Dear Vikram movie review: Sathish Ninasam’s film on activism doesn’t quite pack a punch

1.5/5

Story: Vikram (Sathish Ninasam), a young idealist with left-wing leanings, finds an admirer in new classmate Nitya, who is fascinated by his views on governance and what needs to be done to set things right. When she realizes that Vikram actually puts his words ino action, as Naxal Comrade Prem, she gives him an ultimatum – to choose between his activism and his family. He favours the former and walks out on his family. Is there hope on the horizon for the couple or is Vikram too entrenched in his activism?

Review: Debutant director KS Nandeesh’s film Dear Vikram dropped on Voot Select today. Although the film is quite old, having gone on floors way back in 2017, the subject will remain relevant as long as corruption of any form continues in society. Dear Vikram, which was earlier called Godhra, a more apt title for its narrative about violent activism that borders on terrorism, is about Sathish Ninasam’s character Vikram, whose staunch belief in the ideals of his left-wing organization not only has him resort to violence, but prioritise his ‘work’ over family.

Unfortunately for Vikram, the realization that every organization, irrespective of its leanings, comes with its own nefarious agenda, strikes a wee bit too late in the day. The film has not one, but two romantic tracks, one involving Vikram and Nitya, and the other between Bharath (Vasishta N Simha) and Millie (Raksha Somashekar). But these are minor deviations from the main plot that focuses on the nexus between big corporates, politicians, bureaucrats and activists. Although their paths never cross, both Vikram and Bharath become pawns in this corrupt machinery. Is there redemption on the horizon for either of them?

Nandeesh’s film is about the sacrifices that lower-rung cadets of activist groups make with the firm belief that it is for the greater good. Unfortunately, there is no space for lofty ideals in today’s world that is driven by the desire for more. Everyone wants to grease their pockets and it doesn’t matter at what cost. The filmmaker tries to build his story around the land-grabbing of farm land, but this premise also gets abandoned by the roadside. In the end, the problem with the film is that the intention behind this story does not quite come across. Was it meant to be a love story or a hard-hitting political thriller? It is neither here or there or anywhere in between, with a narrative that lacks bite.

Verdict: If a film with a supposedly serious subject does not hold your attention despite a less than two-hour run-time that tells you that there are failings. But even if you were to overlook that, Dear Vikram, unfortunately, does not have anything worthwhile to mention; even the cast looks bored as they sleepwalk through their roles. The film is currently streaming on Voot Select without subtitles or any other audio track. Our verdict - skip it!