Garudan (2024) Tamil movie review: Soori delivers a powerful performance in this rural crime drama directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar. Read the full spoiler-free review covering plot, acting, music, and verdict.
Garudan Movie Review: Soori Shines in a Gritty Tale of Friendship, Loyalty, and Power
Director: R. S. Durai Senthilkumar
Producers: Vetri Maaran, K. Kumar
Cast: Soori, M. Sasikumar, Unni Mukundan, Revathi Sharma
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Language: Tamil
Release Date: May 31, 2024
Introduction
Garudan (2024) marks a powerful entry into Tamil cinema’s gritty rural crime drama genre. Directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar and produced by Vetri Maaran, the film is set in southern Tamil Nadu and brings together themes of loyalty, betrayal, and justice. With Soori taking center stage in a serious role, Garudan offers a grounded, emotionally intense experience that makes it stand out among this year’s Tamil releases.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Set in the rugged terrain of Theni and its surrounding villages, Garudan tells the story of Sokkan (played by Soori), a loyal henchman and confidant of Aadhi (Sasikumar), a local do-gooder who maintains order in the region. Their unshakable bond is the emotional backbone of the story.
Trouble begins when Karuna (Unni Mukundan), a childhood friend turned rival, returns from Kerala with hidden motives. The once harmonious trio becomes entangled in a web of political power plays, land disputes, and personal betrayal. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Sokkan is forced to choose between loyalty to his friend and doing what’s right.
Performances
Soori as Sokkan
Soori, known for his comic roles, delivers a career-defining performance in Garudan. His portrayal of Sokkan is raw, restrained, and emotionally layered. This isn’t just a comic actor trying to be serious—this is a fully realized dramatic turn that commands attention. His expressions, especially in high-tension scenes, communicate volumes even without dialogue.
M. Sasikumar as Aadhi
Sasikumar returns to familiar territory with a role that suits him well. He plays the benevolent power figure with a grounded presence and emotional depth. His chemistry with Soori is organic, making their bond feel real and earned.
Unni Mukundan as Karuna
Unni Mukundan brings an element of unpredictability. His portrayal of Karuna blends charm with menace, keeping viewers guessing about his true intentions. While his Tamil diction occasionally falters, his screen presence is impactful.
Supporting Cast
Revathi Sharma and other supporting actors do well in their limited screen time. The casting is solid throughout, giving authenticity to the village ecosystem portrayed in the film.
Direction & Writing
R. S. Durai Senthilkumar crafts a compelling drama that balances emotional intensity with suspense. The screenplay, co-written with Vetri Maaran, gradually builds tension, keeping the audience engaged throughout its 2-hour runtime.
The dialogues are powerful, especially during key confrontations. While the film starts off slowly, it picks up pace midway and culminates in a gripping final act. The decision to center the narrative around Sokkan rather than the usual hero figure adds a fresh dynamic.
Cinematography & Music
Arthur A. Wilson’s cinematography captures the rustic beauty of Tamil Nadu’s landscape, with earthy tones that mirror the film’s mood. The aerial shots and wide-angle frames during action scenes are particularly well done.
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music complements the emotional weight of the film. The background score heightens tension without being overbearing, and the songs, though few, are placed meaningfully.
Themes & Symbolism
At its core, Garudan explores:
- Loyalty vs. morality
- Friendship turned rivalry
- The consequences of silence in the face of injustice
The metaphor of the Garudan (eagle) is smartly woven into the film’s narrative. Just like the eagle, Sokkan soars above petty politics but must eventually dive into conflict to protect what he believes in.
What Works Well
- Soori’s transformation into a serious lead
- Emotionally engaging story with moral complexity
- Strong screenplay and character arcs
- Effective use of rural settings and visuals
- A powerful, satisfying climax
What Could Have Been Better
- The first 20–30 minutes are a bit slow and dialogue-heavy.
- Unni Mukundan’s Tamil dialogue delivery might be distracting for some.
- Some subplots could have been trimmed to tighten pacing.
Verdict
Garudan is not your typical rural action drama. With a powerful performance from Soori, strong direction, and an emotionally layered script, it transcends genre tropes to deliver a meaningful cinematic experience. This is a film that rewards patience and offers a refreshing change from commercial formulaic films.
Whether you’re a fan of intense dramas or just looking to see a familiar actor in a completely new light, Garudan is well worth your time.
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 8.5/10