Movie Title: Raid (2023)
Language: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Director: Karthi
Producers: K. E. Gnanavel Raja
Actors: Vikram Prabhu, Sri Divya, Rishi Rithvik, Ananthika
Runtime: 129 minutes
Rating: 3.1/10
Raid (2023) marks actor Vikram Prabhu‘s return to a full-fledged action cop role, directed by debutant Karthi. The film attempts to deliver an intense rural crime saga revolving around gang wars, illegal trades, and a lone upright cop caught in the chaos.
Plot Summary
The story follows DSP Kadhir, a determined and righteous police officer who is transferred to a crime-infested town plagued by gangsters and bootlegging. As he starts cracking down on crime, he encounters the local mafia head Guru (played by Rishi Rithvik), whose empire runs on fear and influence. The film chronicles Kadhir’s struggle to uphold justice amidst political pressure and violent retaliation.
Direction and Screenplay
Karthi’s direction is ambitious, aiming for a mix of commercial appeal and hard-hitting realism. While the rural setting and gritty tone work well initially, the screenplay turns formulaic as the story unfolds. The first half builds decent momentum, but the second half feels stretched with repetitive conflicts and predictable twists.
Performances
Vikram Prabhu delivers a solid performance, effectively portraying a stoic and intense cop. Rishi Rithvik impresses in his villainous turn, offering a convincing portrayal of a ruthless gangster. Sri Divya adds some emotional depth, though her role remains underdeveloped. Ananthika and supporting actors offer competent performances but lack standout moments.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography by Kathiravan captures the rural landscape and action sequences with grit. Sam CS’s background score elevates the tension during critical scenes. Editing by Manimaran could have been tighter, especially in the latter half. The action choreography is engaging, with raw and realistic fights.
Strengths
- Strong central performance by Vikram Prabhu
- Effective background score
- Realistic action sequences
- A gritty portrayal of rural crime
Weaknesses
- A predictable plot reduces narrative tension
- Weak character development for female roles
- The second half lacks pace and novelty
Final Verdict
Raid is a decent one-time watch for fans of rural action dramas. Despite its clichéd storyline, the film benefits from sincere performances and solid technical execution. It could have soared higher with a more innovative script and better pacing.
Recommended for
Fans of action thrillers, Vikram Prabhu followers, and viewers interested in rural crime stories with a mass-appeal format.