Aaryan Movie Review: A racy and gripping thriller that delivers a solid experience!

After a three-year hiatus, Vishnu Vishal makes a striking comeback with Aaryan, a moody investigative thriller that leans more keeping the entire quotient different rather than maintaining the mood as a usual thriller. Directed by Praveen, the film stands apart from the regular cop dramas by trading jump scares and loud revelations for quiet intensity and psychological depth.

Aaryan opens with a very unique way – a failed writer turns up on TV and tells the world that he going to commit the perfect crime, only to surprise the audience by revealing a shocking clue. But very quickly, it becomes evident that Praveen isn’t interested in a whodunit. He’s more focused on the “how does he do it” – to the man chasing it, to the people around him, and to the thin line between justice and obsession. The first 25 minutes are superbly put together, after which the film finds its groove and brings up a strike at the interval point.

The second half shifts gears into a tense chase, filled with engaging moments and a steady dose of suspense. However, the central debate that may divide audiences lies in whether the motive behind the killing feels justified. For those who find the reasoning convincing, Aaryan delivers a standout thriller experience. For others, it may register as a decent yet conventional thriller outing.

Vishnu Vishal slips into the lead role with remarkable control. His Aaryan isn’t a flamboyant officer; he’s introspective, conflicted, and deeply human. There’s energy in his posture, doubt in his silences, and purpose in his pain. It’s a layered performance that reminds audiences of why Vishnu remains one of Tamil cinema’s most unpredictable and interesting leading men.

On the other hand, Selvaraghavan delivers one of his best ever as an actor with a great performance. His role is one that will be remembered for long. Shraddha, Maanasa, and the supporting cast deliver performances that align well with the film’s tone, effectively fulfilling their roles within the script’s requirements.

Technically, the film is first-rate. Harish Kannan’s cinematography brings a noir-like visual grammar to Tamil cinema – drenched in rain, reflections, and moral greys. San Lokesh’s editing gives the film its rhythm, cutting not for speed but for tension, allowing moments to breathe. The background score by Ghibran quietly amplifies the unease, complementing the story’s emotional undertones rather than dominating them.

Director Praveen holds the film together with steady craft and conviction. His writing remains thoughtful without being preachy, exploring the solitude of truth seekers and the emotional cost of heroism. Refreshingly, he avoids shortcuts – inviting patience from the audience and rewarding it with depth and purpose.

Unlike Ratsasan, which thrived on fear and discovery, Aaryan thrives on dread and introspection. It’s a thriller with a soul, a film that lingers rather than explodes. At a time when most thrillers follow familiar trends, Aaryan stands out for its sincerity. It marks a confident and meaningful comeback for Vishnu, blending craft with quiet conviction.

Aaryan Movie Rating: 3.5/5