This movie was a critical disappointment from start to finish. The trailer itself was misleading, showcasing music and visuals by Yuvan that ultimately failed to deliver. Even while watching the trailer, it was clear that this film wouldn't hit the mark. While it avoids being outright cringe, it suffers from a lack of substance, coming off as a baseless and ridiculous effort.
I had no specific expectations going in and don't closely follow the director or Vijay, but it was hard to miss the numerous references to other franchises. These came off as self-indulgent rather than clever, especially with the awkward placement of songs and female dancers that felt entirely unnecessary. The cameo appearances also seemed forced, attempting to surprise the audience but ultimately feeling contrived and unnatural.
Midway through, I found myself questioning the film's title. Initially, I thought it might reference classic moments, but even the elements that connected to the story didn't resonate meaningfully with me. The choice to have the same actor play dual roles felt like a self-serving gimmick, trying to portray him as both victim and villain without adding depth to the narrative.
While the story had potential, it lacked the extra effort to truly elevate the material. Instead, it felt like a half-hearted attempt to do too little, cluttered with unnecessary elements that detracted from the experience. The film felt more like a collection of nostalgic references than a fresh narrative, relying heavily on the audience's memories rather than originality.
Despite a big budget of 400 crores, the VFX left much to be desired—making one wonder if AGS got scammed. Many independent VFX artists on YouTube have done far better work.
There were some redeeming moments, particularly for Vijay’s performance, which shone through. The music had its highlights, especially the background score during the train fight sequence and the climax, which featured the iconic "Mankatha" BGM. However, overall, the experience was a waste of time, and I suspect a sequel is already in the works.
In summary, while there are some peak moments and fun references, this movie is ultimately disappointing and lacks the narrative strength and originality it desperately needed.