Tamil cinema has long been celebrated for its rich storytelling and vibrant characters, but its foray into high-concept thrillers has been somewhat limited. However, with the release of ‘Black’, starring Jiiva and Priya Bhavani Shankar, audiences are witnessing a refreshing shift reminiscent of rare astronomical phenomena like the Supermoon depicted in the film.
Inspired by the 2013 Hollywood mind-bender ‘Coherence’, ‘Black’ weaves an elaborate narrative where time and reality intertwine in mystifying ways. The film’s remarkable premise finds its anchor in the performances of Jiiva and Priya Bhavani Shankar, who portray Vasanth and Aranya, a couple embarking on a retreat at their newly built villa in a gated community. This serene getaway soon morphs into an unnerving adventure as the couple experiences a temporal anomaly, hearkening back to a baffling event from 1964, coincidentally linked with a Supermoon occurrence.
The brilliance of ‘Black’ lies in its ability to build suspense with a limited set of characters and locations. Despite the restricted setting of the villa and the primary focus on just two characters, the film holds its grip from the outset. Director KG Balasubramani, in his debut, crafts a suspenseful atmosphere that thrives on repetition and escalating tension. With the cinematographic expertise of Gokul Benoy and the crisp editing of Philomin Raj, the narrative unfolds through looping sequences that reveal new layers with each iteration, demanding a meticulous technical ensemble to maintain coherence and intrigue.
The narrative kicks into high gear post the initial exposition, after drawing viewers into the lives and relationship dynamics of Vasanth and Aranya. A couple of unnecessary musical interludes aside, once the couple settles into their villa, the plot accelerates, inching viewers to the edge of their seats as the thriller elements intensify. Unlike its predecessor, ‘Coherence’, ‘Black’ relies heavily on its two principal actors to maintain suspense and engagement, a task they handle adeptly, keeping audiences enthralled for the majority of its runtime.
However, the film is not without its missteps, particularly in the latter half.
. Certain scenes, such as the episode where a distraught Vasanth ventures outdoors, only to be mistaken by the police as being involved in his wife’s disappearance, appear forced when translated visually. Additionally, the intriguing notion of the Supermoon casting an inexplicable force field—akin to a black hole that ensnares our protagonists within and scrambles timelines—is introduced, yet its scientific explanation is deferred to the film’s concluding moments. This delayed exposition, loaded with complex verbiage surrounding super-positioning, parallel realities, and references like the Bermuda Triangle or Schrödinger’s cat, can alienate viewers unacquainted with such concepts.
Despite the challenges posed by the intricate subject matter, Jiiva and Priya Bhavani Shankar deliver stellar performances that ground the narrative. Jiiva, in particular, makes an impressive return to form, portraying a character seemingly custom-crafted for his talents. Priya provides an essential counterbalance, playing a character whose inquisitiveness guides the audience through the perplexing series of events, all while skillfully avoiding the clichéd damsel-in-distress trope.
While ‘Black’ might draw parallels to other films that navigate the convoluted terrain of time travel and alternate realities, it distinguishes itself within the genre by respecting the audience’s intelligence. It avoids spoon-feeding information, allowing viewers to unravel the narrative complexities at their own pace. This approach, coupled with its gripping screenplay, compelling performances, and a robust technical team, positions ‘Black’ as a standout thriller.
The film’s ability to transcend its minor flaws speaks volumes about Tamil cinema’s capacity for innovation within the thriller genre. ‘Black’ reminiscent of upcoming Kannada offerings like ‘Blink’, sets a new standard, proving that high-concept cinema can indeed thrive without the need for over-simplification, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what the landscape might reveal next. For those seeking a cerebral cinematic experience, ‘Black’ currently lights up theater screens, promising a journey as unpredictably fascinating as the next Supermoon.
