Dhill

“Dhill” (2001) is a action film by Dharani. It stars Vikram, Laila and Ashish Vidyarthi. The story follows Kanagavel, a young man dream to become a police officer, who beats up a guy for misbehaving with his girlfriend only to find out that the guy was in fact a corrupt police officer. What follows is an alarming sequence of events, as the corrupt officer takes to the intimidation, targeting Kanagavel and his family with harassment.

Kanagavel is an extremely talented and an aspiring IPS trainee who clears his examinations. After the two share a romantic dinner together, he makes the choice we probably all would, to kill a man with a gun who’s attacking this woman he loves, and chase him down after he hurts her. Muttalagan, chief of the police Training Academy gives an indication to Kanagavel that, Shankar, a black cop is associated with his daughter’s death, along with the minister Vedhanayagam and Aadhi Bhagavan (Criminal). Determined to bring Shankar to justice, Kanagavel becomes the target of a brutal act of retribution. Shankar murders his friend Ashok.

In retaliation, Kanagavel kills Adi with Shankar’s stolen revolver, framing Shankar for Adi’s murder in the process. Shankar goes ahead and kills Vedhanayagam, making it look like Kanagavel’s handiwork. Adi’s death is faked, and he is imprisoned by Kanagavel. Once one of these exits backfire and lead to a shootout, Adi confesses his crimes to Asha, and she records him. When the police commissioner shows up, with enough evidence to arrest Shankar, he makes both men give up. Shankar attempts to flee but is shot dead by Kanagavel, who is exonerated later on circumstantial evidence and inducted into the IPS.

A gripping, tense, superbly crafted action thriller this movie is big on adrenaline and heart with a stage filled with drama packed with emotion and dazzlingly choreographed sequences. The pacing is quick, ensuring that viewers are engaged from beginning to end. Its subjects of social justice, corruption and perseverance are treated in an incredibly forceful manner, underpinned by an excellent orchestral design and often stunningly effective visuals. The film manages to balance action and sentiment beautifully, creating an enriching experience for fans of the genre.