Mask Movie Review: A smartly crafted heist that engages throughout

Vikarnan Ashok’s Mask arrives with the promise of delivering a slick heist thriller wrapped in commercial entertainment: and for the most part, it lives up to that expectation. The film follows Velu, played by Kavin, a sharp-witted private detective who operates in a grey moral zone while still holding on to a conscience of his own. His path crosses with Bhumi, Andrea’s character, a benevolent public figure whose philanthropic image hides the shadows she navigates in private. She works closely with Manivannan played by Pawan, an ambitious politician gearing up for the upcoming election by distributing a staggering 440 crore to voters across the state.

When this enormous sum is suddenly stolen by a mysterious masked group, chaos erupts. What begins as a simple political operation spirals into a labyrinth of deceit, motives, and surprising revelations. Uncovering who orchestrated the heist and why forms the heart of Mask, making it a heist drama with an emotional and family-friendly undercurrent.

The first half takes its time building the world of its three central characters: Velu, Bhumi, and Manivannan – through humorous exchanges, playful moments, and crisp setup sequences. Director Vikarnan keeps the tone light while planting seeds of tension, leading to a pre-interval jolt that instantly elevates the stakes. Both Kavin and Andrea are left cornered in their own ways, setting up a gripping shift in mood for the second half.

Post-interval, Mask goes into full-throttle mode. The pacing tightens and the emotional beats, especially those involving George Mariyam and others lend weight to the unfolding drama. The flashback passages carry a surprising warmth, providing relatability for family audiences. By the time the narrative reaches its pre-climax action stretch, Vikarnan ups the intensity with impactful dialogues and well-earned justifications that tie the threads together convincingly.

Kavin once again proves his knack for grounded performances. His screen presence, coupled with sharp lines about the power and pitfalls of money, becomes one of the film’s biggest strengths. Andrea embraces her grey-shaded role with ease, delivering a subtle but effective performance.

Pawan, Kalloori Vinoth, Ramesh Thilak, and others offer neat support, while a veteran actor’s climactic appearance adds a memorable touch that the makers clearly intend as a surprise. Director Nelson’s own voiceover becomes an unexpected narrative advantage, guiding the story smoothly from start to finish.

Technically, Mask is a tidy package. RD Rajasekar’s cinematography crafts a stylish yet grounded visual palette. GV Prakash’s music works well, with the standout being the powerful “Asuran Enbargal” track that energizes the climax. Ramar’s editing keeps the film largely free of drag, maintaining a brisk 128-minute runtime.

In the end, Mask stands as a lively and satisfying heist entertainer: fun in the right places, gripping when needed, and emotionally resonant in moments that matter. With its blend of humor, tension, and heart, and backed by Vetrimaaran’s mentorship, the film delivers a fresh and fearless take on the heist genre that is certainly worth a theatrical watch.

Mask Movie Rating: 3.25/5