Lal Salaam (2024) Movie review
Aishwarya Rajinikanth is back in the director's chair after almost eight years with her latest film, "Lal Salaam". Choosing such a bold title for her comeback, alongside boosting her presence on social media, took real courage. "Lal Salaam" tackles the complex issue of religious politics, offering a reflection of reality. But does it effectively get its message across? Let's dive in and see!
The story revolves around Thirunavukarasu, or Thiru for short, played by Vishnu Vishal, and Shamsuddin, portrayed by Vikranth. They're talented cricket players from Murrabad, a village where Hindus and Muslims live together peacefully. Despite their different faiths, they share a bond of friendship. However, tensions arise when Thiru accidentally injures Shamsuddin during a cricket match, triggering conflict between the two communities.
Meanwhile, local politicians see an opportunity to exploit this rivalry for their own gain, especially with elections approaching. They manipulate the situation, pushing the village towards communal violence. The film explores how this tension unfolds and ultimately resolves.
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"Lal Salaam" tackles the sensitive issue of Hindu-Muslim relations, using cricket and politics as its backdrop. While this provides a rich canvas for storytelling, the film falls short in its originality and fails to break away from clichés.
Overall, "Lal Salaam" presents a compelling narrative but could have pushed boundaries further to truly make an impact.
"Lal Salaam" hits some emotional highs with its impactful moments. Whether it's exposing the dirty side of religious politics or the character development of Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth, the film shines in spots. One standout scene involves Senthil's heartfelt longing for family in old age.
Having Rajinikanth deliver a crucial message adds weight to the film, broadening its appeal. However, Aishwarya Rajinikanth's direction could have injected more originality into the story. "Lal Salaam" follows a predictable path, relying heavily on performances to keep viewers engaged. Even Kapil Dev's cameo fails to spark much excitement.
Despite being billed as an extended cameo, Rajinikanth's role as Moideen Bhai is pivotal, driving the story forward when it falters. His effortless charm and charisma shine through, along with some endearing moments.
Vishnu Vishal impresses as the hot-headed cricket player Thiru, while Vikranth delivers a solid performance as Shamsuddin. Supporting actors like Thambi Ramaiah and Vivek Prasanna add depth to the story, though Jeevitha's performance feels overdone.
AR Rahman's music and Vishnu Rangasamy's cinematography elevate the film, capturing the essence of Murrabad's dry landscape.
While "Lal Salaam" has noble intentions, the first half feels uneven with forced scenes. However, the film finds its footing in the second half, leaving viewers with a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, "Lal Salaam" earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for its efforts.
FAQs about "Lal Salaam"
1. What is the central theme of "Lal Salaam"?
The central theme of "Lal Salaam" revolves around Hindu-Muslim relations, with cricket and politics serving as the backdrop.
2. Who are the main characters in the movie?The main characters are Thirunavukarasu (Thiru), played by Vishnu Vishal, and Shamsuddin, portrayed by Vikranth. Other notable characters include Senthil and Moideen Bhai, played by Rajinikanth.
3. What is the significance of the title "Lal Salaam"?The title "Lal Salaam" translates to "Red Salute" and is often associated with communist or left-wing movements. In the context of the movie, it likely symbolizes solidarity or a call for unity against religious division.
4. How does the film address the issue of religious politics?The film depicts how tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities are manipulated by local politicians for their own agendas, particularly during election times.
5. What are some strengths of the film?The film has been praised for its compelling narrative, impactful moments, and strong performances, particularly by Vishnu Vishal, Vikranth, and Rajinikanth. Additionally, the music by AR Rahman and cinematography by Vishnu Rangasamy have been highlighted as strengths.
6. What are some criticisms of the film?Critics have pointed out that "Lal Salaam" lacks originality and relies heavily on clichés. Some scenes feel forced, particularly in the first half, and there are missed opportunities to push boundaries further.
7. How does Rajinikanth contribute to the film?Rajinikanth delivers a crucial message in his role as Moideen Bhai, which adds weight to the film and broadens its appeal. His performance is praised for its effortless charm and charisma.