Tunnel Movie Review

Tunnel, starring Atharvaa and Lavanya Tripathi, is a gripping action thriller that sets out to deliver intense drama and suspense. While the film shows promise in the first half with engaging performances and slick visuals, it ultimately falls prey to a predictable revenge formula that leaves the audience craving more originality. Here’s our take on the film:
Plot Overview
The story kicks off with a tense confrontation between the police and a group of bank robbers, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control. Ashwath Kakamanu, playing the antagonist, orchestrates a series of eliminations targeting the officers involved in the robberies. As chaos ensues, a newly recruited cop (played by Atharvaa) gets caught up in the mayhem, with his loyalty and skills put to the ultimate test.
As the plot unfolds, we are introduced to a flashback sequence that provides the motivation behind the villain’s actions and explores the personal journey of the protagonist. However, the film struggles to maintain its initial momentum as it delves into familiar storytelling territory.
Performances:
As always, Atharvaa Murali impressed with his performance. With his expressive big eyes, he conveyed emotions beautifully and excelled not only in action sequences but also in emotional scenes. Ashwin Kakamanu, as the villain, delivered a powerful act and turned out to be one of the highlights of Tunnel. Lavanya Tripathi, who appeared on the silver screen after almost three years, played a regular commercial heroine role after a brief stint in web series.
Highlights
Atharvaa's Performance: Atharvaa does a commendable job in his role, showcasing both vulnerability and strength. His portrayal of a normal cop, rather than a larger-than-life hero, brings a refreshing sense of realism to the narrative. His character’s growth and the challenges he faces are among the highlights of the film.
Ashwath Kakamanu as the Villain: Ashwath Kakamanu's performance as the antagonist is solid, making his character feel menacing and powerful. The chemistry between him and Atharvaa works well, adding intensity to their confrontational scenes.
Visual Appeal: The film stands out visually, with a sleek and stylish aesthetic. The night-time action sequences, captured by Sakthi Saravanan’s cinematography, stand out for their elegance and sharpness. These moments add a polished touch to the overall viewing experience.
Tense Action Sequences: The action is well-executed, especially in the first half and during the slum-based sequences. The tension is palpable, keeping the audience engaged as the story builds towards its first major turning point.
Technical Aspects
Music and Background Score: Justin Prabhakaran’s background score complements the tense atmosphere, but the lack of memorable songs leaves the soundtrack somewhat forgettable. The music, however, does succeed in enhancing the thriller elements.
Cinematography: Sakthi Saravanan’s camera work is a standout, capturing the high-octane action blocks with finesse. The dark, moody visuals help set the tone for the thriller, making the film visually appealing even when the story falters.
Editing: The editing could have been tighter, especially in the second half. The prolonged scenes in the climax and the overused flashback format contribute to a slower pacing that diminishes the overall impact.
Verdict
Tunnel is a film with potential that gets weighed down by its reliance on a conventional revenge narrative. While Atharvaa and Ashwath Kakamanu’s performances, along with the slick visuals and intense action sequences, help maintain interest, the film ultimately falls short of being a standout thriller. The predictable plot, lack of emotional depth, and drawn-out climax hinder what could have been a compelling watch.
If you're a fan of action thrillers and don’t mind familiar tropes, Tunnel may still offer a few moments of entertainment. However, for those seeking something fresh and innovative in the genre, it may not fully satisfy your expectations.
RATING:3/5