The Test

No major spoilers - just a few thoughts on setup and structure.

I watched TEST on Netflix and found it underwhelming. "Meh" is probably the best way to put it.

I'm generally not a fan of films where money is the primary driver, unless the story is truly compelling. Movies like Ocean's 11 and Soodhu Kavvum didn't work for me. I prefer narratives like Blood Diamond or Catch Me If You Can, where character depth leads the way.

In TEST, cricket is central to the story, not just a side element. But even with that, the movie leans too heavily on the assumption that cricket alone will keep viewers engaged. This reminded me of The G. O. A. T., where cricket was thrown in randomly without adding value. In contrast, Lagaan succeeded because cricket supported a well-crafted story.

I watched the movie for Nayanthara, one of my favorites, but the plot didn't add up. A Boston MIT graduate running a canteen? That's how the film starts, logically unconvincing, not a spoiler. The pacing is slow, and the two parallel storylines take too long to intersect, which made me skip ahead at times.

Surprisingly, Siddharth, whom I usually find hard to tolerate, was actually okay in this role.

A few heartfelt conversations stood out, particularly where characters logically justify their actions. But those moments were too few to carry the film.

In the end, despite strong names like Madhavan and Nayanthara, TEST didn't quite pass for me.

I was really looking forward to this amazing cast and hoping they would bring a fantastic performance and story... Honestly shocking! Why would they sign up for this utterly boring movie. There was no saving grace anywhere in those 2+ hrs.

The movie is sort of cricket oriented but there is no cricket in there. You see troubles of the female char, but some of those don't make much sense. The lead char is a person who is angry, frustrated and on the phone all the time.

Definitely not a movie that can be watched for fun, or good storyline or time pass. Subpar script and mediocre acting. Very disappointed!

"Test" (2025) showcases the undeniable talent of R. Madhavan, who delivers a stunning performance. However, the film is ultimately let down by a flat and unengaging storyline that fails to captivate the audience.

R. Madhavan commands the screen with his charisma and acting prowess. His portrayal of the character is nuanced and compelling, demonstrating his ability to elevate even a weak script.

Unfortunately, the film's narrative struggles to maintain interest. The story lacks originality and fails to offer any compelling plot developments or emotional depth. The pacing feels slow and uneven, making it difficult to stay invested in the characters' journeys.

The supporting cast, while capable, is given little to work with. The characters are underdeveloped and their relationships lack complexity, further contributing to the film's overall lack of engagement.

The film's technical aspects are adequate, with decent cinematography and a fitting soundtrack. However, these elements are not enough to compensate for the film's narrative shortcomings.

Despite Madhavan's stellar performance, "Test" is a disappointing cinematic experience. Its lack of engaging story and emotional depth makes it a film that is easily forgotten.

Test arrives with a promising cast and an intriguing premise centered around cricket, but unfortunately, it stumbles in execution. While the actors give solid performances, they're let down by a disjointed narrative and lackluster writing.

Sidharth's character, portraying a cricketer, feels like the weakest link. Rather than driving the story forward, his role feels bland and underwritten, lacking the emotional depth or arc needed to engage the audience. What's most frustrating is how the film teases cricket as a major theme, yet barely touches it until well into the second half, making the first hour feel like a slog.

The story itself is a confusing jumble, with scenes and subplots that don't seem to connect meaningfully. Dialogues are flat and uninspired, doing little to elevate the already muddled storytelling. Despite the potential, Test fails to capitalize on either its cast or its central theme, ending up as a movie that's more forgettable than impactful. Great cast, wasted potential. If you're a cricket fan, you'll be waiting too long for too little.

Wow. Just wow. It's truly a marvel how a film can assemble such a powerhouse cast-Nayantara, Siddharth, Madhavan-and still manage to produce something that feels like it was written during a power outage, possibly under the influence of... creative herbs. One has to genuinely applaud the person who pitched this script to these seasoned actors. That level of salesmanship? Unmatched. We're talking next-level persuasion-someone get this individual into international diplomacy immediately.

The script itself is a masterclass in monotony. It's almost impressive how consistently dull and uninspired it is. The Netflix India team must have a new approval strategy: spin a wheel, close your eyes, and greenlight whatever it lands on. Risky? Yes. Effective? Absolutely not.

As for the director and writer-daily soaps might be too ambitious. But hey, there's always the back pages of a local flyer or TikTok skits. Start small, dream big.

Gave it 3 stars though. Not for the movie-heavens, no-but as a small token of sympathy for the cast and crew who clearly signed up for something else entirely.