Anniyan — Tamil Movie Review

Nelsonjabez
3 min readJul 26, 2023

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Title: Anniyan (2005) — A Riveting Psychological Thriller with a Social Message

Anniyan, directed by S. Shankar and released in 2005, is a Tamil-language psychological thriller that showcases the gripping tale of a man’s battle with multiple personality disorder and his quest to rid society of corruption and injustice. With a captivating plot, outstanding performances, and thought-provoking themes, Anniyan leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

Plot Summary: The film centers around Ramanujam, an efficient and law-abiding lawyer by day, and a vigilante known as “Anniyan” by night. Due to a childhood incident that left a deep impression on his psyche, Ramanujam develops three distinct personalities. While the first persona is a soft-spoken and timid individual, the second is a charismatic and outgoing playboy, and the third is the ruthless vigilante, Anniyan, who cannot bear to see injustice go unpunished.

Review: Anniyan is a rollercoaster of emotions that manages to strike a perfect balance between thrilling action sequences and a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of the human mind. Vikram, who portrays the protagonist Ramanujam and his various personas, delivers an extraordinary performance. His ability to effortlessly switch between the diverse personalities and display the contrasting emotions is truly commendable.

The film’s narrative is strengthened by its engaging screenplay and well-crafted character arcs. Sada and Prakash Raj’s performances as supporting characters are noteworthy and add depth to the storyline. Harris Jayaraj’s music elevates the movie’s emotional quotient, with memorable tracks that fit perfectly into the various moods of the film.

One of Anniyan’s strengths lies in its thought-provoking themes. The movie sheds light on the corrupt systems and social issues prevalent in society. It raises pertinent questions about the impact of injustice on ordinary citizens and the consequences of a flawed legal system. The portrayal of Anniyan as a vigilante, who takes the law into his own hands, sparks debates about the thin line between justice and vigilantism.

Director Shankar’s vision is evident throughout the film, with visually stunning cinematography and well-executed action sequences that keep the audience at the edge of their seats. The incorporation of technology and special effects adds to the overall appeal of the movie, making it a visually pleasing experience.

However, Anniyan is not without its flaws. The movie’s runtime is quite lengthy, which might test the patience of some viewers. Additionally, the portrayal of mental health conditions could have been handled with greater sensitivity, as it may reinforce stereotypes about multiple personality disorder.

In conclusion, Anniyan is an enthralling psychological thriller that successfully weaves together action, drama, and social commentary. Vikram’s remarkable performance, Shankar’s direction, and the film’s thought-provoking themes make it a memorable cinematic experience. Despite its minor shortcomings, Anniyan stands as a testament to the power of cinema to entertain and make audiences reflect on the world around them.

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