Through the lead character Abdul Khaliq, VP namedrops several time-loop films to tell audiences that the time-loop concept isn't new. SJ Suryah would be as fun to watch for over 2 hours, especially in repetitive situations, but VP milks the concept a lot better than expected.There are bits of clever writing layered throughout the screenplay. However, at the core, it's a fun showdown between two ordinary men stuck in a time loop. Politically too, this is about as best a VP film that you can expect. Of course, he masalafies the script just about enough to familiarize viewers with the high-concept and its story-telling treatment. VP's script immediately kicks into high gear, with no stoppage whatsoever. Just when you think the film descends into apparent mediocrity, SJ Suryah appears, and there's no looking back afterward. A socio-political thriller that uses the time-loop concept (seen in films like Groundhog Day, Happy Death Day, and more) to tell an engaging story, Maanaadu gets its act together after the unsurprising initial 20-25 minutes. Maanaadu is a solid return to form for both Venkat Prabhu and Silambarasan. Overall, an uncanny attempt but well judged and deserves to be Watched.RATING - 7/10*By - #samthebestest. But there is a honest message of unity- well, that's too mainstream, no. The film even goes on to touch Islamophobia, Hinduphobia, the demolition of the Babri Masjid, and how Tamil Nadu alienates Muslims. He gives you all the massy moments like Hero's stylish entry, cool pauses, action, twists and the face off between the good and the bad. The performances are decent and the Prabhu's direction is Mass friendly.
Nevertheless, the idea is wonderful, simply groundbreaking. It has those typical low grade cliches as other Tamil Films, however, that may not even bother you if you are okay with it. There is nothing wrong with the writing of the film but the execution isn't that great. The second half takes you on a crazy ride of continuous events, new questions and new answers. Maanaadu has this Mind-blowing Crossover as the USP factor, which we haven't really seen in many films and on such smart level. And guess what? It's not just the protagonist who is trapped in the time loop, but also the antagonist and with a reason (quite fascinating and fictional though, but a reason alright). Even if it's a mythological one, it is still an answer to get away with it. The best thing one has to notice about the film is, as they even quoted it - 'No Film ever elaborated why Time-loop happened to the protagonist'. Right from 'Groundhog Day' to 'Edge Of Tomorrow' to visually splendid 'Doctor Strange' to Villeneuve's 'Arrival' to Christopher Nolan's groundbreaking 'Tenet', this film surpasses the level of thrill and multilayer narratives with its unique idea. Venkat Prabhu has written a time loop thriller that can be compared to other films of the same genre on Global level. Maanaadu (2021) :Brief Review -Perhaps, the smartest Time-Loop Film Ever Written with a Mind-Blowing Crossover working as the USP Factor.