Blackmail Review – Interesting Twists, But too many leaves us tired

Blackmail Review – Interesting Twists, But too many leaves us tired

GV Prakash’s Blackmail is an edge-of-the-seat thriller directed by Mu. Maran, who earlier made films like Iravukku Aayiram Kangal and Kannai Nambathey. While both those films belonged to the mystery thriller zone, Mu. Maran once again explores the same genre with Blackmail, featuring Bindu Madhavi, Srikanth, Teju Ashwini, and others alongside GV Prakash in the star cast.

Synopsis

The story unfolds in Coimbatore, where Mani (GV Prakash Kumar), a pharmacy employee, faces life-altering events. His girlfriend (Teju Ashwini) is pregnant, and while juggling personal commitments, he is handed a parcel by his boss (Vettai Muthukumar) to deliver. When it goes missing in a car, it is revealed to be expensive narcotic drugs. Mani’s boss abducts his girlfriend, demanding the missing drugs for her release.

Meanwhile, Ashok (Srikanth), his wife (Bindu Madhavi), and their daughter are holidaying in Ooty. During a roadside conflict with a driver (Ramesh Thilak), their daughter suddenly goes missing. On a parallel track, a notorious man (Linga) blackmails his ex-girlfriend (Bindu Madhavi). How these seemingly unconnected stories converge forms the crux of Blackmail.

Screenplay & Performances

Mu. Maran’s strength lies in his screenplay. As a writer, he delivers multiple twists, much like his earlier films. While the strong writing creates powerful characterizations, which help actors shine, the overdose of twists eventually dilutes the overall engagement.

GV Prakash and Bindu Madhavi stand out with their nuanced performances. Srikanth adds weight to the narrative, while Vettai Muthukumar and Kingsley bring in lighter moments with their humor. Lingaa and Ramesh Thilak also hold prominence. Teju Ashwini, however, is underutilized, appearing mainly in the romantic segments despite the story revolving around her character.

Technical Aspects

The background score works effectively in many places, while the cinematography deserves praise, especially for the natural night visuals. Editing, however, leaves much to be desired, creating confusion on whether the problem lies in the writing or the cut.

Overall, There are certainly gripping moments, including a clap-worthy interval twist. Yet, the excessive twists stretch the patience of the audience. If Mu. Maran had tightened the screenplay, Blackmail would have been far more impactful.

On the whole, Blackmail has several attention-grabbing moments, but too many twists hamper its engagement factor.