Andhagan Movie Review: A Faithful but Unengaging Remake of Andhadhun

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Tamil actor Prashanth’s much-anticipated comeback film Andhagan attempts to replicate the brilliance of the 2018 Hindi hit Andhadhun, but unfortunately, it misses the mark. Directed by Prashanth’s father, Thiagarajan, the film is a near frame-to-frame remake of the original, but what it gains in faithfulness, it loses in the magic that made Andhadhun a standout black comedy thriller.

The Plot: Andhagan follows the story of Krish (Prashanth), a blind pianist who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a murder. The plot is intriguing, with twists and turns that are supposed to keep the audience on edge. However, despite the intriguing premise, the Tamil adaptation feels flat and lacks the gripping intensity of the original.

Performances: Prashanth, returning to the big screen after a six-year hiatus, takes on the challenging role of Krish. However, the 51-year-old actor struggles to bring the youthful charm and energy required for the character. The role of a charming, talented musician, originally played by Ayushmann Khurrana, demanded a certain freshness that Prashanth, unfortunately, doesn’t deliver.

Simran, on the other hand, is the film’s saving grace. Stepping into the shoes of Tabu’s iconic character, Simi, she brings a convincing performance, exuding the right mix of allure and menace. Priya Anand as Julie is decent, but the film’s ensemble cast, including veterans like Urvashi, Yogi Babu, and Samuthirakani, fails to leave a significant impact. Karthick, who plays Simi’s husband, is a misfit in his role, and his poorly synced dubbing further detracts from the experience.

Direction and Music: Thiagarajan, who stepped in as the director after two others left the project, sticks closely to the original script. However, this adherence to the original doesn’t work in the film’s favor. The narrative lacks the edge and sharpness of Andhadhun, with twists that feel predictable rather than surprising. The dialogues, penned by Pattukotai Prabhakar, fail to evoke any real emotion, leaving the audience disengaged from Krish’s journey.

Santhosh Narayanan, known for his exceptional work in Tamil cinema, disappoints with the film’s music. The songs, crucial to the character of Krish, who is a pianist, are uninspiring and lack the vibrancy expected from Narayanan. The background score, which should have heightened the film’s tension, falls short, making the thriller elements feel dull and lifeless.

Conclusion: Andhagan is a film that had the potential to be a thrilling ride but ends up being a pale imitation of its original. While it is a faithful remake, it fails to capture the essence that made Andhadhun a classic. The film’s flat narrative, lackluster performances, and uninspiring music result in an experience that is, unfortunately, more tedious than thrilling. Fans of Andhadhun may find themselves disappointed by this remake that tries hard but ultimately fails to hit the right notes.