Lal Salaam Review: [4/5] This movie was Rajinikanth’s most anticipated films of 2024, bringing to back to the focus director Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s return to the director’s role after eight long years and featuring the iconic Superstar also called the Thalaivar in a thought provoking role. With Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth adding shine to the stellar cast, Lal Salaam brings a gripping narrative that deep dives into the complexities of village life, cricket, and the intricacies of religious dynamics.
At its core, “Lal Salaam” is a story that revolves around the rivalry between Thiru (Vishnu Vishal) and Shamsuddin (Vikranth), childhood adversaries whose competition extends to the cricket field. As tensions escalate, the formation of rival cricket teams representing different religious communities mirrors the broader societal divisions within the village.
The first half of the film meticulously sets the stage, introducing the characters and establishing the simmering tensions that underpin the narrative. However, it’s in the second half that the film truly comes alive, propelled by Rajinikanth’s commanding portrayal of Moideen bhai, a Muslim leader navigating personal aspirations and community responsibilities.
Rajinikanth’s performance is as ever brilliant, and he brings his might into the storyline and to the character, as the Moideen bhai with depth and gravitas. His impassioned dialogue delivery resonates powerfully, underscoring the film’s central themes of communal harmony and the universal essence of humanity.
Lal Salaam Shines as the characters delivers strong performances
Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth deliver commendable performances, bringing authenticity to their roles as cricket enthusiasts embroiled in a clash of egos and ideologies. AR Rahman’s evocative music adds another layer of richness to the narrative, seamlessly blending local elements with Sufi influences.
While “Lal Salaam” is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative coherence, its overarching message remains poignant and relevant. Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s directorial finesse shines through, offering a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary socio-political issues.
In essence, “Lal Salaam” is more than a mere cinematic experience—it’s a reflection of the complexities of human nature, the enduring power of sport, and the universal pursuit of harmony in a fractured world.
Social Media Lal Salaam Review
Film trade analyst Monobala Vijayabalan called the movie a ‘Blockbuster’ in a social media post.
Another user stated, “ Humanity should defeat religion. Second half was disappointing in recent movies But #LalSalaam scores better post interval . Climax was hard .Winner.” Third user responding with a meme said, “#LalSalaam – emotional drama. Started decent with the entire first half on diff problems with the 2nd finishing well. Casting V&V specifically thambi ramaiah & senthil. Thalaivar & Bhai holded it well except for 1 or 2 scenes well written & directed. Decent watch.”
“And @TheVishnuVishal flawlessly shoulders the story, which centers around him and gives a memorable performance. Watch the touching and massy scene of his and his buddy in the climax. This will turn the tide for @vikranth_offl. He was very natural like a boy next door and did very well in the burst out scenes. And @ash_rajinikanth will be applauded for a very long time for delivering a story like this – need of the hour !”