Valimai movie review: Stunning action scenes and Ajith's earnest performance make this a watchable fare

3/5

Story: A dreaded, cold-blooded criminal carries out several crimes in Chennai using a sophisticated network that includes many jobless youngsters. The dispirited police department assigns the case to ACP Arjun Kumar, whose world revolves around his family. But he soon realizes that the criminal is extremely dangerous and that nabbing him is quite a challenge. Can the intelligent cop stop him from indulging in more crimes?       

Review: Finally, the much-awaited action flick, Valimai, has hit the screens after keeping fans of Ajith waiting for more than two years. The film has been billed as the face-off between a hi-tech criminal and a smart cop. Director Vinoth's previous films, Yuvan Shankar Raja's music and Dhilip Subbarayan's action scenes are a few reasons, apart from Ajith's presence, which made movie buffs eagerly looking forward to the movie. Has the film managed to meet the humungous expectations?

What fans of Ajith expect from a regular action film featuring their favourite star are rip-roaring intro scene, engaging fight sequences, gripping screenplay which offers ample scope for him to perform and pulsating background score that elevates his towering screen presence.

Director Vinoth succeeds to a good extent with regard to ticking these boxes. The star gets a stunning intro scene, followed by a fight sequence, adrenaline-pumping action scenes that involve three chase episodes and plenty of emotional sequences, too. But one can't blame those who expect something extraordinary from Vinoth, thanks to the filmmaker's earlier outings. Valimai isn't just about Ajith. It has a few other notable characters as well - while some of them shine in a few scenes - most of the others do not leave a lasting impression.

The movie begins with a few youngsters in Chennai setting out to indulge in 'petty crimes' like chain snatching. There is an effective dialogue later in the film on why those crimes should not be considered as 'petty'. The police department finds that the number of crimes, involving murders, are on an alarming rise in the city. 

They rope in Madurai-based Assistant Commissioner of Police, Arjun Kumar (Ajith), to handle the law and order situation in the city which has gone haywire. An emotional person by nature, Arjun, who is attached to his mother and siblings, soon finds that all the major crimes which are happening in Chennai are being carried out by one gang. 

He, along with Sofia (Huma Qureshi), an efficient cop, starts investigating the case and discovers that Naren (Kartikeya), a young, cold-blood criminal is behind all kinds of notorious crimes. The duo also learn that Naren has been single-handedly spearheading an extremely dangerous network of jobless youngsters who are ready to commit crimes without any guilt.   

What follows is a cat-and-mouse game between Arjun and Naren. Vinoth comes up with some interesting episodes in the first half; the investigation scenes are organic and the one-man army character of the antagonist is quite convincing, leaving the viewers glued to the screen. The chasing scene in motorbike between Arjun and Naren is a feast for action lovers. Nirav Shah's spectacular visuals complement the stunt choreography.  

A small twist involving Arjun's younger brother is okayish; the latter plays a crucial part to the further proceedings in the story. The action scene choreographed by Dhilip involving cops and a bevy of terrifying members of Satan's Slaves is another treat the movie offers in the beginning of the latter half. But the screenplay goes downhill after Arjun takes up a mission in order to save his family from Naren. 

A chase scene that follows doesn't leave much impact because of below par VFX works and over-the-top stunts. The emotional scenes which appear later do not succeed in connecting with the audience. The movie also goes on to become a predictable hero-villain fare after a point. Though the message the director tries to convey is relevant to today's times, it appears forced. The much-expected background score disappoints as it fails to elevate some of the crucial sequences.

Ajith excels in the role of a cop once again; he appears confident and oozes swag in action scenes. Huma Qureshi's character is promising in the beginning, but goes on to become an okayish role. 

As the menacing villain, Kartikeya does his job well in many scenes. The other characters, including the family members of the protagonist, that are supposed to be engaging, are underwritten. 

Verdict: Valimai ends up as an impressive action flick which has a decent screenplay and underwhelming emotional scenes. 

Valimai is streaming on Zee5.