Sakthi Thirumagan - Review
20 Sep 2025
Sakthi Thirumagan dives into the murky waters of power, corruption, and redemption, centered around Kittu (Vijay Antony), a Secretariat mediator who wields immense influence over government dealings. High-ranking officials lean on him, but his services come with a steep price. His world unravels when he locks horns with Abhyankar Shankar (Sunil Kriplani), a cunning political strategist on the cusp of becoming India’s President. A colossal Rs. 6,236 crore scam linked to Kittu sends shockwaves across the nation, raising questions: Who is Kittu really? Is he a corrupt opportunist or a man with a deeper motive? The film unravels these layers with intrigue and intensity.
Director Arun Prabhu sets the stage with a gripping opening, deftly establishing Kittu’s dominance in the bureaucratic ecosystem. The narrative hooks early with sharp, incisive dialogues that spark curiosity about Kittu’s true intentions. The film maintains a brisk pace across its two halves, peeling back layers of deception and ambition to keep viewers engaged. Key sequences—like an elderly man simplifying politics for a child, the scam’s explosive reveal, and Kittu’s early power plays—are executed with finesse, leaving a lasting impression.
However, the film falters in balancing its unrelenting seriousness. The absence of lighter moments or mainstream appeal may alienate casual viewers. The intricate plot demands unwavering attention, and missing subtle details can leave audiences disoriented. The interval block, meant to be a game-changer, lacks the punch to elevate the stakes. Additionally, an overload of secondary characters muddles the narrative, diluting the focus on the central conflict.
Vijay Antony delivers a restrained yet compelling performance as Kittu, embodying the character’s calculated demeanor with gravitas. His understated approach suits the role’s complexity, making his journey believable. Sunil Kriplani steals the show as Abhyankar Shankar, exuding a chilling, controlled menace that amplifies the tension, especially in his face-offs with Vijay Antony. Cell Murugan, as Kittu’s aide Maruthi, injects much-needed levity, balancing the film’s weighty tone. The supporting cast, including the special officer Ram Pandey, performs adequately but is hampered by uneven casting choices—particularly Pandey’s role, which feels underwritten despite its potential. Tripti Ravindra’s character is sidelined, reduced to a peripheral presence that adds little to the story.
Arun Prabhu’s direction channels the grandeur of Shankar’s political dramas, weaving a thought-provoking tale of vengeance and systemic corruption. However, the execution could have been sharper in pivotal moments to maximize impact. Shelley R. Calist’s cinematography captures the gritty tone effectively, though it lacks distinctive flair. Raymond Derrick Crasta Dinsa’s editing keeps the narrative taut, ensuring key scenes land with intensity. Vijay Antony’s background score is a standout, amplifying the tension and elevating the film’s dramatic beats. The production quality is solid, lending credibility to the film’s ambitious scope.
The film excels in its premise and standout moments, such as the scam revelation and Kittu’s power-establishing sequences. The sharp dialogue and Vijay Antony’s measured performance keep the narrative engaging. However, the lack of emotional relief, an underwhelming interval, and a cluttered cast prevent it from reaching its full potential. Ram Pandey’s character, though well-conceived, loses impact due to casting, and Tripti Ravindra’s underdeveloped role feels like a missed opportunity.
Sakthi Thirumagan is a bold political revenge saga that shines in parts, driven by Vijay Antony’s nuanced performance, Sunil Kriplani’s menacing antagonist, and a handful of gripping sequences. Yet, its unrelenting seriousness, convoluted subplots, and uneven execution keep it from soaring. Fans of cerebral political dramas will find moments to savor, but mainstream audiences may need tempered expectations. A tighter script and bolder creative choices could have made this a more impactful outing.
Director Arun Prabhu sets the stage with a gripping opening, deftly establishing Kittu’s dominance in the bureaucratic ecosystem. The narrative hooks early with sharp, incisive dialogues that spark curiosity about Kittu’s true intentions. The film maintains a brisk pace across its two halves, peeling back layers of deception and ambition to keep viewers engaged. Key sequences—like an elderly man simplifying politics for a child, the scam’s explosive reveal, and Kittu’s early power plays—are executed with finesse, leaving a lasting impression.
However, the film falters in balancing its unrelenting seriousness. The absence of lighter moments or mainstream appeal may alienate casual viewers. The intricate plot demands unwavering attention, and missing subtle details can leave audiences disoriented. The interval block, meant to be a game-changer, lacks the punch to elevate the stakes. Additionally, an overload of secondary characters muddles the narrative, diluting the focus on the central conflict.
Vijay Antony delivers a restrained yet compelling performance as Kittu, embodying the character’s calculated demeanor with gravitas. His understated approach suits the role’s complexity, making his journey believable. Sunil Kriplani steals the show as Abhyankar Shankar, exuding a chilling, controlled menace that amplifies the tension, especially in his face-offs with Vijay Antony. Cell Murugan, as Kittu’s aide Maruthi, injects much-needed levity, balancing the film’s weighty tone. The supporting cast, including the special officer Ram Pandey, performs adequately but is hampered by uneven casting choices—particularly Pandey’s role, which feels underwritten despite its potential. Tripti Ravindra’s character is sidelined, reduced to a peripheral presence that adds little to the story.
Arun Prabhu’s direction channels the grandeur of Shankar’s political dramas, weaving a thought-provoking tale of vengeance and systemic corruption. However, the execution could have been sharper in pivotal moments to maximize impact. Shelley R. Calist’s cinematography captures the gritty tone effectively, though it lacks distinctive flair. Raymond Derrick Crasta Dinsa’s editing keeps the narrative taut, ensuring key scenes land with intensity. Vijay Antony’s background score is a standout, amplifying the tension and elevating the film’s dramatic beats. The production quality is solid, lending credibility to the film’s ambitious scope.
The film excels in its premise and standout moments, such as the scam revelation and Kittu’s power-establishing sequences. The sharp dialogue and Vijay Antony’s measured performance keep the narrative engaging. However, the lack of emotional relief, an underwhelming interval, and a cluttered cast prevent it from reaching its full potential. Ram Pandey’s character, though well-conceived, loses impact due to casting, and Tripti Ravindra’s underdeveloped role feels like a missed opportunity.
Sakthi Thirumagan is a bold political revenge saga that shines in parts, driven by Vijay Antony’s nuanced performance, Sunil Kriplani’s menacing antagonist, and a handful of gripping sequences. Yet, its unrelenting seriousness, convoluted subplots, and uneven execution keep it from soaring. Fans of cerebral political dramas will find moments to savor, but mainstream audiences may need tempered expectations. A tighter script and bolder creative choices could have made this a more impactful outing.
Tags: Sakthi Thirumagan, Vijay Antony