Movie Review: Rifle Club

Aashiq Abu’s Rifle Club serves as a cinematic adrenaline rush, blending explosive action sequences and a star-studded ensemble to deliver an entertaining two-hour spectacle. While the narrative itself lacks depth, the film’s technical brilliance and powerful performances make it a memorable experience.

Cast and Performances

The film brings together a dynamic cast, with each actor contributing to its overall energy. Vani Viswanath’s long-awaited return to the Malayalam screen is nothing short of commanding. Though she appears in only a handful of scenes, her charisma dominates, showcasing why she remains an iconic figure in Malayalam cinema.

Sunny and Aziz establish their characters’ essence even in fleeting moments, while Vijayaraghavan, as the wheelchair-bound Kuzhuveli Lonappan, delivers a performance marked by nuance and grace.

The supporting cast shines in their roles, particularly Vineeth Kumar as Shahjahan, a romantic actor turned action star, and Kiran Peethambaran as Rappadi, the production manager. Suresh Krishna’s portrayal of Doctor Lazar and Prashanth Murali as the enigmatic Pallilachan also add richness to the ensemble.

Anurag Kashyap’s portrayal of Dayanand Bare adds an intriguing layer to the film, but his character feels somewhat restrained, leaving the audience wanting more of his intensity. Dileesh Pothan and Vishnu Agasthya’s performances as gun-toting secretaries create memorable moments, while Hanuman Kind Suraj’s portrayal of Bheera stands out, especially during his entry into the Rifle Club.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Aashiq Abu’s direction, though overshadowed at times by the film’s stunning cinematography, effectively sets up an electrifying atmosphere. The action choreography, particularly the sequences involving modern and antique firearms, is a visual treat that caters to fans of stylized gunfight dramas.

The cinematography deserves special mention for elevating the film’s aesthetics, with vivid visuals that surpass expectations. The camera work not only captures the chaos of the action sequences but also adds depth to the quieter moments.

Music and Background Score

Rex Vijayan’s background score enhances the film’s tension, even though the song “Gandharva Gaan…” feels slightly derivative of Bhishma Parvat’s “Ratipushpat.” Despite this, the overall sound design complements the film’s action-heavy narrative.

Strengths and Shortcomings

While the ensemble cast adds to the film’s appeal, the abundance of characters in the action sequences occasionally feels overwhelming. This results in certain performances being overshadowed, with the narrative struggling to give each character their due. The screenplay, penned by Shyam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, and Suhas, provides a solid backdrop for action but lacks the emotional heft needed to create a more engaging story.

Final Verdict

Rifle Club thrives on its high-octane action and technical brilliance, making it a visual spectacle best experienced on the big screen. Although it lacks a deeply engaging narrative, the film compensates with its strong performances, electrifying gunfights, and stunning cinematography. For fans of action-packed dramas in the vein of Amal Neerad’s work, Rifle Club is a must-watch.