Sudeep in Max.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Arjun Mahakshay, also known as Max, is a police officer with a history. He is set to report for duty at a new police station. The night before, he sees two youths who crash their car and misbehave with a woman police constable. He arrests them. It is soon revealed that they are ministers’ sons. They are soon found dead in the police station. While it is believed that they got into an argument and killed each other, more details are revealed through the course of the film.
The film follows what happens on a single night. The narrative takes interesting twists and turns as Max and his force face newer challenges.
Kichha Sudeep comes back to the screen after a two-and-a-half-year break and steals the show. He fights all the bad guys, and is super intelligent and witty. He also makes tea and sings a song to lighten the proceedings. Sudeep’s introduction is massy, and even a multiplex audience received him with hoots and whistles.
The story is simple and straightforward. The action sequences directed by Chetan D’Souza are a treat. Sudeep’s style and body language complement the visuals. We do not know if Max has a romantic partner, but we know his mother (a wonderful Sudha Belawadi) is a bold woman. So there is no room for emotional drama. Nothing can stop him. Hhowever, the film lacks a strong antagonist. Neither gangster Gani (Sunil) nor the smart crime inspector Roopa (Varalaxmi Sarathkumar) have strong characterisation to stand up to Max.
Therefore, Max beating up a hundred men, after a point, feels exhausting. But the compelling narrative puts you back on the edge of the seat again. Max’s team of cops come across as dull-witted and cowardly. The characters played by Sukrutha Wagle, Samyukta Hornad and Ugramm Manju are dramatic and weak in characterisation.
Debutant director Vijay Karthikeyaa brings a different kind of story to Kannada audiences. A fast-paced thriller like Max provides ample scope for music, but Ajaneesh Loknath’s score fails to impress.
Regardless of the drawbacks, Max provides wholesome entertainment. The Kannada film industry can step into the new year on a high note.