Released on April 13, 2022
The most exciting factor about Beast when it was originally announced was the coming together of filmmaker Nelson and Vijay for the first time.
The film narrates the incidents that take place inside a mall hijacked by a group of terrorists, who demand the release of their leader. By chance, the mall has Vijay inside, an ex - RAW officer who possesses all the skills in the world when it comes to battling enemies. While a minister and his team come forward to tackle the situation. Vijay enters the scenario with his own demands, methods and style.
Unlike most big - ticket films these days, the canvas of beast is quite small. The majority of the film takes place inside the mall, which serves as the central point of the story and the proceedings. The first few minutes of film introduce us to the character of Vijay explain his inner turmoil and tease the almost super - heroic qualities that he has. Then, Nelson ushers the audience into the mall where the actual tension begins.
While the mood of the first half of the film is smoothened out with a fair smattering of comedy, hero elevation sequences and some solid action, the second half falls flat as there is hardly anything to cheer for. The comedy, a highlight of Nelson's first two films, take a backseat here as the supporting characters feel one - tone and have no purpose in the proceedings.
Nelson was highly appreciated for his reticent charactersations of both Nayanthara and Sivakarthikeyan in his first two films, but the superman like role that he gives Vijay here goes overboard and turns too filmi. It would have been better if his hero had a weak spot and was vulnerable to an extent, or had a strong adversary to fight and a situation. With the character of Vijay having no emotional connection or unseen sides, it is tough to relate with him in the film's run.
It is indeed a cakewalk for Vijay, who has already proved himself in such action - packed roles earlier in his career. The film gives the star a polished look, a respectable job and great skills sets, and he puts them to best use in the stylised action sequences which are so gorgeous to see onscreen. Expect for the climax sequence which turns out to be a major turnoff, Vijay shines throughout the film and is treat to watch.
VTV Ganesh's role is the sole saviour as none of the artists are properly sketched out and just hanged around with the lead character throughout the film. It is interesting to see Nelson pair up two worthy comedians in Yogi Babu and Kingsley, and also draw in the some characters of Mahali and Killi from the world of his previous film Doctor, but he hardly gives them anything to do in his story, and that's disappointing.
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