'Test' Movie Review: A Promising Concept That Struggles To Connect Emotionally With The Audience

Test stars Nayanthara, R. Madhavan, Siddharth, and Meera Jasmine in a drama about the intertwined lives of three individuals facing personal struggles.

(Image: Trailer Still/Youtube)

Directed By: S. Sashikanth

Language: Tamil

Cast: Nayanthara, R. Madhavan, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine

Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes

Rating: 2/5 stars

Netflix’s first Tamil original film of the year, Test, is a promising concept that ultimately falls short in execution.

Directed by S. Sashikanth and based on a story by Suman Kumar, the film attempts to explore the intertwined lives of three individuals: a cricketer, a teacher, and a scientist.

The trailer teases a simple yet thought-provoking line: “When life tests you, who are you? Hero or Villain?” However, the movie fails to follow through with this concept in a meaningful way. The story, which could have been deeply impactful, ends up feeling rushed and disjointed. Despite the strong performances from the cast, the emotional depth required to connect with the audience is largely missing.

Nayanthara, in her role as Kumudha, steals the spotlight, offering a performance that brings authenticity and depth to her character, earning well-deserved applause. On the other hand, R. Madhavan’s portrayal of Saravanan sudden shift in emotions feels abrupt and unearned, detracting from the impact of his character’s journey.

Arjun is attempted to be portrayed as one of the greatest characters, but the film never fully convinces us of his greatness, which ultimately makes his downfall feel less impactful.

This is particularly evident in the film’s key moments, where the emotional stakes should have been higher but fall flat instead. The rushed pacing makes it hard for the audience to connect with the characters, and as a result, the emotional weight of the narrative is lost.

Meera Jasmine’s return to Tamil cinema after a decade is a highlight, and she brings a quiet strength to her role. However, the film seems to focus more on Siddharth and Madhavan’s characters, leaving Meera’s performance somewhat underutilized.

The biggest flaw of Test is its lack of emotional engagement. Despite the strong performances, the film’s chaotic structure and rushed scenes prevent the audience from truly investing in the story. Key plot points, such as Saravanan’s reluctance to have a child with Kumudha and his sudden change of heart when her life is at risk, are poorly executed. The emotional stakes are never fully developed, and the characters’ motivations often come across as inconsistent and unconvincing.

While the film had the potential to be a compelling drama, it ultimately struggles with its pacing and emotional depth. Some scenes feel unnecessary and only add to the sense of chaos, leaving the audience with little to connect to emotionally. The writing doesn’t do justice to the talented cast, and the film’s failure to develop its characters leaves it feeling hollow.

In conclusion, Test is a missed opportunity. The film could have been a gripping exploration of personal struggles and triumphs, but instead, it comes across as a rushed and emotionally detached narrative. Despite the solid performances from the cast, the film fails to deliver a truly satisfying emotional experience, making it hard for the audience to engage with the story on a deeper level.

'Test' is available to stream on Netflix.