Mr. X – A spy flick that needed more edge!

Ashwin Ram 

Premise: An international summit planned in Chennai is under threat as Russian mercenaries plot a nuclear attack. How a team of R&AW agents steps in to tackle the situation and prevent disaster forms the crux of the story.

Writing / Direction:

The core idea holds good potential, and a few cinematic touches in its presentation are appealing. The portions revolving around Sarathkumar’s character work relatively well, with some interesting twists, particularly towards the climax. However, the film leans on familiar tropes quite often, including the predictable turn of seemingly innocent characters into traitors. Since this device is used repeatedly, it reduces the overall impact.

For a spy thriller, one expects a certain level of sharpness and intrigue, but those moments are limited here. Emotional angles are present but don’t fully land due to underdeveloped writing and staging. While the film aims for a grand, large-scale presentation, the basic logic in some areas feels undercooked. The action sequences are plenty, but they lack variation and memorable staging.

The story world, especially the international security elements, could have been more convincingly integrated. Certain casting choices also feel slightly out of place. Technical jargon is used frequently, but at times it feels more functional than organic. Though the film maintains a brisk pace, the storytelling occasionally lacks clarity. There are a few engaging stretches towards the latter half, but they arrive a bit late.

Performances:

Arya fits the role well and plays to his strengths, though his physicality could have been utilized better in the action blocks. Manju Warrier’s attempt at an action-oriented role is commendable, and her effort shows. Sarathkumar gets a character with some interesting shades, even if the makeovers don’t always feel convincing.

Gautham Karthik’s role comes across as underwritten, limiting his scope to stand out. The supporting cast largely fits into familiar spy-thriller templates, serving the plot without leaving a strong impression.

Technicalities:

Dhibu Ninan Thomas’ background score stands out and adds a much-needed edge to the film’s mood. The film keeps songs to a minimum, which works in its favor. Visually, the film is stylish, with some well-shot sequences in exotic locations, though the makeup work feels inconsistent in places.

The editing maintains a fast pace, but the screenplay doesn’t always support it, leading to occasional lags. The action choreography, while abundant, could have been more impactful and grounded to elevate the overall experience.

Verdict:

Director Manu Anand focuses more on style and scale, and while the film has a promising premise, the execution leans towards familiarity. With stronger writing and more grounded storytelling, it could have been more engaging. As it stands, it offers a few decent moments but doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential.

Mr. X – A spy flick that needed more edge!