The Tamil movie “Siren,” starring Jayam Ravi and Keerthy Suresh, is criticized for being excessively melodramatic as a crime thriller. The review questions whether this approach effectively contributes to the film’s overall impact.
The crime thriller “Siren,” featuring Jayam Ravi, Keerthy Suresh, Yogi Babu, and Anupama Parameswaran, raises the audience’s expectations for elements like murder, mystery, suspense, and red herrings. Directed by Anthony Bhagyaraj, the critical question remains: does the film deliver on these promises?
In the opening scenes, “Siren” introduces Thilagan (Jayam Ravi), a character serving a 14-year sentence for murder. His estranged relationship with his 14-year-old daughter becomes a focal point, with Thilagan, who has refused parole offers for years, now expressing a sudden desperation to connect with his child. This prompts him to take a two-week parole to reunite with his family.
The narrative takes a parallel turn, introducing police inspector Nandini (Keerthy Suresh), who faces suspension on allegations of murder. Despite her denial and the post-mortem results supporting her innocence, she is reinstated in the police force. Nandini is assigned to oversee the station where Thilagan must report daily during his two-week parole.
Simultaneously, police constable Velankanni (Yogi Babu) is given the responsibility of 24/7 surveillance on Thilagan during his parole. The plot thickens as a series of murders occur in the town, leading Nandini to suspect Thilagan’s involvement. The film raises questions about the innocence of both Thilagan and Nandini, delving into the mystery surrounding Thilagan’s wife (Anupama Parameswaran) and uncovering the truth behind the escalating murders.
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Director Antony Bhagyaraj, who also wrote the film, attempts to deliver a thriller with intertwined themes of father-daughter sentiment and revenge drama in “Siren.” The deliberate division of the film’s focus becomes evident, with the first half emphasizing Thilagan’s deep love for his daughter and his yearning for her affection. The narrative then transitions in the second half, shifting its attention towards the revenge drama aspect of the storyline.
The film’s attempt to create empathy and an emotional connection with the father-daughter storyline in the first half falls short, with a slow pace hindering its impact. The portrayal of Nandini’s story is criticized for being far-fetched and unrealistic, while the villains fail to make a significant impression. The second half sees a slight improvement, but the overall narrative is deemed lacking in novelty. The inclusion of certain scenes feels forced and contrived, and the film’s writing, both in terms of the story and character development, could have been more engaging.
In terms of performances, Jayam Ravi impressively portrays both the younger and older versions of Thilagan, adopting a measured and underplayed approach to the character. This departure from his recent roles showcases his versatility. Keerthy Suresh’s portrayal of Nandini is described as serious and one-dimensional, with her character consistently denying involvement in the alleged crime and maintaining the same expression throughout much of the film. Yogi Babu provides the necessary comic relief and delivers as expected. The music and songs by GV Prakash Kumar are deemed standard for the genre.
Watch “Siren” Official Trailer
In conclusion, “Siren” is criticized for its excessive melodrama within the crime thriller genre, ultimately providing an underwhelming and passable viewing experience.