Movie Review: KRK

With Uppena, Vijay Sethupathi became a household name in the Telugu states. He has paired up with Nayanthara and Samantha in Kanmani Rambo Khatija – KRK (Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal in Tamil) which grabbed the attention. The film is directed by Vignesh Shivan and produced by Nayan and Vignesh Shivan. This is enough to make noise. Although it’s not a big release in Telugu, this is Samantha’s first release after her divorce. She did groove to peppy Oo Antava in Pushpa. But she has a full-fledged role in KRK.

What is it about?

Rambo (Vijay Sethupathi) is jinxed. His father dies after he is born. He stays away from her ailing mother only to save her life. His village believes that he is unlucky. Rambo works as a cab driver in the day and works at a pub at night. Rambo meets Kanmani Ganguly (Nayanthara) who is looking for her partner. They get along well. Meanwhile, Khatija (Samantha) meets Rambo at the pub. They hit it. How does Rambo manage Kanmani and Khatija? Whom will he marry?

Performances:

Vijay Sethupathi is undoubtedly a fine actor. But his character Rambo has nothing much to offer to explore his acting prowess. The role was subtle and linear. Yet, Vijay pulls it off in his style. Nayanthara is presented well by Vignesh. Kanmani is not fresh to her given that she had done poignant roles in the past. Samantha gets a quirky, naughty role. Actor Prabhu is alright as a TV host. His episode doesn’t work. The Rest of the cast doesn’t get noticed.

Technicalities:

Director Vignesh Shivan chose a wafer-thin line and tried to engage with the charm of the lead cast that is not enough to engage. Weak and predictable story coupled with flat narration without any twists make KRK a boring watch. The film drags and drags, testing the patience of the audience. Anirudh’s music is passable. The romantic song involving Nayanthara and Samantha may appeal to masses. Sam and Nayan rev up with their respective glam quotient and offer visual treat. The film’s length adds to the woes.

Thumbs Up:

Subtle Humour

Thumbs Down
Weak & Predictable Story
Flat Narration

Analysis

Triangular love stories are quite familiar in Telugu territory. They are done and dusted. Prema Desam to Badri to Arya to Oohalu Gusagusalade to Iddarammayilatho, the list goes on and on. Given that this formula is quite old, makers have to rely on the treatment of the story in addition to the charm of the lead cast. Director Vignesh Shivan banks entirely on the charm of Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara and Samantha. Unfortunately, the trio couldn’t save this poorly written story. Director lacked clarity. He has imbibed several backstories to make it complex but only falls flatter. It doesn’t add any value to the story and leaves no impact. The protagonist’s relatives not able to the marry because of the

The second half begins with two ladies Kanmani and Kathija at loggerheads for Rambo. It looks forced, unnatural. The very chemistry of the lead pair hasn’t worked to the extent it required. The protagonist’s claimed disease Disassociate Identity Disorder and the predictable twist involving it won’t work. The TV episode with Prabhu as the host is expected to be hilarious. But it fails to create fireworks. The climax is on a predictable note. All together make KRK a dull and boring film. Tamil flavour – less prominent side cast – puts off the Telugu audience.

It is evident that director Vignesh Shivan seems to be carried away by the lead actors and their combination. Nayan and Samantha have blindly trusted him. What was aimed at doesn’t translate on screen. Probably, crisp editing and better scenes, treatment could have made it better. But, KRK ends up as a skippable and forgettable watch. It is not worth a watch on OTT, let alone in a theatre. Let’s hope Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan’s Acharya is the saviour at cinemas this week.

Bottom Line: Two Bad!

Rating: 2/5