THUNIVU Review

Thunivu is a 2023 heist thriller directed by H. Vinoth, starring Ajith Kumar, Manju Warrier, and others. Thunivu marks the third collaboration between H. Vinoth and Ajith Kumar after Nerkonda Paarvai and Valimai. The anticipation for this film was high from the beginning, especially given Ajith Kumar’s intriguing negative character arc following the blockbuster Mankatha.

Thunivu begins in a bank in Chennai, focusing on a group that hijacks the bank and another team, led by Ajith Kumar, who are in the bank for a different mission. The movie explores their motives and how they manage to escape from the bank.

Ajith Kumar’s performance is outstanding, especially in his villainous role. He can excel in any role, and his strong presence on screen is impressive. Manju Warrier, well-known as the leading actress in Malayalam cinema, has made a significant impact in Tamil cinema through her roles in Asuran and Thunivu. Her portrayal of Kanmani has many standout moments, showcasing the director’s talent for creating impactful characters.

The film kicks off with intense and thrilling moments, building up to a compelling interval block. However, the second half takes an unexpected turn, shifting its focus towards delivering a social message. Unfortunately, this shift feels forced and disconnected from the first half, making it a somewhat challenging viewing experience. While H. Vinoth is undoubtedly a talented filmmaker, it appears that when directing superstars, the content sometimes gets compromised to elevate the stars. While the message conveyed in the second half is relevant, it lacks a strong connection to the film’s overall theme.

The climax sequences are less than satisfactory, with exaggerated actions and excessive use of VFX detracting from the experience. Nonetheless, Ajith Kumar’s charisma and Manju Warrier’s presence manage to salvage the movie to some extent.

Thunivu had the potential to be a remarkable film but falls short due to issues in its execution and technical aspects, including direction, VFX, and the art and background score. The poor production values further affect the viewing experience. Nevertheless, the movie remains a perfect treat for Ajith fans, offering a glimpse of his energetic and joyful performances, much like in Mankatha and Vedalam.