Intense, gritty and Telugu-language, “Razor” is an action-thriller that defies the norm with its high-octane storytelling and visceral visuals. Essentially the film is about an unlikely hero, a lowly pet groomer (Ravi Babu in his acting debut) who suddenly turns into a ferocious protector when a young girl’s life is in danger. It begins with the shocking assassination of Chief Minister Sitaramayya, a political murder on CCTV, which launches a deadly game of survival. But as dark political and criminal motives become aware that there’s a witness, this seemingly normal day turns into a violent struggle for survival. The film’s drama builds steadily as the protagonists are relentlessly pursued in deserted industrial environments and engage in ferocious battles, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
The film does a great job with its unvarnished depiction of violence, the choreography of which is both inventive and bloody. The direction of Ravisharan is keeping the film serious and engrossing, and the cinematography, with its harsh contrasts of light and shadow and urban decay, adds to the atmosphere of danger and desperation. Even with all the bloodshed and bodies, “Razor” has an emotional heart to it, focusing on the protector who never wavers from his commitment to keep the innocent girl safe, and creates a bond in the midst of blood and chaos. The conflict within the protector himself is also a factor that raises the emotions in this game, as well as the fact that he promised to fight systemic evil, which makes his fight surprisingly compelling.
“Razor” offers constant action and visceral thrills, but at times the film is on the brink of falling into familiar revenge-thriller cliches, and some moments are over-the-top or too stylized. The story of brutality might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and a few of the motivations of the characters might have been explored more. Despite that, the movie has the energy of a raw and gritty hero with a set of unlikely heroes, and the result is a film worth watching. A poignant reminder of the power of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges, and the impact of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.
