BOTTOM LINE
Bites the Audience
OUR RATING
1.75/5
CENSOR
UA
What Is the Film About?
A series of high-profile assassinations take place across the world and in India. The police investigation concludes that a genius mathematician is behind them named Cobra. The connection between the different murders and why they were committed forms the movie’s basic plot.
Performances
Vikram, who has a known penchant for different get-ups, has a field day in Cobra. He is seen in multiple looks, and we can feel an unseen glee in him underneath all the makeup. However, not all look convincing on screen. A couple of them are very tacky.
Outside the get-ups and speaking strictly regarding the performance, there is nothing to complain about, though. Vikram is his usual full of intensity. But, the overstuffed part with lack of clarity from the director doesn’t let it become a memorable one. Cobra is another exciting attempt, and it remains that without bearing any fruit to the actor.
There are three female leads in Cobra. A couple of them are seen opposite Vikram, whereas the other is a police officer chasing him. The love interests are Srinidhi Shetty and Mirnalini Ravi. Among the two, Srinidhi Shetty easily dominates in all aspects.
Srinidhi Shetty looks like a star heroine with all the glamour and oomph in abundance. Meenakshi Govindarajan playing a police officer, looks like a kid in front of the rest of the team. She is miscast.
Analysis
Ajay Gnanamuthu of Demonte Colony and Imaikka Nodigal (Anjali CBI in Telugu) fame directs Cobra. Ajay’s previous flicks, the grand scale of Cobra, the technicians and teaming up first time with Vikram resulted in high expectations from the film.
On his part, Ajay Gnanamuthu has picked a fresh backdrop for this larger-than-life outing featuring a star cum actor like Vikram. It offers a lot of scope thrills as well as excites Vikram.
There is an obvious inspiration behind the first half narrative involving the murders. Still, it takes effort to localise it, and the director deserves partial credit for it. We say it ‘partial’ because he has still failed to simplify the whole thing and keeps things dense and complex. The hard-to-believe nature that accompanies them further brings the experience down.
Despite the issues, one is intrigued by the proceedings as the story is revealed. A thriller narrative ensures there is a curiosity to know what happens next. The intermittent romance track notwithstanding, the overarching suspense holds the attention.
The interval block is good and sets the platform for an intriguing thriller and action ahead. The curiosity hits an all-time high with the big reveal for a first-time viewer.
Unfortunately, it is downhill from the start of the second half. We saw a similar thing happen with a biggie at the beginning of the year. The narrative changes tone entirely. From an exciting action thriller, Cobra becomes a boring drama in the second half. The long and tiring flashback kills all the excitement.
The flashback is overdrawn and feels unnecessarily dragged. At a time when the audience is looking forward to the man behind the assassinations and his motive, the drama comes across as a big jolt that, instead of waking up, puts them in a coma. It doesn’t matter what happens later as the interest is lost. There is an exciting action block and some decent bits towards the end, but none register.
Then there are the dramatic moments involving hallucinations. It is meant to add depth to Vikram’s character and give him scope to perform. But, it creates more confusion, convolutes the plot and test patience. The way its brought about in the climax is a prime example.
Overall, Cobra has an exciting premise that offers ample scope for thrills. Sadly, it’s let down by a tedious dramatic deviation and lethargic execution that tries to make it more than what it is. Give Cobra a try only if you are a hardcore Vikram fan and don’t mind the convoluted narrative.
Performances by Others Actors
First of all, Cobra is all about Vikram. It is his show. So, there are none besides him making an impact acting-wise. The rest of the actors are just merely functionary parts, but okay nonetheless. Roshan Matthews starts powerfully but eventually ends up as a typical villain.
Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan debuts as an actor with Cobra. He plays an Interpol officer, which is as generic as it comes. He is all right doing it. KS Ravikumar appears briefly, playing a part in his routine style. The comedians and others are unremarkable, adding to the runtime.
Music and Other Departments?
AR Rahman’s music is a mixed bag. The songs act as speed breakers in the narrative. The background score is much better, but even here, the impact is felt only in parts. The cinematography doesn’t look consistent and adds to the uneven feel. Bhuvan Srinivasan, besides being a cinematographer, also edits Cobra. He should have been vigilant. The movie requires more trimming. The writing is adequate.
Highlights?
Fresh Backdrop
Grand Production Values
Interval Reveal
Drawbacks?
Length
Needlessly Complex
Unnecessary Drama
Illogicial Scenes
Patience testing imaginary blocks
Alternative Take
Keeping the narrative clean without the excessive convoluted drama would be a good start for an alternative take. A shorter flashback and focus back on thrills (present narrative) with a dramatic ending would suffice.
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Cobra Tamil Telugu Movie Review by M9News
