A Bullet Misfire
Introduction
Naveen Kumar’s Kadaisi Thotta (The Last Bullet) attempts to be a gripping suspense thriller but ultimately falters due to inconsistent writing and underwhelming execution. While the premise holds promise—set in a Kodaikanal resort where a group of strangers unknowingly get entangled in a murder mystery—the film struggles to maintain momentum, relying on predictable tropes and weak humor.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around a corrupt MLA who hides his illicit wealth in a secluded resort in Kodaikanal. As fate would have it, the resort becomes the meeting point for an eclectic mix of characters: a retired military officer (Radharavi) and his wife (Srija Ravi), a honeymooning couple (Srikumar and his wife), a family visiting for medical treatment (Kottachi and co.), a group of prankster YouTubers, and a man secretly vacationing with his mistress (Vaiyapuri).
Amidst their stay, a mysterious murder takes place, throwing the guests into chaos. The arrival of investigating officer Vanitha Vijayakumar only adds to the tension, but not always for the right reasons. As secrets unravel and suspicions rise, the film tries to keep viewers guessing about the killer’s identity and motive.
Performance & Characterization
Radharavi is the standout performer, bringing a dignified presence to his role as the ex-military officer. His interactions with Srija Ravi offer rare moments of genuine emotion, adding depth to an otherwise formulaic screenplay.
Vanitha Vijayakumar, on the other hand, is a letdown. As the investigating officer, her character lacks the sharpness expected in a thriller. Instead of exuding authority, she appears more preoccupied with chain-smoking than solving the case, making her role more of a distraction than an asset to the narrative.
Supporting actors like Srikumar, Vaiyapuri, Swaminathan Rajesh, and Kottachi do what they can with their limited screen time. Unfortunately, their attempts at humor, especially from Vaiyapuri and the YouTubers, fall flat, disrupting the film’s tension rather than enhancing it.
Direction & Screenplay
Director Naveen Kumar does manage to establish a compelling setup, but the screenplay fails to sustain the intrigue. While the second half picks up some pace and delivers a few unexpected twists, the impact is dampened by lazy writing and convoluted logic. The film’s revelation of the killer’s motive is surprising, yet the path leading to it feels forced and unconvincing.
Technical Aspects
Music & Background Score – V.R. Suwaminathan Rajesh’s soundtrack is a mixed bag. While the gana song adds a touch of local flavor, the background score is mostly functional, failing to heighten the suspense effectively.
Cinematography – Mohankumar’s visuals capture the misty, secluded ambiance of Kodaikanal well, enhancing the film’s setting. However, the cinematography alone cannot make up for the shortcomings in storytelling.
Final Verdict
Kadaisi Thotta has a promising premise and a couple of strong performances, but weak writing, forced humor, and uninspired characterization—especially an ineffective cop role—drag it down. While the film isn’t a complete disaster, it never quite hits its mark either.
⭐ Verdict: A suspense thriller that misfires more than it hits.
