Test movie review: In India, cricket isn’t just a sport—it’s a religion. Countless films celebrating this passion have graced the silver screen, often highlighting the sacrifices and triumphs of the sport’s heroes. The latest entry into this genre, Test, directed by debutant Sashikanth, explores a rich narrative involving three central characters: Arjun, portrayed by Siddharth, his childhood friend Kumudha (Nayanthara), and her husband Saravanan (R Madhavan). Will their intertwined stories hit a six, or fall flat?
Unraveling the Plot of Test
As the story unfolds, we witness Arjun grappling with a severe downturn in his cricket career. On the verge of being dropped from the Indian team due to his poor form, his ambition pushes him to treat an upcoming match against Pakistan as a do-or-die opportunity. He dreams of leaving the game as a hero, not a failure. However, the stakes are high as the pressure mounts.
Meanwhile, Kumudha, a dedicated teacher, is on a parallel track of desperation—yearning for motherhood. As she prepares to embark on the IVF journey, her husband, Saravanan, reveals shocking news: he requires ₹50 lakhs to settle urgent financial matters related to his canteen business. However, in a twist of fate, Saravanan, a brilliant MIT-educated scientist, is entangled deeper in a hydro-fuel project plagued by financial woes and an impending investigation into match-fixing scandals surrounding the much-anticipated cricket clash.
With these intertwining narratives, the film dives into the moral quandaries and life choices faced by Arjun, Kumudha, and Saravanan. Their individual aspirations and conflicts create a complex tapestry representing the human condition—each character uniquely flawed yet relatable.
Character Development: Heights and Lows
The writers, Sashikanth and Suman Kumar, achieve commendable character development, transitioning from emotional drama to intense thriller. However, it is in this shift to the high-stakes world of match-fixing where the film loses some steam, culminating in a feeling of exhaustion rather than exhilarating tension.
The Stars Shine Bright
One of the film’s saving graces is the remarkable performances delivered by Madhavan, Siddharth, and Nayanthara. Together, they elevate the film with their palpable chemistry, particularly evident in scenes filled with conflict. Nayanthara’s portrayal of Kumudha elicits a wave of genuine emotion, capturing the internal struggles of a woman torn between aspirations and love.
Visuals and Soundtrack
The film’s score, composed by Shaktishree Gopalan, complements the narrative equally well, while the cinematography by Viraj Singh immerses the viewer in the raw emotional landscape of the characters. Nevertheless, the editing by TS Suresh leaves room for improvement, as some scenes could have been trimmed to enhance pacing; a runtime of two hours and 25 minutes feels drawn out considering the limited dramatic twists.
Final Verdict
Test showcases a compelling premise and stellar performances from a talented cast; however, it ultimately falls short of delivering a story that does justice to its potential. While Sashikanth shines with his directorial debut, the movie struggles to maintain momentum, which might frustrate some viewers. Available now on Netflix, it’s worth a watch—if only for the impressive acting performances.
