Kamal shines, but a sluggish second half dulls this thriller's edge.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Cheekati Rajyam is mixed-to-moderate, with most reviewers acknowledging it as a watchable but unexceptional thriller. Kamal Haasan's performance and the film's technical values, particularly its action sequences and sound design, drew consistent praise across reviews. The most common criticisms point to a slow, dragging second half, a predictable or flat screenplay, and the film's failure to fully capture the energy of its source material. Several critics noted the film would appeal mainly to fans of the genre while leaving general audiences underwhelmed.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Film review ·
On the whole, Cheekati Rajyam is a slick action thriller with interesting moments going its way. Racy first half, Kamal Haasan's performance and some stylized action episodes are huge assets. On the flip side, a predictable story line and a slightly dragged out second half spoil things a bit. All those who like action thrillers will end up loving it big time and for the rest it ends up as just a decent watch this weekend.
Film review ·
Though the second half is a bit slow, overall the movie is good as it is a nice departure from the regular masala films.
Film review ·
...is a dark little film with no subplots or entertainment just for the sake of it. The ending hints at a franchise with inspectors Diwakar and Mallika (Trisha) - bring it on, we say!
Film review ·
...the movie has lot going for it like technical values, Kamal Haasan's performance and other actors' honest effort but it doesn't rise above the level of a taut and engaging thriller. Okay movie, on the whole. Bottomline: Lacks Punch
Film review ·
Except for some brilliantly shot action scenes Cheekati Rajyam has nothing exciting enough to be cherished at the cinemas. The team will be lauded for breaking the so called formula but as a film it fails to strike chord with the viewers. Kamal Haasan who usually adds emotional depth to his plots has written a flat screenplay that turns uninteresting in the second hour. Extremely slow pace and with hardly anything happening on the story front for the most part of the movie, Cheekati Rajyam finds it tough to appeal to the majority of audience. Verdict: Different But Shallow.
Film review ·
... is a good action thriller with high action sequences…
Film review ·
Cheekati Rajyam is an action thriller with all its elements, but the storyline lets down the film a bit. Some twists and turns in this thriller would have done wonders to this. Kamal and his team have concentrated more on the stunts and sound design, some work on the second half would have elevated the film to a different level.
Film review ·
... the film, helmed by Rajesh M Selva, has technical brilliance. The thing with the film is that it has its heart set in the right place but it's the beats that are occasionally irregular.
Film review ·
Director Rajesh stuck to the subject and did not deviate from the main topic. He narrates the story with conviction and with Kamal Haasan's screenplay, he keeps viewers interested for most part of the film. Only problem with him is the film never picks up pace and looked like a documentary. After sometime viewers get disconnected especially in the second half. Overall Rajesh started off on a promising note.
Film review ·
Even though, Cheekati Rajyam is not exceptional, it makes for an engaging watch.
Film review ·
It's an Olympian feat to remake an International hit film to local standard and at the same time make their fans happy. However, debutant director while trying to do so, failed to grab the soul of the film completely from the original. The film leaves you with a mixed kind of impact in the end and would appeal to only a limited section of audience. All in all, Cheekati Rajyam is a remake of Nuit Blanche but lacks the finesse and gloss of Frederic Jardin's worth watching action thriller.
Film review ·
... isn't really exceptional, going by Kamal Haasan's oeuvre, but makes for an engaging watch. An assured debut by director Rajesh M. Selva.
Credits
TrishaMallika
Prakash RajVittal Rao
KishoreDhiraviyam
Kamal HassanCK Diwakar IRS
Sampath RajPedha Babu
Asha SarathSujatha
Yugi SethuMani
Madhu ShaliniEsther
Uma Riyaz KhanBartender
JaganJagan
Kamal Haasan
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