Review Overview
Performances
Story & Narration
Technical Aspects & Music
An engaging thriller propelled by Sathyaraj
Echarikkai is a good thriller that is packed with twists and turns throughout. Director Sarjun, after his controversial short films in Lakshmi and Maa, makes a worthy feature debut in this crime ride that's led by Sathyaraj's performance.
Cast: Sathyaraj, Varalaxmi, Kishore, Kousalya, Yogi Babu, Vivek Rajgopal & others
Cinematography: Sudharshan Srinivasan
Music: Sundaramurthy KS
Editing: Karthik Jogesh
Stunts: Miracle Michael
Art Direction: Vijay Adhinathan
Written & Directed by: KM Sarjun
Produced by: Sundar Annamalai Productions & Timeline Cinemas
Distribution: Sathyamurthi for Clap Board Production
Release Date: 24-08-2018
Run Time: 02:09:00
First of all, let’s appreciate debutant director Sarjun for crediting the films that he has got inspired from. And now, let us talk about Echarikkai – the film itself. With thrillers fast becoming an overcrowded space in Tamil cinema, it’s becoming harder for directors to catapult a new idea and come out with a solid film.
To make it simple, Echarikkai can be divided into two parts. On one hand, we have a kidnap-and-ransom case with Kishore, Varu Sarathkumar and Vivek Rajagopal. On the other, we have Sathyaraj who can single-handedly match the weight of the others with his performance. Thankfully, Echarikkai has the presence of the legendary actor who comes to the fore with a jolly, fun-filled act that has the cream of his early days.
The speed of the film is uniform throughout, right until the climax where it picks up a little more. The twists are on the face, without much foreplay. What makes it better than what it is, are the performances from the main star cast – holding the film together. Sathyaraj is very effective as a stylish senior cop, while Kishore shines among the others in the opposite set piece.
Technically, the film is functional – enough to hold our attention. The cinematography scores with the sepia tone that it maintains, along with the aerial shots that add value. KS Sundaramurthy provides a good background score for the proceedings. At a crisp runtime of a little over 2 hours, the editing is well done too.
Despite it’s drawbacks, Echarikkai is a good thriller that is packed with twists and turns throughout. Director Sarjun, after his controversial short films in Lakshmi and Maa, makes a worthy feature debut in this crime ride that’s led by Sathyaraj’s performance. There are glimpses of good writing all the way, and it helps in the final picture.