Amaran review: Sivakarthikeyan, Sai Pallavi anchor a fine movie on Indian Army

Amaran is based on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who died during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014. Biopics like this come with a unique challenge: since audiences already know the outcome, there’s little room for surprises. Directors often leverage the emotional depth of such stories to create resonance, sometimes stirring complex emotions or evoking our deepest fears. Filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy, as expected, focuses on these emotional elements, ultimately leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the human conflict hidden beneath layers of turmoil.

First things first, Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi are outstanding in Amaran. They breathe fresh life into the genre, telling a story of sacrifice and bravery at the border. Though the movie centres around Major Mukund Varadarajan, it is Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Indhu Rebecca Varghese that sweeps us into an emotional whirlwind. Indhu’s character humanizes Mukund, deepening our connection with his story. Her presence makes the film’s conclusion far more moving than the reactions evoked by typical news headlines about army casualties in terror attacks.

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Structurally, Amaran follows a familiar path seen in previous biopics of Indian soldiers. However, the unique pairing of Sai Pallavi and Sivakarthikeyan creates an all-consuming cinematic experience.

From the outset, Sivakarthikeyan embodies the bold and dynamic leader of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles, tasked with tracking and dismantling terror networks. He dives into the role effortlessly, seamlessly shifting between vulnerability and fierceness. His action scenes, particularly the close-combat sequences, are both authentic and impactful. Filmmakers and stunt directors Anbarivu have crafted these scenes with an emphasis on realism, foregoing exaggerated stunts for an accurate depiction of urban warfare. The intense battle scenes—some set in confined spaces like dining rooms—offer a unique cinematic experience.

Sai Pallavi, on the other hand, anchors the emotional heart of the film with a tender, resonant performance. The full impact of Mukund’s death only hits the audience as we watch Indhu learn of the tragic news.

Director Rajkumar Periasamy, who also wrote the screenplay, skillfully highlights the complexities of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He reveals how the Indian Army operates under immense constraints, displaying restraint, judgment, and courage in the face of forces that often blend into the crowd.

Amaran stands as one of the finest portrayals of the Indian Army on screen. Period.

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