Water Wars That Barely Make a Splash
Verdict: A promising premise drowns in predictable tropes, leaving Varunan feeling as stale as the illicit arrack it portrays.
Synopsis
Varunan unfolds in the gritty streets of North Chennai, where two rival water supply businesses clash over territory. The conflict takes a dark turn when one group smuggles illicit arrack beneath their water cans, sparking violence, betrayal, and bloodshed. While the narrative hints at depth, it ultimately struggles to rise above cliché-ridden storytelling.
Review
Director Jaayavelmurugun’s Varunan aims to deliver a gritty tale of power struggles among Chennai’s water suppliers, but the film falters under the weight of predictable tropes and uninspired execution. The story sets the stage with Ayyavu (Radharavi), a respected supplier, and his loyal aides Thillai (Dhushyanth Jayaprakash) and Marudhu (Priyadharsan), pitted against the scheming John (Charanraj), his manipulative wife Raani (Maheshwari), and her brutish brother Dabba (Shankarnag Vijayan). Adding to the chaos is a corrupt cop (Jiva Ravi), circling the power struggle like a vulture waiting for its prey.
While the plot presents itself as a territorial war, it quickly devolves into a series of predictable confrontations. The conflicts feel routine, with repetitive “This is our area!” showdowns, and characters delivering monologues filled with chest-thumping bravado. Regional stereotypes are presented as personality traits, reducing key figures to caricatures rather than compelling characters.
The romantic subplot between Marudhu and Agni (Haripriya) further drags down the narrative. Their courtship feels outdated, reminiscent of Kollywood’s early 2000s romance formula. Instead of adding emotional depth, these scenes feel like filler moments that delay the core conflict.
The performances attempt to salvage the material, but the cast is limited by weak writing. Dhushyanth Jayaprakash embodies Thillai with a rawness that suits his role, while Gabriela’s presence is underutilized. Radharavi, despite his seasoned presence, seems to deliver his performance on autopilot. Charanraj’s portrayal of the antagonist John feels like a paint-by-numbers approach to villainy, relying on overused tropes rather than genuine menace.
What Works
The film’s setting in North Chennai provides a gritty backdrop that lends authenticity to the turf war premise.
Certain action sequences, particularly in the final act, offer brief moments of intensity.
Dhushyanth Jayaprakash’s earnest portrayal of Thillai stands out despite the film’s flaws.
What Doesn’t Work
The screenplay is riddled with clichés, making the plot predictable from start to finish.
Romantic subplots and unnecessary songs disrupt the pacing.
The characters feel underdeveloped, relying heavily on regional stereotypes.
Final Thoughts
Varunan is a film that teases potential but never dives deep enough to make an impact. While its themes of loyalty, betrayal, and corruption could have been powerful, the narrative remains stuck in familiar territory. Like the sealed water cans it portrays, Varunan feels stagnant—its potential locked away beneath layers of formulaic storytelling.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
