Review: Drones
Film: Drones
Director: R. Raghav Mirdath
Cast: Siddhi Idnani, Anjali Nair, Devadarshini, Dravid Selvam, CinemaWala Sathish, Kuraishi, RJ Deepak, SASSI Selvaraj. Directed by R Raghav Mirdath. Music: Hari S R
Producer: GM Morgan
DOP: Jayanth Sethu Mathavan
Editor: Sathish Suriya
Rating: 3 stars
Director R. Raghav Mirdath’s Drones is a mixed bag in more ways than one. The film packs in almost every element one can think of — science fiction, humour, thrills, horror, romance and drama — in equal measure. As a result, it can comfortably be slotted into any of these genres. While several portions in the film impress, some don’t.
To be fair, Drones is not a film meant for serious viewing. It is a light-hearted entertainer whose primary ambition seems to be to keep audiences entertained. While it succeeds in delivering some interesting moments, the narrative could have benefited from a more consistent approach to storytelling.
Beyond its entertaining premise, the film also has a couple of points to make. For instance, it emphasises the importance of self-confidence and urges people not to be bothered by those who make disparaging remarks about their skin colour. In doing so, it also highlights the discrimination that people with darker skin tones often face in society. This underlying message lends the film a degree of substance beyond its surface-level entertainment.
Though Drones might appear simple at first glance, certain portions seem to have deeper layers. Consider the presence of an angel and a witch, for instance. At one point, audiences realise that the two are, in fact, one and the same person. Beyond the immediate revelation, this could be interpreted as a philosophical observation that good and evil coexist within every individual. Ultimately, it is left to the beholder to decide which side to see in another person. It is an interesting thought that adds a little more depth to an otherwise straightforward entertainer.
The film has neat performances coming in from its lead cast, including Siddhi Idnani, Anjali Nair, Devadarshini, Dravid Selvam, CinemaWala Sathish and Kuraishi. Siddhi Idnani makes an impression as an angel, while CinemaWala Sathish is effective as an inspector. Kuraishi, who plays a scientist, also impresses. The performances help hold together a film that occasionally struggles to maintain its narrative momentum.
On the whole, Drones is an uneven yet reasonably engaging attempt at blending several genres into one package. Its scattered moments of entertainment, social message and occasional philosophical undertones work in its favour, even as certain portions leave one wishing for a tighter screenplay.
Those looking for a light-hearted film with a mix of fantasy, humour, thrills and drama may find something to enjoy here, provided they do not approach it with expectations of a tightly constructed or deeply serious cinematic experience.
