Right Movie Review: A one-room mystery that runs out of space

Right, directed by Jothimurugan, sets up an intriguing premise with a confined, tense atmosphere inside the Kovalam Police Station. On an unusually quiet day with most officers absent, an elderly man (Arun Pandian) arrives, distressed about his missing son. Simultaneously, a woman officer (Akshara Reddy) enters with a wedding invitation and boots up a laptop, only to discover the station’s system has been hacked.

In a sudden twist, a hidden bomb explodes, shattering the calm. A mysterious audio file then begins to play from the compromised laptop, throwing the police station into panic. With suspects confined to one space and the hacker manipulating events remotely, the stage is set for a tense, whodunit-style thriller.

The first half is gripping, with effective use of a single location to build suspense. The screenplay moves briskly, and the editing keeps scenes tight and focused. Akshara Reddy carries much of the emotional weight, portraying a determined officer with convincing restraint. There’s a genuine sense of mystery and unease that holds attention as the story unfolds.

However, the second half struggles. As new characters and backstories are introduced, the pacing slows significantly. Instead of building on the suspense, the film gets bogged down by unnecessary dialogues and predictable plot turns. The intensity that defined the early moments gradually dissipates, and the focus shifts away from the core conflict.

Technically, the cinematography is serviceable, helping enhance the tension through tight framing and dimly lit interiors. The editing is sharp in the first half but could have been tighter later on. The production design is one of the weaker aspects; the police station set lacks realism and atmosphere. The BGM complements the tension well, but the inclusion of a song feels jarring and out of place, disrupting the film’s tone.

Performance wise, Akshara Reddy stands out and gives the most balanced portrayal. Arun Pandian feels miscast, lacking the emotional depth his role demands. Natty’s screen time is minimal and his character arc predictable. Debutant Aditya is adequate, while Vinodhini Vaidyanathan shines in a small but effective role as a judge. Attempts at comic relief by Thangadurai fall flat and feel misplaced in a thriller of this tone.

Overall, Right is a film with a solid concept and a compelling setup. It begins with promise but falters due to a sluggish second half and inconsistent execution. With tighter writing and better casting, it could have stood out as a gripping single-location thriller. As it stands, it’s a decent one-time watch that doesn’t quite fulfill its early potential.

Right Movie Rating: 2.5/5