Garudan (AmazonPrimeVideo) Story :-
Taking place in Theni, the story revolves around a minister’s insatiable desire to acquire temple land. This ignites a series of events that fractures lifelong friendships, leading to a gripping narrative of betrayal and vengeance.
Garudan (AmazonPrimeVideo) Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
| Release Date | 31 May 2024 |
| Language | Tamil |
| Genre | Action, Drama |
| Duration | 2h 13min |
| Cast | Soori, M. Sasikumar, Unni Mukundan, Revathi Sharma, Sshivada, Roshini Haripriyan, Samuthirakani, Mime Gopi, R. V. Udayakumar, Vadivukkarasi, Dushyanth Ramkumar, Rajendran |
| Director | R. S. Durai Senthilkumar |
| Writer | R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, Vetrimaaran |
| Cinematography | Arthur Wilson A |
| Music | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
| Producer | Vetrimaaran, K. Kumar |
| Production | Grass Root Film Company, Lark Studios |
| Certificate | U/A |
Garudan (AmazonPrimeVideo) Review :-
The film begins with Minister Thangapandi (R.V. Udayakumar) eyeing the extensive land belonging to Kombaiammam Temple. In Kombai, we meet Aadhi (Sasikumar) and Karuna (Unni Mukundan), lifelong friends, and Sokkan (Soori), who saved Karuna’s life as a child and serves both families devotedly.
When the minister’s enforcer (Mime Gopi) arrives in Kombai, he tempts Karuna with a lucrative offer: betray Aadhi and surrender the temple documents for wealth. Influenced by his wife’s ambitions, Karuna agrees, triggering a tragic sequence of events. Amidst this turmoil, Karuna’s grandmother, Sellaayi (Vadivukkarasi), dies under suspicious circumstances, opening the door to land control. Karuna manipulates Sokkan’s loyalty, appointing him as trustee to facilitate the document theft. Aadhi, uncertain about his friend’s betrayal, meets a brutal end, witnessed by Sokkan.
Caught between allegiance to Karuna and a growing moral dilemma, Sokkan faces a difficult decision, setting the stage for a violent showdown.
Garuden maintains a relentless pace with hardly a moment to catch your breath. The film effectively portrays the deep bond between its three main characters, intensifying the impact of betrayal, especially felt by Sokkan, whose internal conflicts are striking. His loyalty is tested against his instincts, often leading to candid and amusing moments due to his inability to deceive in his master’s presence.
However, the film’s heavy reliance on graphic violence and bloodshed, though adding intensity, tends to feel excessive. The repeated scenes of stabbings, throat cuttings, and mutilations become predictable and lose their shock value over time. Moreover, the plot of betrayal feels somewhat clichéd and reminiscent of stories like Sundarapandian. The decision for Aadhi to involve a baby in a violent confrontation feels out of place and impractical, despite repeated warnings, leading to his tragic demise.
All three actors – Soori, Sasikumar, and Unni Mukundan – receive equal screen time in Garuden. Sasikumar performs with his customary flair and delivers a solid performance. Unni Mukundan impresses with his earnest portrayal. However, it is Soori who truly shines and uplifts the film. His transformation from a loyal servant to a determined fighter for justice forms the emotional core of the narrative. His exceptional performance continues his successful streak in serious roles since Vidhuthalai. Vadivukkarasi leaves a lasting impression despite her brief appearance, while Shivada Nair maximizes her limited screen time.
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score complements the film well, enhancing its mood and tension. The film opts for minimal songs, a choice that proves beneficial. Arthur Wilson effectively captures the gritty, earthy atmosphere of the brickfield setting.
Garuden will resonate with viewers who appreciate emotional rural action films.
