Rifle Club Movie Review: A Stylishly Shot Thriller That Needed a Sharper Edge
3 Key Takeaways
- Rifle Club succeeds in blending action with a gripping, lawless vibe set against the lush hill stations of Kerala, channeling the raw spirit of Western classics.
- While the characters and world-building are top-notch, the climactic showdown feels underwhelming compared to the tension that precedes it.
- Aashiq Abu’s direction, combined with Syam Pushkaran’s writing and Rex Vijayan’s electrifying music, creates a visual and emotional treat, but a tighter script could have elevated it into a modern classic.
A Wild Western In Kerala’s Green Expanse
Imagine the lawlessness of the Wild West transplanted to the misty hill stations of Kerala in the 1990s. That’s the cinematic world director Aashiq Abu crafts in Rifle Club. It’s not just a story about guns and machismo it’s an adrenaline-fueled tale of power struggles, family loyalties, and moral ambiguity. Set in 1991, the movie merges themes of hunting, action, and tension into a gritty narrative that keeps the audience hooked.
In its 114-minute runtime, Rifle Club doesn’t waste much time on frills. The story kicks off with the arrival of Shajahan (Vineeth Kumar), a Malayalam film star trying to shed his romantic hero image. Shajahan seeks to train at the club for his upcoming hunting-themed movie, inspired by the blockbuster Mrugaya. But his stay coincides with a dangerous encounter when a couple close to him angers Dayanand (Anurag Kashyap), a notorious arms dealer. What follows is a night of bloodshed, mind games, and chaos at the Rifle Club.
A World Built On Guns And Glory
One of Rifle Club’s biggest strengths is its immersive world-building. Nestled deep in the Western Ghats, the Rifle Club feels like a universe governed by its own set of rules and honour codes. The members are tied together by their obsession with hunting and a shared disdain for incompetence, which often leads to brutal banter and infighting.
The setting plays a pivotal role in building tension. From dead wild boars to adrenaline-pumping zipline action sequences, the club transforms into a battleground where human instincts collide with animalistic survival. The film uses visual storytelling brilliantly, with Aashiq Abu doubling as the cinematographer, employing sharp monochromatic lighting and rich frames that elevate the suspenseful atmosphere.
Characters like Avaran (Dileesh Pothan), the agile and witty club secretary, bring depth to the movie. The playful yet menacing banter between Avaran and Dayanand serves as a precursor to the violence that ensues. There’s also a haunting contrast in scenes where entire families watch gruesome events unfold without flinching it’s a reminder of the desensitized morality that defines this world.
Parallels With Hunting: The Art Of The Chase
The screenplay, written by Shyam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, and Suhas, draws several parallels between the characters’ actions and hunting. Much of the first half focuses on unravelling these layers showing how every character, from the club members to the intruders, behaves like a predator or prey.
Shajahan’s arc, from a clueless film star to someone forced into survival mode, reflects his metaphorical transformation into a hunter. The writers cleverly foreshadow events, with Avaran’s cryptic advice about aiming and hunting serving as both a literal and figurative commentary on the club’s dynamics.
The banter-filled scenes also shine. Whether it’s Bheera (Hanumankind) wreaking havoc or Dayanand’s sarcastic Hindi-Malayalam exchanges with the club members, the dialogue is razor-sharp and keeps the audience engaged. However, the climactic showdown feels lackluster compared to the brilliant build-up.
A Cast That Breathes Life Into The Story
Rifle Club boasts a stellar cast, with each actor delivering performances that bring their quirky, complex characters to life. Dileesh Pothan is a standout as Avaran, perfectly embodying the cocky yet calculating club secretary. Anurag Kashyap, as Dayanand, plays the quintessential arms dealer with ease, blending charm and menace into his performance.
Vineeth Kumar, as the struggling film star Shajahan, offers a restrained yet impactful performance as his character evolves throughout the film. Meanwhile, actors like Darshana Rajendran, Vani Vishwanath, Surabhi Lakshmi, and Unnimaya Prasad make the most of their limited screen time, leaving lasting impressions with their distinct quirks.
Hanumankind’s portrayal of Bheera is both eccentric and terrifying, and the character’s unpredictable nature adds another layer of tension to the film. Even smaller roles, like those of veteran Vijayaraghavan and Vishnu Agasthya, feel well-rounded and integral to the story.
Style Over Substance?
Aashiq Abu’s Rifle Club thrives on its stylish execution. From Rex Vijayan’s pulsating background score to the kinetic action sequences such as a sharpshooter chasing down targets on a motorcycle the film is packed with memorable moments. The gritty aesthetic is further enhanced by the clever use of a grainy VHS recording, a nostalgic nod to the era and a refreshing stylistic choice.
However, the film struggles with inconsistency in its writing. The climax, in particular, feels hollow compared to the otherwise tight narrative. The much-anticipated face-off between the club members and Dayanand’s gang ends with a predictable and uninspired resolution. The film attempts to channel the chaotic energy of a Mexican standoff, but it never quite lands with the intensity it promises.
Final Thoughts
Rifle Club is a cinematic rollercoaster packed with adrenaline, humour, and tension. While the film doesn’t quite deliver the knockout punch in its finale, it still offers plenty of reasons to watch. Aashiq Abu’s direction, combined with a stellar cast and stunning visuals, makes it a thrilling ride through the lawlessness of Kerala’s hill stations. For fans of gritty action and character-driven stories, Rifle Club proves that Aashiq Abu hasn’t lost his touch.
FAQ
What is the main theme of Rifle Club?
Rifle Club explores themes of survival, family loyalty, and the blurred lines between morality and lawlessness. The film draws parallels between hunting and human conflict, set against a Western-inspired backdrop in Kerala.
Is Rifle Club worth watching?
Yes, especially for fans of stylish action films with unique settings and layered characters. While the climax could have been stronger, the movie is engaging and visually stunning.
Who are the standout performers in the movie?
Dileesh Pothan as Avaran and Anurag Kashyap as Dayanand deliver standout performances. Vineeth Kumar, Hanumankind, and the rest of the ensemble cast also leave a lasting impact.
How long is the movie?
The runtime of Rifle Club is 114 minutes, making it a concise and focused thriller.
