The essence of "Lal Salaam" revolves around the theme of brotherhood amidst communal tensions, a narrative deeply relevant to today's political and societal landscape in India. However, while the film carries an important message, it falls short in certain aspects.
The plot unfolds with two cricket teams representing different cities and religious backgrounds, manipulated by politicians to incite conflict for their gains. A clash during a cricket match escalates into a full-blown riot, leaving the two villages and their inhabitants grappling with the aftermath.
Vishnu Vishal delivers a commendable performance, portraying a spectrum of emotions including love, aggression, and guilt. While his co-star Vikrant could have been given more compelling scenes, the cricket sequences featuring both actors are executed with finesse, making them a delight to watch.
Rajinikanth's special appearance as Moideen Bhai injects elements of action, mass appeal, and light-hearted moments reminiscent of his iconic style, albeit as a minor distraction in the film's narrative flow. Nevertheless, his mature performance in emotional scenes adds depth to the storyline.
Senthil impresses with his acting prowess and dialogues, while some supporting actors could have toned down the melodrama. Despite these inconsistencies, the cinematography by Vishnu Rangasamy and editing by P. Pravin Bhaskar try to salvage the disjointed screenplay of the first half, however, the mission wasn't accomplished. The film's second half struggles to find its footing, with the screenplay taking time to delve into the central story. Rajinikanth's presence dominates the narrative, overshadowing other characters and turning the latter half into a one-man show.
The music by AR Rahman, while not disruptive, fails to enhance the narrative in certain instances, although Deva's rendition of "Anbalane" and the "Ther Thiruvizha" sequences stand out. Art director Ramu Thangaraj's attention to detail adds authenticity to the film's depiction of cultural and religious festivities.
Despite its shortcomings, "Lal Salaam" succeeds in delivering an emotional climax, shedding light on the cultural harmony between Muslims and Hindus in Tamil Nadu and exposing the divisive tactics employed by those in power for political gains.
While the film's message is pertinent, a clearer and more engaging screenplay could have elevated its impact.
In essence, "Lal Salaam" falls short of delivering a resounding "salaam" due to its narrative inconsistencies, but its underlying message of unity against divisive politics remains relevant.
(The review was written by vikatan Film review team and appeared in vikatan.com. Here is the English version)