Mark Movie review: Kiccha Sudeep's latest cop thriller is more about style than substance

Mark the movie

Cast: Kichha Sudeep

Director: Vijay Karthikeya

Rating: 2/5

Plot:

The movie is about suspended SP Ajay Markandaya, also known as Mark (Kiccha Sudeep). He can only get his job back and expose a powerful politician if he finds a key piece of evidence. A young child accidentally gets a hold of a mobile phone that has a video on it that could ruin Adikeshava's (Shine Tom Chacko) plans. Mark has to work quickly to find out who is behind the kidnappings, why they are doing it, and where the victims are being held when the child is taken along with several others.

Adikeshava is about to become the next chief minister in a way that isn't very clear, so the stakes are high and the outcome of this dangerous chase is pretty clear.

Analysis and performances:

Mark is directed by Vijay Kartikeyaa, who worked with the actor and director again a year after Max. The first movie had a good story, but this one is mostly fan service, which means the story isn't as good. The director seems to have made the movie with over-the-top hero moments in mind instead of a tightly woven plot. This led to a screenplay full of unnecessary characters and action beats that happen over and over again.

For example, Mark's team of other suspended officers doesn't really do anything to move the story along; they just stand around in the background. Even though they are supposed to be loyal, they don't add much to the story, which makes it seem like Mark is a one-man army who can take down hordes of enemies on his own.

Kiccha Sudeep takes over the screen with his huge presence and delivers punchlines and action scenes with his trademark intensity. But the way his character is shown as invincible takes away any real sense of danger or tension.

Shine Tom Chacko, the scheming politician, is still not very impressive. Even though the main villain is supposed to be stronger this time, none of the supporting villains really stand out. Naveen Chandra's loud acting, Vikranth's unpredictable character, and Yogi Babu's lack of comic timing—especially in the Kannada dub—don't have any effect. Guru Somasundaram, who doesn't have much screen time, adds some flavor to his gangster role, which is a nice break.

Technicalities:

To make the movie more emotional, it adds a kidnapping subplot with several kids, including the daughter of Mark's housekeeper. But the emotional connection seems forced because the story doesn't do much to show how Mark and the victims are really close. Ajaneesh Loknath's background music, especially during these scenes, seems out of place and doesn't add to the emotional tension.

Verdict:

Mark closely follows the pattern set by Max, but it's not as interesting or engaging. The movie puts style, big moments, and hero worship ahead of story and emotional depth. Even though expectations were lower, the end result still feels disappointing.

Also read: Bad Girlz review: A funny, crazy, and emotional comedy caper that works in many places

Mark may still be interesting to people who like watching Kiccha Sudeep dominate the screen for almost two and a half hours. For everyone else, it's not the exciting cop thriller it promised to be.