Michael (2023) [Hindi Clean-Telugu]

A simpleton rising to Michael become a gangster is a plot that we have witnessed a lot in Indian cinema. But it’s still enjoyable given the fact that the stories of rise and fall with bloodsheds always entices. The most striking feature in these kind of films is that a lot depends how it’s written and portrayed. Micheal, to an extent, is one such film that has its basics in the right place with a treatment that pumps us up for the most parts.

Micheal begins interestingly with the aftermath and traces back to its roots with exciting monologues. A simple yet daring boy from the south moves to Bombay with a strong motive that’s personal to him. Circumstances put him in a spot where he gets to grow under the wings of Gurunath (Gautham Menon), a dreaded gangster who controls all dirty businesses in the early 90s. As he rises among the ranks, Micheal takes over the major bar business and is also assigned a task of killing the last man who was involved in the attempted assassination of Gurunath. Things take a turn as he falls in love with the target’s daughter, Theera, in Delhi. This puts his life in danger as the close aids of Gurunath decide to eliminate him.
What follows is a series of incidents that helps Micheal have his revenge with help of another ruthless gangster (Vijay Sethupathi).
Ranjith Jetakodi’s vision of narrating a larger-than-life gangster flick has come to life in most parts and certain portions gives that adrenaline rush to the viewers. However, the impact is minimal as the film introduces the emotional and core philosophy towards the drag end. As a story, Micheal is not something new that stands out but then the Michael technicalities and narrative style that has been incorporated makes it quite a good watch.
The journey of Micheal towards his goal could have been much more immersive. We have been exposed to these subplots often, and in fact a few sequences takes us back to the likes of KGF. To make it even more impactful, Micheal had to present every sequences in a very engaging manner. For example, the romantic conflict, though it’s a major arc in the story, it slows down the film’s pacing then and there.
The second half gets elevated when Vijay Sethupathi’s character is introduced. He’s effortless and does justice to his cameo. However, after the reveal, the film rushes to the end bringing the whole core of the film all at once. This becomes one of the reasons for not Michael getting a wholesome experience from the life of Micheal.