Discription
Kaun Hai Villian (Villain) (2017)
Summary:
Mathew Manjooran, a brilliant and morally complex former police officer, returns from a seven-year sabbatical following a personal tragedy. He is tasked with investigating a series of mysterious and elaborate murders where the victims are wealthy and corrupt businessmen. As he delves into the case, Mathew unravels a meticulously planned revenge plot orchestrated by a highly intelligent and elusive vigilante, forcing him to confront his own past and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
Plot (Movie Story):
The film introduces Mathew Manjooran (Mohanlal), a highly decorated and exceptionally intelligent police officer who is returning to duty after a self-imposed seven-year sabbatical. His prolonged absence from the force was a direct consequence of a profound personal tragedy: his wife, Neelima (Manju Warrier), and their young daughter were killed in a car accident, a horrific event that shattered his life and left him grappling with immense guilt and existential despair. Mathew is portrayed as a melancholic, emotionally detached, and philosophically inclined individual, often quoting literary figures and reflecting on the nature of good and evil.
Upon his return, Mathew is immediately thrust into a complex and high-profile case: a series of bizarre and meticulously planned murders targeting affluent and corrupt businessmen who have evaded legal consequences for their various illicit activities. The victims are killed in unusual ways, and the crime scenes leave behind cryptic clues, suggesting a highly intelligent and methodical perpetrator.
Mathew is assigned to the case, and his investigative team includes his sharp and dedicated junior officer, Shreya Dixit (Raashi Khanna), and the somewhat by-the-book Inspector Harshitha Menon (Hansika Motwani). As Mathew begins his investigation, he applies his unique blend of psychological insight, deductive reasoning, and unconventional methods. He quickly deduces that the murders are not random acts of violence but part of a larger, well-orchestrated revenge plot.
The primary antagonist is revealed to be a brilliant young man named Shreyas (Vishal), who is initially introduced as a highly skilled hacker and a former colleague of one of the murdered businessmen. Shreyas is an enigmatic figure, seemingly omnipresent and always a step ahead of the police. He operates with an almost superhuman precision and a deep understanding of human psychology, manipulating events and people to achieve his goals.
As Mathew delves deeper into Shreyas's motives, he uncovers the tragic backstory that fuels Shreyas's vengeful rampage. Shreyas and his girlfriend, Ayush (Sri Divya), were innocent victims of the very businessmen Mathew is investigating. Their lives were ruined by the greed and corruption of these powerful individuals, who exploited a situation and left them devastated, with Ayush eventually dying due to the trauma and injustice. Shreyas, unable to find justice through legal channels, decided to take matters into his own hands, becoming a vigilante.
The film explores the complex philosophical debate between Mathew and Shreyas regarding justice, vengeance, and the nature of crime. Mathew, despite his own tragic past, adheres to the principles of law and order, believing that even in the face of injustice, one cannot resort to extra-judicial killings. Shreyas, on the other hand, believes that when the system fails, individuals have a moral obligation to ensure justice is served, even if it means stepping outside the law.
Mathew's investigation leads him to identify Shreyas as the prime suspect. A cat-and-mouse game ensues, with Mathew trying to anticipate Shreyas's next move and Shreyas subtly challenging Mathew, almost inviting him to understand his actions. Shreya and Harshitha are initially perplexed by Mathew's unconventional approach but come to trust his instincts as he consistently uncovers new layers of the truth.
The narrative reveals that Shreyas is not working alone. He has a highly skilled accomplice, who aids him in his elaborate plans, especially in creating false leads and maintaining his anonymity.
In a pivotal flashback, the truth behind Mathew's family tragedy is revealed. The car accident that killed his wife and daughter was not an accident but a deliberate act. The person responsible for the crash was one of the corrupt businessmen now being targeted by Shreyas. This revelation adds a deeply personal dimension to Mathew's involvement in the case, blurring the lines between his professional duty and his personal desire for justice. It creates a subtle, unspoken understanding between Mathew and Shreyas.
The climax of the film involves Mathew finally cornering Shreyas. The confrontation is not a typical action sequence but an intense psychological battle of wits. Shreyas, having completed his revenge, presents Mathew with a choice: either arrest him and uphold the law, or allow him to escape, implicitly sanctioning his brand of vigilante justice. Mathew, grappling with his own grief and the moral complexities of the situation, finds himself in a profound dilemma.
The film's ending is ambiguous, reflecting its neo-noir influences. Mathew makes a decision that is open to interpretation, showcasing his growth beyond a rigid adherence to the law. He understands Shreyas's pain but doesn't necessarily endorse his methods. The "villain" of the title becomes a multifaceted concept, referring not just to the perpetrator of the murders, but also to the corrupt forces that fueled the revenge, and perhaps even to the internal demons that haunt Mathew himself. The film concludes with Mathew continuing his journey of self-discovery, forever changed by the case and his encounter with Shreyas, leaving the audience to ponder the true meaning of justice and peace.
Cast:
- Mohanlal as Mathew Manjooran
- Vishal as Shreyas
- Manju Warrier as Neelima (Mathew's wife)
- Hansika Motwani as Inspector Harshitha Menon
- Raashi Khanna as Shreya Dixit
- Sri Divya as Ayush (Shreyas's girlfriend)
- Chemban Vinod Jose as Gandhi (Shreyas's accomplice)
- Renji Panicker as Commissioner M.P. Mathew
- Idavela Babu as Circle Inspector Thomas
- Aju Varghese as Reporter
- Antony Perumbavoor as himself (cameo)
Crew:
- Director: B. Unnikrishnan
- Writer: B. Unnikrishnan (Story, Screenplay, Dialogue)
- Producers: Rockline Venkatesh (for Rockline Entertainments)
- Music Director: Sushin Shyam (Original Background Score), 4 Musics (Songs)
- Cinematography: Manoj Paramahamsa
- Editor: Shameer Mohammed
- Production Designer: Joseph Nellickal
- Action Director: Ravi Varma, Stunt Silva, Ramana, Anal Arasu
