REVENGE IS AKIN TO TWO DOGS CHASING EACH OTHER’S TAILS

It has been said that pain follows a deep, compassionate heart. True that. But, pain, and its twin, suffering also follow harsh, hateful hearts of others. At times, that chase leads to retribution.

“ಆಟಗಾರ” (‘Āṭagāra’, translation: Player) is a 2015 Kannada suspense thriller that explores the theme of retributive, vigilante justice. Inspired by Agatha Christie’s novel, “And Then There Were None”, the movie was embroiled in a controversy upon its release. It was alleged to be a remake of a Tamil film; this allegation was clarified to be untrue though. 

Ten people from diverse fields are invited to partake in a TV reality show on a small, forsaken island. The contestants― they include a drug peddler, a doctor, a movie star, a fashion photographer, a pedagogue, a supermodel, and so on― are required to survive the ordeal in complete isolation from the mainland. The exciting adventure begins with great chemistry and camaraderie among all competitors. On top, Jai (Chiranjeevi Sarja), the drug peddler is secretly in love with the actress, Sakshi (Meghana Raj).

Very soon, the sojourn takes an ugly, sinister turn. Contestants begin to go missing; some even show up dead on the uninhabited island. So, who is playing spoilsport? Is it a ruthless rival, who wants to win at all cost? Or, is it a paranormal force or being? Why so?

Soon, it is revealed that the contestants have been ensnared with the motive of vengeance. Eventually only one lucky contender survives. Who is it...and, how?

That is the serpentine story awash with twists and turns aplenty.  

Director KM Chaitanya has delivered a gem, courtesy: the nail-biting narrative. The crisp script, fast screenplay and spooky soundtrack…all match the gloom-‘n-doom ambiance that the film demands and the director surely envisioned. Sathya Hegde's camerawork is arresting; Haridoss is surgeon-like in his deft, precise editing.

Chaitanya’s choice for the ensemble cast is immaculate. Chiranjeevi Sarja, Meghana Raj, Parul Yadav, Anu Prabhakar, Achyuth Kumar, Prakash Belawadi, Sadhu Kokila, Ananth Nag, and others have all fared brilliantly…each one contributes immensely to the drama in the story onscreen and the tension of the viewer off-screen.

The message of the movie is perhaps best described with the writer, Mark W Boyer’s words: “Sometimes justice is better served by those who have experienced the pain.”

The suspense enthralls, entertains…and, exhausts! The slick flick surely is a potential ‘cult-classic’.

I rate this thriller: 8.0 on 10!