Khaidi Movie Review: Gripping thriller

What's it about?

Dilli (Karthi), a prisoner on parole, is heading to an orphanage, where his 10-year-old daughter is living. He has not met her since her birth as he was away serving sentence for murder. He was stopped by the police for suspicious appearance. A police officer who is about to retire throws a party to the fellow officer but they all get unconscious due to sedatives mixed in drinks. A strict officer Vijay (Narain) gives Dilli the task of transporting the cops to the hospital which is 100 kilometers away from that place. With the drug mafia zeroing in on, will Dill safely accomplish the mission?

Analysis

From the very first scene, one can conclude that Karthi starrer ‘Khaidi’ is not going to be a regular action drama. This is completely different from the regular dramas we have seen so far. The story setup and the narration are truly in the tradition of Hollywood action dramas that takes place in one night. The story begins hours before midnight and ends in the wee hours. There are no visual flashbacks, no romantic thread, no item song. Start to the finish, its focus remains on the main mission. Like most Hollywood movies, it sets up the core conflict point in the first 20 minutes itself. And the film entirely takes place in a span of a night. 

With a gripping screenplay, the director perfectly balances the action stunts with father-daughter emotional drama. The drama keeps moving between three threads but doesn’t confuse you. 

A prisoner on parole, a gang of students who caught in a drunk and drive case, a drug mafia, a police officer, a caterer and a constable who just got transferred… all unrelated persons land up in one situation they can’t escape from it. This is an interesting setup and the director uses this motley of characters effectively in his storytelling.

For the most part, the film is gripping and makes a riveting watch. Only towards the end, it becomes too indulgent. Despite this issue, the film is told with sincerity and conviction. 

The film is also aided by top-class technical output. Anbariv’s action stunts and Sooryan’s cinematography have given a new dimension to this action drama. The lighting pattern is praiseworthy. 

Coming to the performances, it is Karthi who mesmerizes with his brilliant act. His acting matured and realistic. Must watch the scene when he narrates about why he went to prison. Narain as the police officer is good. Other actors have also put in honest performances.

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s screenplay is different and his direction is superb. 

Bottom-line: ‘Khaidi’ is a unique thriller with gripping narration. The film has no commercial elements. It should be watched and appreciated for its honest taking, different narration and Karthi’s terrific performance.