Starring: Vishal, SJ Suryah, Sunil, Selvaraghavan, Ritu Varma, Abhinaya, Redin Kingsley, Y.G. Mahendran
Director: Adhik Ravichandran
Producer: S. Vinod Kumar
Music Director: G.V. Prakash Kumar
Cinematographer: Abhinandan Ramanujam
Editor: Vijay Velukutty
Release Date : September 15, 2023
Vishal is back with yet another film named Mark Anthony. The film also has SJ Suryah as the other lead and has been released today. Read our review to find out if the film has any juice in it or not.
Plot
Antony (played by Vishal) and Jackie Marthanda (SJ Suryah), are close friends and are associated with a life of crime. Tragedy strikes when Antony passes away. In an unexpected turn of events, Mark (Vishal), Antony’s son, is raised as Jackie’s own. Determined to keep his promise to his mother, Mark becomes a skilled mechanic. The narrative takes a surreal twist when Mark acquires a mysterious phone capable of time travel. Conversations with his parents through this device lead Mark to uncover shocking truths about their past. The story weaves a complex tale of life, death, and cycles of existence.
Performances
Vishal, often associated with a consistent look and performance across films, undergoes a transformation in Mark Antony. He effectively portrays the contrast between the two characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Sunil embraces a different character, while Abhinaya impresses with her performance once again. SJ Suryah gives a commanding performance. Portraying dual roles as Dan and Dan’s son Martand, he delivers a lasting impression. Selva Raghavan, in the role of a scientist, was good
What’s Good
Storyline
Comedy
Vishal’s performance
What’s Bad
Slow pace
Over-the-top emotion
Dragged second half
Analysis
Mark Antony combines elements of time travel and science fiction against a backdrop of comedy. The first half of the film offers a delightful experience, but the second half becomes convoluted and leaves the audience a bit restless. Mark Antony indulges in repetitions excessively causing the narrative to stagnate. This overuse of revisiting scenes stifles the entertainment factor leaving the audience eagerly awaiting for the end.
The romantic subplot featuring Ritu Varma feels somewhat out of sync with the overarching storyline. Mark Antony” takes a unique approach by infusing comedic elements into the time-travel narrative. The film kicks off with a strong comedic presence, with SJ Suryah stealing the limelight in every scene he graces. Witty dialogues abound, and the chemistry between Vishal and Suryah keeps the audience thoroughly engaged up to the intermission.
As the story progresses in the second half, the film becomes increasingly bogged down by a slow pace. While GV Prakash’s music initially dominates the film, it eventually becomes somewhat predictable. The cinematography and production values are decent, but the action sequences lack freshness.
The film’s portrayal of the heroine, Ritu Varma, may leave viewers puzzled, as her character lacks significant importance and tends to fade into the background. YG Mahendran’s character makes a striking impact, while Reedin Kingsley’s comedic attempts fall short. Finally, SJ Suryah’s commanding acting and Vishal’s versatility stand out.
Bottom Line – Has its moments
2/5
