Japan review: Even Karthi's brilliant performance cannot save this average film
Talented actor Karthi and National-award winning filmmaker Raju Murugan could have together come up with a good film. Instead, a weak and meandering screenplay turns it into an average outing
Japan brings together the potent combination of actor Karthi, who is known for choosing content-driven commercial films in Tamil cinema and serious filmmaker Raju Murugan, the man behind the National Award-winning Joker. However, instead of creating a cracker of a film, Japan, fails to take off and turns out to be an average outing.
In the film, Karthi plays the notorious, unapologetic burglar Japan Muni, loosely based on a real-life thief Murugan. Karthi works hard to imbue the character with a freshness and a sense of unpredictability. Similarly, director Raju Murugan has loosened up to give the audiences what he thinks they want with a commercial movie complete with a host of satirical characters and quirky dialogues. But, the film falters in a big way due to predictable writing and inexperienced handling of a commercial film.
The plot is a no-brainer – a big jewellery heist is carried out by an unknown gang, and cops believe the modus operandi reminds them of Japan’s work. So, they start hunting for him turning him into the most wanted burglar. However, the heist was actually done by another gang.
Meanwhile, Japan comes to know he has tested positive for HIV and the unhappy thief now wants to get back his lost love. This happens to be a glamorous film actress called Sanju (Anu Emmanuel).
So, the plot continues to unfold as the cops are on Japan's heels, the big question is who really pulled off the jewellery heist? Will Japan, who is down on his luck, win back his love?
Raju Murugan, however, is unable to craft this simple storyline into a gripping screenplay. The story suddenly takes a detour and shoots off in different directions leaving Japan stranded. The screenplay meanders and it is difficult to stay invested in the film.
Japan’s biggest strength, luckily is Karthi and his solid performance as the notorious thief. He gives it all he has and plays the character without any inhibitions. His dialogue delivery, mannerisms, and look, bristles with energy.
For the rest of the characters, the makers seem to have roped in a set of weak actors. Maybe, if they had done their job well, the movie may have clicked. With the exception of Vaagi Chandrasekar and of course, Karthi, one can easily forget the other actors in the film.
Technically, GV Prakash’s songs and background score are strictly functional, the same can also be said about veteran cinematographer Ravi Varman’s work. Editor Philomin Raj could have easily trimmed ten to fifteen minutes of Japan as well.
Overall, Japan can probably be watched only for Karthi’s performance as a quirky thief.
