5 reasons why Dhanush’s Karnan should be your top pick this weekend

The release of Mari Selvaraj’s Karnan had its own fair share of troubles - the release date was in a pandemic, theatre occupancy limits were slashed to half and there was a general unease in the audience about visiting theatres. Despite this, the Tamil action-drama emerged as one of the biggest box office hits of the year, earning more than Rs 25 crores just over the opening weekend.

With a plot rooted in reality and an excellent performance by superstar Dhanush, Karnan has become one of the best action films that Kollywood has seen. Releasing on Amazon Prime Video on May 14, here are five reasons why Karnan should be on your watch list.

1. Karnan is based on real-life events

The plot is based on real-life incidents that occured in Kodiyankulam in 1995. The film explores caste-based violence, police brutality and discrimination, inspired from the violence that got unleashed in the all-Dalit village of Kodiyankulam in Tamil Nadu.

2. This is the first collaboration of Mari Selvaraj and Dhanush

Dhanush is one of Kollywood’s most talented actors and Selvaraj’s Pariyerum Perumal was a huge success. The duo collaborated on a project for the first time in Karnan, with Dhanush bringing his panache in acting and Selvaraj displaying his talent for direction and storytelling.

3. Karnan features a star-studded cast

Though Dhanush is the headliner of the film, the cast includes famed actors like Lal, Natarajan, Yogi Babu, Gouri G Kishan and Lakshmi Priya Chandramouli. Lal plays the role of the father of Dhanush’s love interest and delivers a splendid performance. Mollywood actress Rajisha Vijayan, who made her Tamil debut with the film, adds more appeal to Karnan with her immeasurable talent.

4. The soundtrack of Karnan is by Santhosh Narayanan

The music of Karnan has been composed by the accomplished musician Santosh Narayanan. Four singles from the film that were released prior to the theatrical release became fan-favourites that ended up trending on YouTube. The soundtrack of Karnan provides the perfect buildup to action sequences and sentimental moments.

5. Karnan is an important comment on social evils

One of India’s biggest social evils is caste-based discrimination that plagues the nation to this day. Dhanush plays the role of a youngster who is fighting police brutality and protecting his fellow villagers who belong to an oppressed caste. Through Karnan, the filmmakers have highlighted the atrocities that a certain section of Indian society still faces by legal bodies and citizens alike, with minimal repercussions that come their way till someone like Karnan chooses to fight back.