What Is the Story About?
When MLA Sivakumar (Abhishek Shankar) is kidnapped, the semi-retired cop, Vasudevan (Sarath Kumar) is brought as a consultant officer to handle the case.
How do Anitha (Shrisha) and Mani (Karuppu Nambiyar) who are the officers in charge, work under him? Who is the kidnapper and what’s their motive? And finally, how is Ashok (Srikrishna Dayal) from a couple of decades back related to the ongoing case is the series’ basic plot.
Performances?
Sarath Kumar playing a semi-retired police officer is excellent. He portrays the role in a calm, composed and stylish way. The dressing and dialogue delivery goes a long way in establishing the same. It is all subtly done.
There is an emotional angle to Vasudevan’s character. Sarath Kumar brings forth the drama at the right time helping it make impactful. The short outbursts, controlled anger, fights, or quips are all delivered well. Irai is therefore an enjoyable outing for him.
Analysis
Rajesh M Selva of Thoonga Vanam and Kadaram Kondam fame directs Irai. If those films were remakes, Irai is based on a book called Birds Of Prey.
Irai moves back and forth between two timelines. While one is in the eighties, the other is the current happening in 2019. Initially, the two appear disjointed, but sooner we see a connection or two and later the truth.
The screenplay idea, therefore, is good. However, the lengthy and convoluted drama associated with the flashback track turns more distracting after a point than necessary.
Now, add a couple of flashbacks in the present timeline as well, it feels a bit too much. Luckily, the current ones are smaller compared to the past.
The overall pacing is also slow which further turns into irritation, but the investigation part keeps one hooked. The way the layers related to the simple kidnap is revealed is well done. Its connection with the past becomes apparent after a point. It is why the length becomes an issue.
The core revelation related to the central kidnap drama isn’t shocking though. It is mainly due to the introductory facts that already lead us in the said direction. The question now is not about the crime itself, but to highlight the crime, and bring justice. This angle works well in connection with the flashback part.
The climax has a couple of twists, which could be predicted after a point. Still, they are satisfactorily delivered.
Overall, Irai is a thriller drama with a good cast. It is executed well, but the length and convoluted narrative to a simple revelation and end doesn’t appeal to everyone. Still, if you like the genre, there is enough to make it a passable watch.
Other Artists?
Srikrishna Dayal playing Ashok easily stands out for his raw performance. He is an animal-like personality and the actor does extremely well to convey it. Many scenes featuring him are likely to be off-putting, and that’s a credit to his acting. The problem is how much of it is necessary to the main plot.
Shrisha confidently plays the officer in charge of the case that’s written flatly. However, she has a good mentor-mentee camaraderie going on with Sarath Kumar that’s to the advantage of the narrative. Karuppu Nambiyar is dependable and provides subtle fun, at times.
Abhishek Shankar is alright whereas senior actor Nizhalgal Ravi feels wasted. Gokul Anand is fine, but it lacks the right impact. Amruutha is alright when she gets the focus. The rest of the cast comprises small bits and pieces roles, which are fine.
Music and Other Departments?
Ghibran providing the background score literally takes us back to Ratsasan. A recurring motif is used (or rather sounds) as it is. The rest is also good and hella in sustaining the mood throughout. S Yuva’s cinematography is the functionary. It is simple and does the necessary without being too flashy or showy. San Lokesh’s editing could have been better. The narrative could have been tighter.
Highlights?
Sarath Kumar
Casting
Screenplay
BGM
Drawbacks?
Length
Needlessly Complex Narrative
Simple Ending
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Irai Tamil Web Series Review by Binged Bureau
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