Kaithi

If there is a fault, it is that the film feels overlong for its genre, with a couple of action blocks getting over-indulgent. But when it is action that we have signed up for, we cannot complain much about that.

This Karthi starrer is an action film with a soul and a purpose. While it still caters to the masses, it is nothing like a crowd-pleasing commercial film.

Lo and behold, this Karthi-Lokesh Kanagaraj joyride is by far the best action thriller in Tamil cinema since Theeran Adhigaram Ondru.

There's a fantastic "mass" scene, set around a swimming pool, where the protagonist stuffs himself with biriyani — it's a stunning few minutes of a purely physical performance.

Kaithi is Kamal Haasan’s Virumaandi meets Bruce Willis’s Die Hard. In fact, Lokesh has acknowledged both the films in the credits.

With its engrossing screenplay, and hinged around a little girl, 'Kaithi' leaves you teary eyed.

The characters in this Karthi starrer are in a constant fight-or-flight mode. Lokesh forces them to choose between pain and pride. Surrender or resist.