Laththi movie review: Vishal impresses in this high-octane actioner which needs better screenplay and characters

2.5/5

Story: A sincere police constable, who is under suspension, gets back to work with the help of a senior cop. But little did he know that his sincerity towards the latter would put his life in danger. He gets into a criminal's bad book after he thrashes the latter black and blue upon the instruction from the senior cop. The deadly gangster ropes in hundreds of henchmen to finish off the constable in a high-rise building. But the middle-class cop comes up with a plan which makes it difficult for the goons to face him.  

Review: If you are someone who has watched the promo videos of Laththi, you know what exactly to expect from the Vishal-starrer action drama. The film is a high-octane thriller with loads of engaging stunt sequences. With Vishal headlining the cop drama, you know you are in for a serious story that revolves around a cat-and-mouse game.

What is left to know is how conflicts and characters are designed in the film helmed by debutant A Vinoth Kumar. Unlike a few cop movies he has been part of in the past, the actor this time plays a constable.

This is also the first time he plays a father's role; a doting father of a school-going son and a loving husband whose life revolves around the family. However, Muruganantham (Vishal) is under suspension despite being earnest towards his profession. His brutal act while questioning an accused ends up facing the ire of human rights activists.

With the help of a senior cop (Thalaivasal Vijay), he dons the khakhi again, but decides not to indulge in physical harm, come what may. But an unexpected situation makes him lay hands on Vellai (Ramana), a dreaded goon who finds joy in committing severe crimes under the influence of his father Sura (PN Sunny), a political kingmaker. Vellai attacks Muruganantham and his son with the help of almost all goons in the city. Will the constable be able to face their wrath?

Laththi offers several high moments for fans of action entertainers, for the film features interesting pieces of stunt sequences in the latter half. Vishal comes up with an impressive performance, and it is a joy to watch him pull off some high-octane scenes. The hero-villain conflict is intriguing, too.

Having said that, the movie suffers from lack of organic conflicts which stops viewers from connecting to the plot after a point. The family sequences offer nothing new, and conversations between cops are quite generic. Some of the scene constructions appear superficial as well.

It looks like makers were fascinated with the idea of a cop who attempts to rescue himself and his son from a high-rise building where they are surrounded by a bunch of goons wielding varied weapons. However, the writing which leads several sequences to this one-line isn't riveting as it should have been. Unsurprisingly, Yuvan Shankar Raja's background score, too, disappoints.

Nanda, PN Sunny and Sunainaa make their presence felt while other characters do not have much to do. Peter Hein's stunt choreography is compelling, but the partly engaging screenplay falters because of which the film ends up as an okayish fare. 

Verdict: Laththi has Vishal putting his best foot forward in stunt and emotional sequences, but his hard work required a far more engaging screenplay and character design.