Mark Antony Review: Vishal is back with a bang, but SJ Suryah steals the show in this entertaining fare

Story: A time machine takes two warring gangsters back in time to take revenge on each other.

Review: Mark Antony is a classic example of mindless fun, which also packs many punches. There are gangsters, mass dialogues, retro vibes in abandon, gang wars, laughter and some heavy-duty action. Vishal and SJ Suryah go all guns blazing in their latest outing. They also appear in multiple avatars with some mass entry scenes every time, giving the audience some whistle-worthy moments. The film is an ode to Mark Antony, the iconic villain played by the late Raghuvaran in Baashha. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Mark Antony, SJ Suryah's Baashha moment!

The story begins in the backdrop of year 1975 when a scientist (Selvaraghavan) invents a time machine through which one can go back in time. However, the invention has a catch. One can only make one call per date. If they have to talk to the same person again, they will need to either call the previous date or the next date.

Cut to year 1995, and we see Mark Antony, a humble mechanic (Vishal) under the wings of gangster Jackie Pandian (SJ Suryah) after being orphaned during a gang war. He is someone who likes to stay away from trouble. He is best buddies with Marudhu, ( SJ Suryah son) son of Jackie. In the past, we learn that parents of the duo, Jackie Pandian and Antony are a tag team. Though they are the dreaded gangsters of the area, Antony has a good-natured side to him, unlike his partner Jackie.

When Mark stumbles across the time machine that was invented two years ago, he learns that all is not exactly the same as he was told and that this life is a pack of lies. The rest of the plot revolves around how Mark uses the time machine to his advantage and to change the past.

Director Adhik Ravichandran proves that he is a hardcore fan of Ajith. There are ample references to the actor and his upcoming film, Vidaamuyarchi as well. He also thanks Thalapathy Vijay in the title card, who was one of the first persons to watch the film's teaser.

Mark Antony is so fast-paced that it could give director Hari, a run for his money. The frames cut past one another at a rapid pace giving us absolutely no breather. Needless to say, there are no dull moments in the film. The director has packaged scenes that completely play to the gallery.

The film can be billed as a comeback for Vishal, who has been desperately looking for a hit. The actor doesn't disappoint and his role as Antony is one to watch out for. He effortlessly brings out the variations to the father and son's character, who are polar opposites in nature. His appearance towards the end of the film is a show stealer.

However, it's SJ Suryah, who takes the cake in the show. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the life of the film. He fires from all cylinders and how. We wonder how the man has so much energy in him.

Having said that the film does have many double entendres and which might not go well with all sections of audiences. Veteran actor YG Mahendra plays one of the weakest roles in his career, so much so that his absence wouldn't have made any difference to the film. When are we going to portray the LGBTQI in a positive manner in our films? Ritu Varma plays a mere eye candy in the film. One of the most awaited scenes was that of the return of 'Silk' Smitha, but the late actress once again gets stereotyped as a sex symbol.

The film completely sidelines the women and becomes an all-male show who are all set to prove their 'manliness'.

Though the scene effortlessly segues from one scene to another, despite its brisk pace, the background music of Mark Antony is quite jarring and it gets a tad irritating after a point of time. The songs don't stay in our minds either.

Summing up, Adhik Ravichandran has used the time travel concept in an entertaining manner. Despite its flaws, the film entertains.

Verdict:  Mark Antony, packed with many exciting and mass moments, and despite its many flaws, makes for an entertaining watch. While Vishal is back with a bang, SJ Suryah turns out to be the star of this commercial entertainer.