The much-awaited mass action drama Max, starring Kannada superstar Kiccha Sudeep, is among the latest releases. The film premiered in Kannada on December 25 and hit Telugu screens on December 27. Let’s dive into the review to see if the film met the expectations of the Telugu audience.

Story:

The plot revolves around Arjun Mahakshay, aka Max (played by Kiccha Sudeep), a cop with a solid track record but a history of frequent transfers and suspensions due to his actions. Assigned as CI of a police station, Max starts taking action even before formally assuming charge. In one such instance, he arrests two ministers' sons for drug possession and misbehaving with a female officer. However, the twist arises when the two suspects mysteriously die in custody. This creates chaos for Max and his team. What plans does Max come up with? How and why did the two suspects die? How does Max protect his team? This is the basic story of the film.

Analysis:

Max is a film that rides high on the screen presence of Kichcha Sudeep. The movie offers a feast not only for his fans but also for mass action lovers. Sudeep’s superb screen presence and stylish action sequences are a treat to watch. His performance, mannerisms, and intense portrayal add significant value to the film, providing fans with a complete feast.

While the film has elements to please the mass audience, it lacks a strong and fresh story. The central premise feels routine, and many dialogues and scenes have a déjà vu quality as if borrowed from other films. These aspects dilute the overall impact. The backdrop of the film may remind viewers of Karthi's Khaidi.

The supporting characters in Sudeep's gang often come across as over-the-top, and some dialogues in the pre-climax feel exaggerated. The director could have toned down these elements for a more natural and engaging narrative. Additionally, the absence of Sudeep’s backstory and the abrupt conclusion of his character arc leave a sense of dissatisfaction.

Director Vijay Karthikeyan succeeds in delivering an engaging narrative for the mass audience despite working with a routine storyline. His racy screenplay ensures the film doesn’t bore the average viewer. By utilizing Sudeep’s screen presence and packing in mass moments, he delivers a decent treat for fans.

The film’s production values are commendable, with good visuals showcasing a story set throughout a single night. The technical team deserves credit, particularly for the cinematography and music. Camera movements and Ajaneesh Loknath’s score elevate several key scenes. The Telugu dubbing is effective, and the editing is decent. However, the VFX in certain sequences feels weak.

Verdict:

Overall, Max is a mass entertainer that serves as a delightful treat for Sudeep’s fans. The film’s action-packed sequences and Sudeep’s solid screen presence stand out as its strengths. While the story feels routine and some scenes appear overdone, the film manages to engage audiences fairly well.