Extra Ordinary Man (2023)

Abhi (Nithiin), an expert in the art of embodying different personalities since childhood, finds himself dancing on the fine line between reality and imagination.

His extraordinary talent, recognized by his understanding mother (Rohini), became the stepping stone that led him into the fascinating world of acting. Yet, despite his skills, Abhi grows into an in-demand junior artist, always shadowed in the foreground.

As their journey into the reel world progresses, the boundaries between the scripted and the authentic become increasingly blurred. At home, Abhi is grappling with a complex situation, a delicate balance between a supportive mother and a father (Rao Ramesh) whose concern verges on the crippling.

Movie Storyline

A chance encounter with Likitha (Sri Leela), a formidable MD of a company, lights the flame of love and pushes Abhi into an unexpected role – that of a CEO.

However, the plot thickens when a scheming director introduces Abhi to Nero (Sudev Nair), a character who is the epitome of self-absorption and malice, driven by a thirst for conquest.

The stage is set for an interesting drama where Abhi will have to navigate the maze of his identity. Will he take advantage of the opportunity to step into the hero’s shoes and into the spotlight, or will he succumb to the allure of playing the darker-minded character Nero?

In this unfolding story, what role will Nero and the mysterious IG Vijay (Rajasekhar) play, adding layers of complexity to Abhi’s story? As the curtain rises on this unique tale of self-discovery and dramatic intrigue, the challenges he faces will not only define his on-screen legacy but also unravel the complex threads of his own existence.

Can he challenge written destiny and emerge as the true hero of his life’s script? The answers lie in the interesting turns of Abhi’s journey, where the boundary between character and actor becomes a blurry canvas of possibilities.

Set in the whimsical world created by director Vakkantham Vamsi, “Extra Ordinary Man” graces the screens with an extraordinary blend of action, comedy, and drama, featuring the dynamic duo of Nithiin and Sri Leela in the lead roles.

The film starts off with a bang, plunging the audience into the energetic chaos of the story. Nithiin takes center stage in a stern yet stylish persona equipped with long hair, a beard, and a black outfit with dark shades.

This cinematic spectacle unfolds as Abhi, better known as Erra Balu, weaves his tale deep in the jungle, narrating his exploits to the formidable smuggling kingpin, Selvamani (Sampath).

While the first half of the film skillfully connects the complex elements of the story, as the narrative progresses, it takes a bold leap into the realms of hyperbole.

Starcast Performance

Nithiin brings out the nuances of his character effortlessly in the early segments, painting a compelling picture of Abhi’s personality. However, the challenge of maintaining the same impressive pace arises in the latter half, where the 158-minute film begins to overwhelm the audience with its complex and boisterous screenplay.

As the plot unfolds, the film navigates a maze of twists and turns, with Nithiin’s character facing ups and downs that stretch the limits of believability. The once seamless flow of the narrative gives way to a feeling of fatigue, as the screenplay becomes blurry and strenuous, testing the audience’s patience through the latter parts of the film.

“Extra Ordinary Man” may be a bold venture into the realm of action comedy drama, but it is not without its challenges. While the beginning of the film promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions and entertainment, it struggles to maintain the delicate balance between eccentricity and coherence.

As the curtain falls on this ultimate cinematic escapade, audiences are left pondering the fine line between extravagance and storytelling artifice in the realm of “Extra Ordinary Man.”

The cinematic canvas painted by the establishment of Abhi and his vibrant world, replete with family interactions, neighborhood camaraderie, and humorous encounters, becomes a delightful tapestry that resonates with the audience’s sense of entertainment.

Nithiin’s portrayal admirably captures the essence of a junior artist forever pushed into the background, who skillfully overcomes the challenges of his profession with an infectious positivity that endears him to the audience. Their journey through the complex web of family, relatives, and neighbors is filled with laughter and banter, providing a refreshing and engaging atmosphere.

Direction and Production

Amidst this comic symphony, Sri Leela, in the role of Likitha, brings a charming and lovable element to the love story. However, her talents appear to be somewhat underutilized due to limited screen time, leaving audiences yearning for a more robust exploration of her character.

Despite this, her chemistry with Nithiin adds palpable sweetness to the unfolding story.

The ensemble cast, including Rao Ramesh and Rohini playing Abhi’s parents, contribute significantly to the comedic style of the film. Their impeccable performances create many hilarious scenes, adding depth to the family dynamics.

Pavitra Lokesh, playing the role of Likitha’s mother, has a brief but impactful role, which further adds to the comic tapestry woven within the story.

From the grandeur of “Baahubali” to the historical charm of “Ponniyan Selvan” in the first half of the film, several film references are cleverly incorporated, providing a delightful comedic touch that resonates with cinemagoers.

These references not only serve as allusions to the broader cinematic landscape but also contribute to the film’s unique blend of humor and storytelling.

As the story unfolds, the setting of Abhi’s world not only brings genuine laughs but also weaves a thread of relatability, making the characters endearing to the audience. The success of the film lies not only in its comedic potential but also in its ability to bring warmth and charm to its depiction of Abhi’s journey, creating a cinematic experience that resonates with both humor and heart.

Should we watch this movie?

The film hits a hurdle with the introduction of Nero, as it attempts to navigate an elaborate and over-the-top narrative for an extended period of time.

While there are still moments of entertainment scattered throughout, the film struggles to maintain an entertaining narrative, which, for the most part, feels somewhat unsatisfying. The ambitious attempt to bring excess to the story, particularly with the character of Nero, results in moments that detract from the charming humor established in the first part.

After a hiatus, the return of actor Rajasekhar as IG Vijay brings a wave of nostalgia, but the character’s potential for connection has not been explored yet. Sudev Nair’s portrayal of Nero plays an important role, but the execution leaves room for improvement, raising questions about the character’s impact on the overall story.

Technically, the film suffers from problems in editing, leading to a lack of spontaneity, particularly evident in lip-syncing problems during songs.

The score and songs composed by Harris Jayaraj, though not entirely lacking, fail to make a lasting impact, leaving the audience without a memorable musical impression. The cinematography, although decent, lacks a coherent theme, contributing to an overall feeling of disjointedness in the visual narrative.

Yomovies Conclusion

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that “An Ordinary Man” could have greatly benefited from increased production values. The initial energy, character development, and charming vibe established in the first half are lost, leaving the latter half of the film less impactful than it could have been. Ultimately, the film’s ambition to blend elements of action, comedy, and drama may have weakened its core strengths.

A more focused and streamlined approach, with attention to technical details, could have enhanced the overall impact of the film. Despite its shortcomings, the film still succeeds in providing entertaining moments, and while it may not entirely live up to its potential, it remains a testament to the challenges of balancing diverse elements within a single cinematic narrative.

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