After the success of their previous two films, 'Police' ('Theri') and 'Adirindhi' (Mersal), Vijay and Atlee have teamed up once again for the sports drama 'Whistle'. This is the Telugu dubbed version of 'Bigil'. This highly anticipated film, also starring Nayanthara, Jackie Shroff, Yogi Babu among others, has hit the screens today. Read on to know how the film is.
Story
Rajappa (Vijay) is a gangster. He encourages his son Michael aka Bigil (also Vijay) to excel in football as he thinks the sport prevents his people from getting inclined to a life of crime. But a tragic incident makes Bigil give up football. Seven years later, another incident brings him back to the football field, but this time as a coach of Andhra women's team. But he will have to deal with a lot of resistance from players. Why do the players hate him ? What is the tragic incident in Bigil's life that took him off the field ? Why he gets back to the field? What's the twist in the tale?
Performances
Vijay gets to show off his skills as an actor. He is especially good in the emotional scenes. Though he is 45, he is believable as a young athlete and in the role of aging gangster, he is very good. Nayanthara, Jackie Shroff and others are good.
Technical aspects
AR Rahman's background score elevates many scenes. The cinematography is good. VFX work should have been better. Songs don't make an impact.
Plus Points
Vijay's performance
Emotional scenes
Message
Minus Points
First half
Subject offers nothing new
Nativity missing
Analysis
'Whistle' discusses women empowerment and the message is good. Atlee's direction and Vijay's performance in the emotional scenes is excellent. Hero elevation scenes will definitely delight his fans. AR Rahman's background score elevates many scenes. But the story offers nothing new. Except for a twist or two, the film is mostly predictable like all sports dramas. Though the film discusses how women should be treated and their empowerment, ironically a character is body-shamed not directly but the way she is shown in a couple of scenes. Telugu nativity is badly missing in the first half and till the pre-interval episode, the film is not so engaging. The scenes on the field are predictable in the second half. But the second half has very good emotional scenes that keep the audience hooked.
On the whole, 'Whistle' ends up as an emotional sports drama with a good message. Vijay fans will love it for sure.
