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Rifle Club Movie Review: Dileesh Pothan-Anurag Kashyap starrer directed by Aashiq Abu is a beautiful concoction of action and style
Read on to check out the Pinkvilla review for Aashiq Abu's directorial Malayalam movie Rifle Club, starring an ensemble cast led by Dileesh Pothan and Anurag Kashyap.
Name: Rifle Club
Director: Aashiq Abu
Cast: Dileesh Pothan, Anurag Kashyap, Vani Viswanath, Vijayaraghavan, Suresh Krishna, Vineeth Kumar, Surabhi Lakshmi, Darshana Rajendran, Hanumankind
Writer: Syam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, Suhas, Sharfu
Rating: 4/5
Rifle Club, featuring an ensemble cast including Dileesh Pothan and Anurag Kashyap, recently hit theaters. After its theatrical release on December 19, 2024, the movie is now available for streaming on Netflix.
If you haven’t watched the movie yet, check out the Pinkvilla review to see if it’s worth your time!
The Plot
Rifle Club, directed by renowned Malayali filmmaker Aashiq Abu, is an action-comedy set in the 1990s against the lush yet perilous backdrop of Wayanad's forest area. The story follows a young Malayalam film star who, in a bid to hone his acting skills, visits a hunting club owned by a family of seasoned hunters.
The plot takes an intriguing turn when the actor’s cousin arrives at the club with his new girlfriend, inadvertently dragging chaos along. Having accidentally killed a gangster’s son in Mangalore, the cousin finds himself pursued by the gangster's men. The hunting club soon becomes a battleground as the intruders face off against a trio of highly skilled shooters, leading to an explosive confrontation.
The film keeps viewers on edge as it unravels the gripping question: Who survives, and how did it all come to this?
The Good
Rifle Club is far from what one might expect from an Indian action-comedy film. With its innovative approach, the film becomes a captivating tale that unfolds beautifully with each passing minute. The story highlights the deep-rooted culture of hunters and the respect they hold for their craft.
Unlike Western films from American cinema, the film narrates, “This isn’t your Wild West, but the Western Ghats.” It remains deeply rooted in its theme and locale, creating a setting that feels familiar and authentic. Alongside the director’s stylistic storytelling, the movie effectively uses its characters to enhance the narrative.
This, combined with the brilliant performances of the ensemble cast, makes the movie thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable.
On the technical front, Aashiq Abu, who not only directed the film but also handled the cinematography, delivers stunning visuals through his meticulous execution. The breathtaking shots are further elevated by Rex Vijayan’s skillful musical score, which perfectly captures the essence of the film.
These elements, along with V. Saajan’s crisp editing, create a seamless transition for viewers into the gripping world of guns and action.
The Bad
While the movie stands out with its unique approach to most aspects of filmmaking, it does falter slightly due to its paper-thin plot. The entire narrative unfolds over the span of a day or two, with plotlines and synchronization occasionally feeling abrupt and disjointed.
Despite these shortcomings, the film’s strong technical execution compensates for the lack of depth in its storyline. While the plot structure might be off-putting to some, it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall cinematic experience.
The Performance
Rifle Club is a unique film where pinpointing one standout performance is nearly impossible. Every actor connects seamlessly with their character, making comparisons unnecessary.
Dileesh Pothan impresses as the club secretary, managing the duties with finesse, while Vijayaraghavan portrays the aged, brooding, and sharp patriarch with depth. Anurag Kashyap’s wild Malayalam debut grabs attention, and Vani Viswanath’s comeback after her hiatus reaffirms her talent for action roles.
Among the many impactful roles, Vineeth Kumar’s portrayal of the movie star stands out, particularly during the climax, delivering a surprising and memorable performance.
See the official trailer for Rifle Club:
The Verdict
Rifle Club stands out as a unique and innovative entry in the Indian action-comedy genre. Blending action and style seamlessly, the film offers a thoroughly entertaining experience.
For fans of Western films or those who enjoy action-packed sequences with guns blazing, this movie is a perfect pick.
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