Ageless Kamal Haasan Returns with Indian 3: The Heroic Climax

Indian 3: The Heroic Climax, starring Kamal Haasan, Siddharth, Rakul Preet, Priyabhavani Shankar, Bobby Simha, Nedumudi Venu, Vivek, Gulshan Grover, Samuthirakani, Manobala, Jackir Hussain, is a sequel to the hit franchise that took the audience by storm in 1996. The return of Haasan in the lead role has sparked enthusiasm among fans, indicating a positive reception for the movie.

The plot revolves around Aravind (Siddharth), a YouTuber running a channel under the name ‘Barking Dogs.’ His main goal is to expose corrupt practices, which becomes the primary focus of his channel.

Amid the launch controversies and a tragic incident of a mother committing suicide after witnessing it, Indian returns with the tag ‘I Am Back Indian’ in Taipei, where the protagonist was found living since his disappearance from the country in 1996. Aravind catches the attention of the public with his channel’s investigative pursuits.

As the narrative unfolds, the film unveils the journey of an army general (Haasan) who returns from Taipei to India amidst a wave of suicides linked to his reforms. The unfolding events lead his admirers to new forms of protests. What happens next? How does the climax unfold on the general? That’s the movie.

However, the primary drawback in the story and screenplay is the lack of an organic flow, with scenes shifting abruptly between locales without substantial depth. While addressing serious issues, comedic elements with characters lighten the mood in between. But that’s not the whole picture.

Kamal Haasan’s entry into the film is powerful but after that, his character becomes dull, uninspired, and unemotional. He delivers poetic dialogues sporadically, maintaining a touch of artistic expression. Why they didn’t opt for Telugu dubbing is a mystery! Why not do justice to those who dubbed it in the first place?

The action sequences are excessively brutal at the onset, followed by a tone shift to trolling-style violence. The music in the background also lacks innovation, adhering to current standards.

Shankar’s directorial prowess is absent in this installment. Perhaps due to a desire to take a particular direction or execute certain scenes, the lack of strength in execution, believability in the narrative, or anchoring in moral principles leaves this movie slightly adrift,

Kamal Haasan critiquing hardship without providing resolutions is futile. The burden of delivering a character so effectively portrayed by him before weighs heavily on the director. His attempt to create suspense while emotionally pandering results in an inadequate execution.

Rakul Preet Singh shines through with edgy, dynamic characters. Though her role fails to make a notable impact in the storyline, her chemistry plays out well with the lead.

Siddharth leads the narrative, depicting a society devoid of launching events, wishing to witness inaction. His character’s progression explores dramatic elements and successfully engages in the emotional turmoil, earning him applause for his efforts.

Priyabhavani Shankar impresses as a police officer. Her dynamic portrayal in the narrative aligns well with her mystery character in the script.

Bobby Simha takes efforts to establish his unique chemistry with Kamal Haasan. So why does Indian 3 seem to be lacking in substance, depth, character development or fall short of massive expectations? This intricacy signals the Indian protagonist has aged, with the film now calling for approximately 100 years. Is it feasible for him to carry on his legacy? Will he be able to perform daring stunts just like before? These questions are left unanswered, with the Indian’s character metamorphosing into a superhero ensuring the continuation of his legacy.

Once the climax ensues replete with rolling titles, Indian 3, dubbed under the title ‘I Will Be Back Indian,’ hints at a forthcoming third degree declaring readiness.