Rifle Club

Although 'Rifle Club' lacks a deeply engaging narrative, Aashiq Abu delivers a cinematic firework that keeps the audience entertained for two hours without a dull moment.

This film cannot claim to have a great script, despite being penned by Shyam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, and Suhas. Instead, it presents a fierce backdrop perfect for gunfights, enriched with all the essential elements for an action-packed drama.

Even in the photographs adorning the walls, Sunny and Aziz establish their distinct character presence, adding depth to the narrative.

It is also refreshing to witness the powerful screen presence of Vani Viswanath after a long hiatus. Just two or three impactful scenes highlight how much Malayalam cinema has missed her charisma.

However, Vani Viswanath's dominance in the scenes tends to overshadow Surabhi, Unni Maya, and Darshan, despite their efforts and training with firearms.

For Vijayaraghavan, portraying Kuzhuveli Lonappan posed no significant challenge, and he executed the role of a wheelchair-bound character with finesse.

Among the supporting cast, Vineeth Kumar as romantic star Shahjahan, Kiran Peethambaran as production manager Rappadi, Suresh Krishna as doctor Lazar, and Prashanth Murali as gun-wielding Pallilachan stand out as the most engaging performances.

Dileesh Pothen and Vishnu Agasthya's gun-toting appearances evoke memories of scenes from their own 'O. Baby,' including the presence of a white dog, which also finds its way into 'Rifle Club.'

Hanuman Kind Suraj's performance adds significant mileage to the film, particularly in the thrilling scene where Bheera enters the Rifle Club.

The real fireworks ignite with the entry of Anurag Kashyap, intensifying the action. On one side, Anurag Kashyap and his team unleash bullets from modern firearms, while on the other, Dileesh Pothan's secretary Avaran and his team counter with antique guns. 'Rifle Club' masterfully blends both styles, creating an explosive cinematic experience.

While Dileesh Pothan impresses as Avaran in Kaduvachal, some viewers may feel that Anurag Kashyap wasn't given enough freedom to fully explore his role as Dayanand Bare.

The song 'Gandharva Gaan..' bears resemblance to 'Ratipushpat' from Bhishma Parvat, although its melody and rhythm seem slightly disconnected. Setting this aside, Rex Vijayan's background score is commendable.

Visually, the cinematography outshines even Aashiq Abu's direction, pushing the film's aesthetics several notches higher.

Despite an impressive cast, the abundance of characters in the action sequences sometimes feels overwhelming, making it challenging to focus on individual performances.

If you enjoy gunfights and thrilling sequences akin to Amal Neerad's films, Aashiq Abu's 'Rifle Club' will not disappoint. This is a movie best experienced on the big screen.

The cinematic work known as Rifle Club can be classified as an action thriller drama genres, and a subgenre of gun fight. The film was directed by Aashiq Abu.

The narrative under scrutiny pertains to the history of the rifle club, an establishment with a long and distinguished history in the realm of firearms. The club boasts a rich tapestry of experiences interwoven with the annals of military history, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of armaments and the pursuit of marksmanship. The club has a considerable number of members. The majority of these individuals are residing at the club. The romantic movie star, Shajahan, would take on the role of the lead actor in an action movie. In order to prepare for his role, he attended the rifle club to practise firing a gun. Subsequently, his cousin and girlfriend followed him to the club, having escaped from a gangster team. The younger son of Daya, a gangster operating within the Mangalore region, was killed by this cousin and girlfriend, albeit without any discernible motive. The older son proceeded in the direction of the club, where he was apprehended by members of the club. He was subsequently shot by the aforementioned members. Subsequently, Daya and his entire cohort proceeded to launch an attack on the club. However, the club members successfully vanquished and killed each and every member of the gang.

The narrative was of adequate quality. The direction exhibited a standard quality. The performances are of a commendable standard, and the musical scores are a notable aspect of the film. A number of visual effects (VFX) scenes appear to deviate from conventional norms, evoking a sense of peculiarity or otherworldliness in their presentation. Nevertheless, it is a film that can be watched on a single time and recommended to others.

Rifle Club is an action-packed tale of guns, vengeance, and family dynamics, centering on a rifle club family and their standoff with a gangster and his sons. The film starts on a slow note, spending time setting up the narrative and introducing a sprawling cast. While this deliberate pace may test some viewers' patience, it lays the groundwork for an explosive second half.

The turning point comes with a series of intense, high-stakes shootouts that showcase thrilling action choreography and keep you at the edge of your seat. However, the large ensemble cast is a double-edged sword; many characters feel underutilized, leaving some subplots half-baked.

Despite its uneven pacing and loose ends, *Rifle Club* delivers an adrenaline-pumping climax that action lovers will enjoy. It's a movie that thrives on its second-half spectacle but could've been more impactful with tighter storytelling and better character focus.

The story begins with actor Shahjahan, who wants to change his romantic image and play a new, raw character. For this, he comes to the club. But the story takes a turn when the family starts to clash with a deadly arms dealer, Dayanand. Shahjahan's relative and his girlfriend flee from Dayanand and take refuge in the club, and this is why the clash begins.

How the elderly members of this club come together to face a formidable opponent like Dayanand and protect the family is the main part of the story. Although the story starts slowly, the tension increases, which keeps the audience hooked until the end.

"Rifle Club" is a family thriller. At first glance, its simple story and the wonderful relationship between the characters are striking. Especially the elderly members of the club are the lifeblood of the story. Their experiences and funny moments make the movie more enjoyable. Vijayaraghavan and Dilesh Pothen's performances were great.

The cinematography is really commendable. The natural beauty of the Western Ghats and the hunting scenes are portrayed very well. The fun evenings at the club or the exciting moments of hunting are also captured very easily.

The second half of the movie felt a bit slow, but it did not spoil the whole experience. Anurag Kashyap was quite scary as Dayanand, but it would have been better if his ruthlessness had been shown more.

Only Malayalam cinema can present a simple story beautifully. This movie is a real example of that. The simpler the story, the more extraordinary its cinematography is. I liked the location, action, BGM, climax. Apart from that, the acting of all the characters is Yes, it is. A must watch for those who like action movies.

Rating - 4/5

A retro style slow burning drama on the backdrop of a hillside Rifle Club.

The story in a nutshell is about the Rifle club and their proud legacy persevered by the successors through the passion of hunting is disrupted by an arm dealer for his personal vengeance.

The writer trio Syam,Dileesh & Suhas has written a visual treat for the audience giving umpteen goosebump moments. Aashiq has effortlessly set background for the storyline that slowly progresses with hilarious dialogues and peak moments complemented with Rex Vijayan's swagging BGM's captivating the viewers to the screen. The first half crawling in few moments gets concealed by an interval punch. The latter half is completely engaging with phenomenal action sequences,Rifles,bloodshed,fire,bullets. The filmmakers pulled off with a spectacular cast giving avenues for their performances.

Startling performances by Dileesh Pothan,Vijayaraghavan,Hanumankind,Vishnu Agastya,Vani Viswanath & Natesh Hegde. Anurag Kashyap has made a kick-ass performance and his contemptuous smile is simply lit. Darshana,Vineeth,Surabhi,Suresh Krishna,Unnimaya,Kiran Peethambaran,Prasant Murali & Sajeev has also made notable performances.

Aashiq Abu has not disheartened the audience by wearing the hat of a DOP. His pioneer effort in capturing the action sequences,the natural lights and beauty of the Western ghats and the period ambience is worth mentioning. Saajan has effortlessly tuned the movie to a complete action packed entertainer. The efforts by Ajayan Chalisssery in giving a retro antique look to the club and sourcing the vehicles deserves appreciation. Action Choreographer Supreme Sundar,Costumes by Mashar Hamsa and the colorist Remesh CP deserves big hugs for their contribution for setting the tone and elevating the movie to a wholesome entertainer.

A must watch entertainer in the theatres to witness a clean masterstroke by Aashiq Abu .