Smuggler

Cyrus is an international smuggler and she comes to India for an assignment. She lands in the country and finds herself in a household of her lookalike Kathyayini. What's the connection between the two? What does Cyrus want?

This one-woman-show by Priya Hassan sees her in a double role. She plays a wanted smuggler and an innocent Iyengar girl. The film has her showcasing all that she has with an ensemble of known names playing minor parts in a film that otherwise seems like it has her in almost every frame. Priya is shown trying to be every bit the lady Superstar, with action and dialogues that are for the masses, and even songs that showcase her valour.

The film seems like an old 80s or 90s tale, but what makes it worse is that the production values and filmmaking style also seem to be stuck in those decades. Given the plot of the film, it could be a slick thriller. But the film seems to be bordering on safe and, hence, the twists are rather lackluster. The dialogues are jaded and often evoke laughter unnecessarily.

Priya has tried hard to fit into the two characters that are contrasting, and her effort shows. But the hero, Ramana, seems to be merely used as a prop. The villains also seem to be just showpieces to be around Priya's characters. If some more effort was paid to ensure the rest of the characters were more rounded, perhaps the film could have warranted a watch. Go ahead and try it, though, if you like old-school female-oriented action films like those with Vijay Shanti and Malashree.