Amaran (2024) Review: Sivakarthikeyan delivers his best performance in this biopic of Major Mukund, a powerful tribute to an Indian Army hero. Full review.
Amaran 2024 Movie Review
Director: Rajkumar Periasamy
Producer: Kamal Haasan (Raaj Kamal Films International), Sony Pictures Films India
Starring: Sivakarthikeyan, Sai Pallavi
Genre: Action Biopic
Language: Tamil
Runtime: Approx. 150 minutes
Introduction
Amaran (2024) is an intense action drama inspired by the real-life story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a decorated Indian Army officer who was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra. Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy and starring Sivakarthikeyan in his most transformative role yet, the film takes a patriotic yet grounded approach to narrating the life and sacrifice of a true hero. Supported by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, Amaran combines realism, emotion, and raw action to deliver a deeply impactful cinematic experience.
Plot Summary
The story follows Major Mukund (played by Sivakarthikeyan), a brave and principled officer in the Indian Army’s Rajput Regiment. From his training days to his final mission in Jammu and Kashmir, the film traces Mukund’s evolution as a soldier, a family man, and a leader. Raised with discipline and strong values, Mukund is shown as a man of few words but firm resolve.
The narrative builds up to Operation Trinetra, a high-risk anti-terror operation that would ultimately become his final mission. The screenplay focuses not just on the action but also on the mental and emotional toll faced by soldiers. Sai Pallavi plays Mukund’s wife, bringing emotional weight to the personal life of the hero, and adding depth to the stakes of his mission.
Performances
This is a career-defining role for Sivakarthikeyan, who sheds his usual light-hearted image to embrace a mature, commanding presence. He convincingly portrays the physical rigor, emotional intensity, and patriotism of a real-life war hero. His body language, gaze, and even his silences speak volumes in the film’s critical moments.
Sai Pallavi as Mukund’s wife delivers a heartfelt performance. Her emotional scenes — especially during the farewell sequence and post-mission aftermath — leave a lasting impression. The supporting cast, including fellow soldiers, commanding officers, and antagonists, all fit their roles well, without overshadowing the central arc.
Direction and Screenplay
Director Rajkumar Periasamy does not approach Amaran as just another military action film. His writing is layered with authenticity, national pride, and restraint. The film avoids jingoism and instead focuses on the individual courage and emotional depth of Major Mukund.
The screenplay is gripping, with well-paced segments — from training montages to actual operations in the valley. The dialogues are sharp but realistic, avoiding over-dramatization. The tone of the film stays grounded, lending credibility to its biopic structure.
Themes and Message
At its core, Amaran is a tribute to selfless service, courage, and sacrifice. It brings attention to:
- The personal sacrifices soldiers make.
- The challenges faced during counter-insurgency operations.
- The balance between family life and duty.
The film also touches upon broader themes like national unity, leadership, and moral conviction, making it more than just a war film.
Cinematography and Music
The cinematography by CH Sai captures the essence of both lush training camps and rugged war zones. The sequences shot in Kashmir bring authenticity and visual depth. Action scenes are choreographed with precision, blending realism with cinematic tension.
Music by GV Prakash Kumar elevates the film emotionally. The background score during the final operation and the tribute scene stands out, stirring strong emotions without being manipulative. The patriotic theme song is used sparingly but effectively.
Technical Aspects
- Editing is tight, especially in the mission segments, keeping the tension alive.
- Sound design is excellent, especially in shootout and explosion scenes.
- Costume and production design reflect authenticity — from army fatigues to real-world military bases.
Final Verdict
Amaran is a moving and meticulously crafted tribute to a national hero. It not only showcases the strength and valor of the Indian Army but also gives a voice to the emotional journeys of soldiers and their families. Sivakarthikeyan’s dedicated performance, combined with Rajkumar Periasamy’s sensitive direction, makes Amaran one of the most emotionally powerful Tamil films of 2024.
This is not a typical action movie — it’s a biographical salute, meant to inspire and inform while also emotionally resonating with its audience. It’s a film that leaves you with pride, admiration, and a heavy heart.
Rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Outstanding performance by Sivakarthikeyan
- Realistic and emotional storytelling
- Balanced screenplay with great pacing
- Strong cinematography and music
- Patriotic without being preachy
Cons:
- A few scenes could feel slightly dramatized for commercial appeal
- May not appeal to fans expecting a masala action film