• Chetan Nadiger
Film: Max
Producer: Kalaipuli S Thanu
Director: Vijay Karthikeya
Starring: Sudeep, Samyuktha Hornad, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, ‘Ugram’ Manju, Sunil, Sharath Lohitashwa and others
It’s been quite some time since a film of Sudeep has been released and it’s been quite some years since Sudeep was seen in a mass avatar in his films. This week’s release ‘Max’ is an action-packed thriller with Sudeep entertaining in a mass character after a long gap.
Sudeep plays the role of ACP Arjun Mahakshay who is fondly known as Max. He returns to duty in a new place after his suspension. The night before he takes the charge of the police station, he locks horns with brats of two prominent ministers of the state. He arrests and puts them behind the bars before calling it for the night. In a mishap the two detainees are found dead in the Police station. What follows is a series of events and conspiracies with loads of action and drama.
After watching ‘Max’ one is sure to get reminded of Karthi starrer ‘Kaithi’, which has a similar storyline and that too happens in a police station in a single night. What makes ‘Max’ different is the screenplay. Debutant director Vijay Karthikeya has written an engaging screenplay with lots of twists and turns. The film is all about the events that happen in one night. Except for a bad item song at the start of the film, there is nothing uncalled for in this film. Vijay Karthikeya has seen to it that he doesn’t waste the time and patience of the audience who are watching the film and weaves an interesting and engaging screenplay with lots of brain game. The screenplay is brainy and the cat and the mouse game between the police and the police is a thing to watch out for.
The highlight of the film is however the pace and the action sequences apart from Sudeep’s screen presence. There is no action for the sake to please the audience, but the action is interwoven with the script. The action sequences along with the night visuals create a captivating atmosphere for the audience. Balancing action with drama is not very easy and Vijay Karthikeya has succeeded in this first attempt itself. The film has its share of loopholes and logic often goes on missing in the film. But the magic of Sudeep and the screenplay makes the audience glued to their seats.
Sudeep makes a roaring comeback after a huge gap as Max. He lights the screen with his screen presence. His class and mass appeals, dialogue delivery gets a thumbs up from the audience. It’s been quite some time since the Kannada audience saw his full range as an actor. Though actress Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar is seen in a different role, the actress seems to be out-of-place in the film. Sunil’s debut in a Kannada film can’t be remembered for a long time. Pramod Shetty, Samyukta Hornad, Sukurutha Wagle, ‘Ugram’ Manju and others have done their bit.
Technically the film has a lot to mention about. Particularly, the cinematography by Shekhar Chandru. Shekhar Chandru stands out through his visual style followed by Shiva Kumar’s art direction and Ajaneesh Lokanath’s background music.
Though the film can’t be hailed as great, ‘Max’ is a good mixture of drama and action sequences for this festive season.
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