By Sam Trailerman
Mask is a smart and engaging Tamil thriller that takes inspiration from the hugely popular Money Heist — but wisely avoids being a mere imitation.
Instead, it crafts its own high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where a greedy man’s life spirals out of control after 440 crores (US$44 million) go missing.
With only seven days to recover the fortune, he must navigate a treacherous web of deceit, betrayal, and intrigue, pursued by a cunning woman and an enigmatic trickster.
The film boasts an intriguing plot filled with twists and suspense.
- Kavin shines as Velu, a money-minded private detective whose sly speech, mischievous nature, and fierce body language make him both compelling and unpredictable. His ability to balance humour with emotional depth gives the character surprising resonance.
- Andrea Jeremiah delivers a standout performance as Bhumi, the antagonist. Her villainy is magnetic — an icy coolness fused with fiery intensity. She embraces contradiction, portraying both the “good” façade and the unapologetically “bad” with equal conviction.
- Supporting actors Charlie, Archana, Kingsley, and George Maryan add texture to the narrative, while Pawan Krishna as Minister Manivannan and Andrea’s partnership with Pavan as co-villains elevate the stakes.
Velu (Kavin) is a private detective who solves clients’ problems but secretly scams them out of greed. Bhumi (Andrea Jeremiah), who runs an NGO for children, is revealed to be orchestrating illegal activities — including sex trafficking — under the guise of charity.
When corrupt politician Manivannan (Pawan Krishna) entrusts Bhumi with a massive sum of black money in exchange for a new identity, a masked gang suddenly steals the stash from its hiding place in a supermarket.
Bhumi conceals the theft from the politician and coerces Velu into retrieving the money at any cost.
Velu, himself corrupt yet skilled, embarks on a dangerous mission to track down the masked gang. The journey uncovers shocking truths about their motives and Bhumi’s real identity —V araprabhalakshmi — leading to a tense and thought-provoking climax.
Mask converges its narrative into a suspenseful yet entertaining ride. The screenplay accelerates in the second half, keeping the tension alive while sprinkling in moments of humour.
Though it may not sweep awards, it succeeds as a watchable thriller — one that keeps audiences on edge with its mix of excitement, intrigue, and unexpected turns.
WE