Thamara Kannan has written and directed the movie Virundhu, produced by Badusha and Girish Neyyar under the banner of Neyyar Films, and released by T. Narayanan Films. The movie features performances by Arjun, Nikki Galrani, Girish Neyyar, Harish Peradi, Sona Nair, Aju Varghese, and many others. Technical Crew:
- Writer: Dinesh Pallath
- Music: Ratheesh Vega and Sanand George Grace
- Lyrics: Rafeeq Ahammed, Hari Narayan, Mohan Rajan
- Cinematography: Ravichandran, Pradeep Nair
- Editor: V.T. Sreejith
- Art Direction: Sahas Bala
- Public Relations: Saran
- John (Mukesh), a wealthy businessman, is struggling with a financial crisis. To save his business from ruin, he seeks help from Devan (Arjun), a financial consultant and his wife’s former lover. On his way back home, John is murdered by mysterious attackers. While insiders believe he committed suicide due to financial stress, the police treat the case as a homicide and launch an investigation. Shortly after, Devan too becomes a target of an attack by mysterious assailants.John’s death leaves his wife Elizabeth and daughter Pearl (Nikki Galrani) devastated. Supporting them through this difficult time is their friend Balan, who holds communist ideals. In the meantime, Elizabeth is also killed in a car accident. Before her death, Elizabeth tells Hemant (Girish Neyyar), an auto driver who tries to rescue her, to meet Balan and convey that Cheval Hills is the reason behind the murders. However, Hemant, concerned that this information might disrupt his sister's wedding, chooses not to inform the police.Later, upon his friend's advice, Hemant meets Balan and reveals what Elizabeth had told him. Meanwhile, mysterious attackers come to kill Pearl at her home, but Hemant fights them off and safely hides Pearl with Balan in the mountains. Even there, danger follows them, and just as Pearl and Hemant are about to be caught, Devan arrives to save them and gives them refuge at his home.While staying there, Pearl attempts to kill Devan. Why does Pearl want to kill Devan? Who is responsible for the murders of John and Elizabeth? Does Devan manage to save Pearl? Where is Cheval Hills, and who resides there? Why are they targeting Pearl and her family? These questions form the unexpected climax of the film Virundhu.
Action King Arjun Sarja impresses right from the very first scene, showcasing his full range of skills in action sequences, raising audience expectations. Although he disappears for a while, he reappears at the right moment to save Pearl, making his intentions clear and standing by her side. He embarks on a journey to track down the mysterious gang chasing them, eventually delivering a powerful message against human sacrifices and satanic rituals in the final scenes, fulfilling his duty. Nikki Galrani, playing the role of the wealthy Pearl, shines as she tries to uncover the mystery behind her parents' deaths. Her efforts, searches, and chases throughout the film lead her to become a key figure in the unexpected twist at the end, delivering a strong performance.
Producer Girish Neyyar plays the role of Hemant, a kind-hearted auto driver who, after losing his father to cancer, arranges free rides for cancer patients once a week. He is known for his generous nature and finds himself entangled in a situation where he becomes a witness to an accident. In his attempt to save the family involved, he remains a crucial part of the story until the climax. However, the detailed backstory about his family, presented early on, feels somewhat unnecessary to the overall plot. Despite having limited screen time, Harish Peradi, Sona Nair, and Aju Varghese deliver strong performances in their menacing roles, adding weight to the film as satanic figures.The music by Ratheesh Vega and Sanand George Grace enhances the thrilling sequences of the movie, giving the action scenes a polished edge.
Cinematographers Ravichandran and Pradeep Nair have done an impressive job capturing breathtaking visuals, from intense action scenes and mountain chase sequences to the grand settings of the Ooty bungalow, an old satanic mansion, and ritualistic scenes. The visuals leave a lasting impact, adding depth to the thrilling narrative.
Editor V.T. Sreejith skillfully weaves together the twists and turns of the unconventional screenplay, leading to an unexpected climax that deviates from what the audience might anticipate. His editing adds a new layer of suspense, keeping viewers engaged till the end.
The central theme of the film revolves around the idea that wherever God is supposed to reign, chaos ensues when Satan infiltrates. The plot delves into the history and background of Satanic rituals, focusing on the belief that a woman sacrificed on Friday the 13th during the second Virundhu will rise on the third day to conquer the world. This concept has been highlighted in various media reports and reflects recent incidents involving Satanic activities in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Director Thamar Kannan has crafted a thrilling screenplay around these events.
In Virundhu, there are moments where characters speak in Hebrew, with translations provided for clarity, making the mysterious nature of the dialogue more accessible. The film serves as a compelling response to those who seek darkness and its powers instead of light. Initially, the narrative appears to head in a different direction, focusing on a murder investigation, but the climax takes a thrilling twist that wasn’t hinted at earlier. However, upon reflection, it becomes clear that director and screenwriter Dinesh Pallath subtly planted clues throughout the film from the very beginning.
