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‘Kalluri Rascals’: Malaysia’s own Tamil-language ‘Fast & Furious’

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Former child actor turned director Shaswin Raj’s debut film is a solid local take on the racing genre.

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Free Malaysia Today
‘Kalluri Rascals’ tells the story of college students who get caught up in the world of Malaysian street racing. (Trillion Studios pic)

PETALING JAYA:
The Golden Age of Malaysian cinema may have already passed us by, but this doesn’t mean there is no hope for the future of local filmmaking.

On the contrary: recent years have seen many local filmmakers stepping up their game, creating movies that are impressive in their own right.

One such person is 28-year-old Shaswin Raj, whose big-screen project “Kalluri Rascals” is now showing in over 30 cinemas nationwide.

Speaking with FMT Lifestyle after the premiere at Lotus Five Star State Cineplex in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, recently, Shaswin called the release of his first feature film a dream come true.

A former child actor, Shaswin previously worked on small cinematic projects with RTM and Astro before deciding he wanted to do more.

Free Malaysia Today
28-year-old Shaswin Raj hopes his film will herald an age of top-notch Malaysian Tamil films. (Instagram pic)

“I’ve always been into cars,” he said, explaining the choice of genre for “Kalluri Rascals”. “If I’m going to make a film about something, I might as well make it about something I know.”

His inside knowledge on the world of street racing made the process a lot easier, as did the professional stunt drivers behind the wheel for the most intense scenes.

“I’m feeling good – nervous as well,” he said of the movie’s reception. “I hope it has good reach, and that we can keep making quality Malaysian Tamil movies like this.”

So, what’s it about?

Filmed and produced entirely in Malaysia, “Kalluri Rascals” tells the simple story of a college undergrad student who throws himself into the gritty world of street racing.

Free Malaysia Today
Varun is the good-hearted if impulsive hero of the story. (Trillion Studios pic)

Varun (played by Riknaveen), the younger brother of a police officer, arrives in Kuala Lumpur to begin his tertiary studies. But books and grades threaten to go out the window when he finds himself captivated by a fellow student, Nivetha (Hashmitha Selvam).

Alas, Varun is not the only one after her: college senior – and big bully – Prem (Arun Kumaran) is also in pursuit.

Naturally, the lads clash and decide to resolve the matter through a street race with Nivetha being the prize, much to her justified annoyance.

Meanwhile, Varun’s brother Kesavan (Kishok) pursues a lead on a murderous mob boss, Adhavan (Ganessan Manohgaran), who just so happens to be Prem’s older brother! Jeng jeng jeng.

With everything coming to a head, expect no small amount of explosive action as a result of the inevitable confrontations.

Free Malaysia Today
Nevitha is completely unamused when she becomes the prize sought by two suitors. (Trillion Studios pic)

Well then! Is “Kalluri Rascals” any good? In truth, the story is not exactly the most original, but this doesn’t make it any less entertaining.

There are naturally high expectations of the racing scenes given the subject matter, but thankfully – and perhaps surprisingly – they are well made.

Even if you are not much of a motorhead, there is a sense of exhilaration as the characters step on the gas and blast through Malaysian traffic.

The vehicular stunts are impressive for a local production, if more subdued compared with what comes out of Hollywood. To be fair, though, not everyone has the budget of the “Fast & Furious” franchise!

 

Character-wise, Nivetha’s position as the object of two men’s attention is interesting. The fact that she actually protests against the street race is certainly pleasing – women aren’t trophies, after all! – even if she does end up with one of them.

The big baddie, Adhavan, is also noteworthy. While his tragic backstory could have been better used to explore why people descend into criminality, actor Ganessan portrays him in a nuanced manner, making him entirely sympathetic.

It’s a shame these players aren’t fleshed out more but, given how the film ends, perhaps more time will be spent adding depth to these fascinating characters in the inevitable sequel.

As of press time, ‘Kalluri Rascals’ is screening in selected cinemas nationwide.

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