BOTTOM LINE
Fast-Paced, But Soulless Action Thriller
OUR RATING
2.25/5
What Is the Film About?
On Independence Day, 49 robberies occur in the city of Hyderabad leaving the entire police force shocked and confused.
Among the robbery items, is the Ashok Chakra Medal of Chandru aka Subhash Chandra Bose’ (Vishal) father. It is a pride of his family and honour. How Chandru, a military officer, tracks down the criminal is what the movie is all about?
Performances?
The role of Chandru is bread and butter for Vishal. He specialises in this kind of parts which offer him scope to flex his muscles and romance with a lady, whenever there is a possibility. The latter is missing here, but there is enough on the former. He just sails through the proceedings as a knife cutting through the butter.
Direction by Puri Jagannad?
MS Anandan’s Chakra is a typical action entertainer involving a cop and a thief. The difference here from the routine is the backdrop of the antagonist. It is when seen from the director’s point of view. If we look at the same from Vishal’s side it is another variation of Abhimanyudu.
The opening of the movie itself hooks one into the narrative. Forty-nine robberies that happen on a single day is enough to grab the audience’s attention. The logics of that be damned.
As soon as the movie takes off, MS Anandan never lets the pace down. Barring the few romantic altercations involving the hero and heroine, there is no time wasted. Even in that segment, the critical element of ‘Chakra’ is neatly designed.
The entire first half, after the hero takes over the case, shown as assisting, is one fast-paced thrill ride. A lot happens without giving any time for the audience to think. It can be overwhelming at times due to one technical jargon that is being used now and then. But, that is alright.
The interval block revelation is nicely done. It raises expectations for the second half.
However, those expectations come crashing down immediately as the second half starts. The emotional backstory slows down the proceedings.
Things get back on track when the sequence of events are planned for the second mega robbery. The whole stretch until a face to face battle is well done for a commercial terrain.
Unfortunately, the problem for the movie too develops in these parts. The antagonist gets weakened with each passing block. It soon becomes like a one-way street (hero domination). Once the balance is lost, the narrative loses the grip. Whatever happens later, seems like an extension to the inevitable.
The ending is stretched and lacks the desired impact. At this point, Chakra feels like an entirely different movie than where it started.
Overall, Chakra offers fast-paced thrills in the first half and parts of the second half. But, lacks the overall impact like Abhimanyudu. Give it a try if you like action thrillers with something unique.
Others?
Shraddha Srinath is technically in charge of the investigation making her the lead story-wise. However, when it comes to the narrative she is turned into a sidekick. Everything she intends to do cut down by the hero. Srinath has a few kicking actions to do where she shows the potential of an action heroine.
Regina Cassandra is the real deal when it comes to female leads. However, she too dominates the course as long as she is hidden anonymously. The characterisation gets progressively weaker in the second half.
Apart from them, there is comedian Robo Shankar who does his usual. The rest of the actors, Manobala, KR Vijaya etc. have hardly any scenes to register.
Music and Other Departments?
There are no songs in a traditional sense the movie which is a relief. It is all about the background score and Yuvan Shankar Raja makes it as loud as he can with all the techno glitz. The cinematography is fine whereas the editing makes the proceedings look rushed. The writing is par for the course.
Highlights?
Backdrop
Take Off
First Half
Drawbacks?
Weak Flashback
Antagonist After Revelation
Rushed Feeling
Ending
Alternative Take
Chakra itself feels like an alternative take of Abhimanyudu. It is in similar terrain and inferior in all aspects.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, in Parts
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But with Reservations
Chakra Review by Siddartha Toleti
