MAX: 2024 Kannada Action Thriller Film Trailer, Review & Songs

4to40.com December 25, 2024 Movie Reviews 1,746 Views

Max is an 2024 upcoming Indian Kannada-language action thriller film directed by Vijay Karthikeyaa and produced by Kalaippuli S. Thanu under V Creations

Movie Name: Max
Directed by: Vijay Karthikeyaa
Starring: Kiccha Sudeepa, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Samyukta Hornad, Sukrutha Wagle, Anirudh Bhat
Genre: Action, Thriller
Release Date: 25 December, 2024
Language: Kannada
Running Time: 132 Minutes
Rating:
Production Companies: V Creations, Kichcha Creatiions

Inspector Arjun Mahakshay reports to duty at a new police station after suspension, but he soon faces an unexpected situation.

MAX: Movie Overview

Max is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language action thriller film directed by Vijay Karthikeyaa and produced by Kalaippuli S. Thanu under V Creations. The film stars an ensemble cast of Sudeepa, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Samyukta Hornad, Sukrutha Wagle and Anirudh Bhat. The music was composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Shekar Chandra and S. R. Ganesh Baabu respectively.

Sudeep officially announced his collaboration with Kalaipuli Thanu in May 2023, almost a year after his previous release of Vikrant Rona. A teaser of the film was released in July 2023 where it was revealed that it would be directed by debutant Vijay Karthikeyaa and have music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath. Samyuktha Hornad was reported to be part of the cast which was later confirmed by the team. Later it was also reported that Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who was last paired with Sudeep in Manikya, was once again joining forces with him.

The film went on floors in the month of July 2023. Majority of the film was shot in and around Mahabalipuram. While Chetan Dsouza composed most of the action sequences, It was also reported that Kevin Kumar of Jailer fame had also shot an action sequence. While the shooting of the film was underway, the film faced the wrath of Chennai Floods which meant the shooting was halted. Later the shooting began and the action sequences were wrapped up in May 2024.

There were many big names being considered for the movie, B Ajaneesh Lokanth who had previously collaborated with Sudeep on Vikrant Rona was selected to score for the background music and compose the music for the film.

The initial teaser of the film was released on 2 July 2023 with announcement of the team. Later on occasion of Sudeepa’s birthday the film’s title was revealed as “Max“. The official teaser of the film was released on 16 July 2024.

The film is scheduled to release theatrically on 25 December, 2024.

Movie Trailer:

Movie Review:

A fiery Sudeep drives this high-octane action thriller with minor flaws

Directed by Vijay Kartikeyaa, ‘Max’ has Sudeep in the avatar of a daring cop and the Kannada star pulls off a stylish act to overshadow the film’s writing blips

Inspector Arjun Mahakshay a.k.a Max takes charge unofficially a day before his suspension ends. A huge blunder inside the station puts Max against powerful men, who come for his life. As he is faced with the improbable task of saving his colleagues and coming out unscathed from the problem, the daring cop pauses to prepare a cup of tea.

Director Vijay Kartikeyaa’s debut project is driven by a protagonist who keeps you guessing about his next move. Even if Max aims to provide unhinged ‘masala’ entertainment, the movie’s leading man isn’t a one-note character. Since the events unfold during one night, and he has limited time to cross a series of hurdles, Max puts his sharp brain to quick use. And once he enters the risky zone of facing the criminals head-on, he unleashes the beast inside him.

Max is a celebration of Sudeep, who oozes style in his aggressive portrayal of an all-conquering officer. If you saw him as a subdued yet classy cop carrying a deep pain within him in Vikrant Rona (2022), Sudeep cuts loose in Max to cater to his fans, who were hungry for ‘mass’ moments involving their favourite star.

The one-man show is great fun to watch to an extent. Director Vijay scripts an old-school world where the hero emerges as the ultimate saviour of distressed people. However, as a whole, Max leaves you wanting more as you expect the protagonist to face the heat of a mighty antagonist.

Sunil, essaying the main villain, is undone by a toothless character. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s character of a cop with a negative shade shows promise early on but gets fizzled out eventually as she fails to make any difference to the plot. Right from the beginning, it’s apparent that both the characters are bracing for an inevitable onslaught from Max.

It’s also quite shocking how Max has an almost incompetent team. When they aren’t blindly following the instructions from Max, the junior-level officers are scared and clueless. Ilavarasu, playing an experienced officer, delivers a measured performance. The rest of the cast, including Uggram Manju, Samyuktha Hornad, Sukrutha Wagale and Vijay Chendur, are too loud in their respective portrayals.

One can’t blame the actors as their characters are designed to artificially amp up the tension. With a highly dramatic plot in hand, the director’s decision to showcase stronger emotions than what’s necessary dents the film.

The core idea of Max might remind you of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Kaithi (2019). With so much happening in a short span of time, it’s tough to emotionally invest in the proceedings. On the other hand, Max’s racy screenplay keeps you curious about the events on screen. A superb fusion of Chethan D Souza’s action choreography and Ajaneesh Lokanath’s ensures an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Max is a star vehicle with admirable experiments from the makers. With Vikrant Rona and Max, Sudeep has deviated from traditional commercial films. The big stars of Kannada cinema are seeking change, and that’s a good sign.