dramas, Rifle Club is a clean entertainer that showcases Aashiq Abu’s directorial prowess.

Rating: 

2.75/5