Bakasuran review: A hard-hitting film that keeps you engaged from start to finish

Bakasuran deals with the menace of online prostitution and also showcases the manner in which mobile apps that have been developed for this purpose in the market trap unwary and gullible youngsters, and draw them into the profession. It also shows how the victims, once trapped, can’t find a way to get out of the system.

Synopsis

The story begins with Bheema Rasu (Selvaraghavan) — a folk artist who performs on the streets — killing a college professor looking to exploit one of his female students in a lonely place.

Bheema Rasu doesn’t stop with just one murder.

He goes on a killing spree, calmly tracking and cleverly plotting the deaths of a series of individuals over a period of time.

As Bheema Rasu continues to ferociously and diligently hunt down his victims, a retired Major from the Indian Army called Arun Varman (Natty) is in for a shock.

Arun, who has turned a YouTuber after his stint in the armed forces, gets to hear the tragic news of his young niece’s suicide.

Related: ‘Bakasuran’ cautions how a video call can ruin lives

Initially, like the girl’s parents, he also believes that she committed suicide because of not liking a prospective alliance that her parents fixed for her.

However, long after the police close the case as a matter of suicide, he stumbles upon evidence in her phone that makes him realise that his niece was in the grip of a powerful and dangerous gang indulging in prostitution.

He begins to follow the trail. What happens then is what the film is all about.

Does Arun Varman track the gang down? Does he find the kingpin? What does he do to them? Does Bheema Rasu stop killing people? Why is he killing so many people?

Bakasuran gives you the answers to all these questions and more.

Its biggest strength is its honesty

Mohan G Kshatriyan needs to be appreciated for turning the spotlight on an issue that nobody seemed to have the guts to talk about for a very long time.

He boldly holds a mirror to society’s ugly face and highlights the dangers that mobile phones and other technological advancements pose to children and families.

The film is like an awakening call to parents, urging them to keep a close watch over what their wards do with their mobile phones in private.

Bakasuran from Feb 17 th ! Just one day to go 😍😍 pic.twitter.com/DzsYP8QR1H

— selvaraghavan (@selvaraghavan) February 15, 2023

Bakasuran‘s strength lies in its honesty. The director seems to have made a sincere attempt at presenting the pressing issue in as honest a manner as possible.

What also helps the cause is the fact that Mohan does not dilute the seriousness of the issue with unnecessary melodrama.

The dialogues are hard-hitting and to the point. There is one dialogue that Selvaraghavan’s character Bheema Rasu delivers in the first half that is exceptional.

Lamenting about his misfortune to the presiding deity in a temple, Bheema Rasu offers a prayer.

In it, he confesses how vulnerable he is, saying he does not know how he is going to take on his opponents who are high and mighty.

He prays for strength that will enable him to take all the pain that is going to be inflicted on him and the power that will inflict pain on his opponents.

That portion is rooted in reality and handsomely enhances the credibility of the plot.

Brilliant performances

The film also has some really convincing performances to offer.

Selvaraghavan aces the role of Bheema Rasu with absolute ease.

Inconsolable when he’s alone and menacing and merciless when it comes to murdering those on his target list, Selvaraghavan is on a roll in the film.

Natty as the retired army Major turned YouTuber turns in a fine performance.

His dialogues are measured and go perfectly well with the role he plays.

Newcomer Tarakshi, who plays Selvaraghavan’s daughter in the film, is a perfect fit for the role. Simple, soft-spoken, and trusting, she looks convincing as a first-time graduate.

She does a fantastic job throughout the film, particularly in the sequences in which she begins to tremble, knowing her inadvertent mistake is proving to be costly.

Exceptional music

On the technical front, Sam CS is at his scintillating best.

Both songs in the film and their background score work big time. The background score intensifies the mood and thereby lifts the film to another level altogether.

Verdict

Very simply put, Mohan G Kshatriyan seems to have delivered a commendable film that takes immense courage to make!