Maan Karate is a form of karate technique inspired from the attributes of the deer, focuses on being flexible in manoeuvring out of situations and not about landing big punches. Similarly, Sivakarthikeyan does not face challenges head-on. But, always tries to wiggle his way out of situations by avoiding or pleading. This sort of forms the crux of Maan Karate.
Story, Screenplay and Direction
It is difficult not to wonder what the heck the writing team must be smoking when they came up with this story? Even if you convince yourself to overlook the basic premise, the subsequent situations are implausible and forcibly stitched. The notion that Sivakarthikeyan with no formal training in boxing can defeat a professional boxer is far-fetched.
Sivakarthikeyan does not show much variations in his acting abilities. But, he makes vast improvements in dancing department. After this movie, there should be very little doubt in anybody's mind whether the TV Star is a hero material. Sivakarthikeyan is fluid in his dancing and will impress you with his confidence and body language especially during the song sequences. Hansika is charming and has shed a lot of pounds as she sashays in "Darling Dambakku" song. Satish plays second fiddle as a comedian to Sivakarthikeyan. The ever-angry villain Vamsi Krishna's characterization is confusing as he kills other fighters in the boxing ring through his deadly punches and later displays softer side as an understanding husband and then quickly switches back to his callous behavior.
Sivakarthikeyan desperately works very hard to showcase his acting chops. One scene that sticks out like a sore thumb is when Sivakarthikeyan breaks down begging to the villain to withdraw from the final championship title. It would make you squirm at the hero's characterization and may even shift your loyalties towards the villain. Sharper editing would have given the audience some relief and would have been a saving grace for Sivakarthikeyan. Rest of the cast members do not make a strong impression.
Branded as a film by A.R Murugadoss, who had also written the film’s story, ‘Maan Karate’ is Stallone’s ‘Rocky’ meeting a character called Royapuram Peter, who has to win a boxing championship to prove his love for his significant other. But Peter doesn’t know how to box and yet manages to reach the finals of the championship by dodging his opponents in the ring, courtesy his technique to doge as swiftly as a deer (Maan in Tamil), and hence the title ‘Maan Karate’. Peter has to lock horns with defending champion, also named Peter, who is known as a killing machine. In the decisive match between Peter versus, who will clinch the title? This forms the climax of the film.
This is probably the worst story ever written by Murugadoss, who is known for penning good films such as Ghajini and Thuppakki. He was probably under the assumption that audience will embrace whatever comes from his factory, but his theory fails miserably in this film. It could have been a highly entertaining commercial outing, but bringing in the sport angle to it hasn’t done any good for the film. If few weeks ago an underrated film like Vallinam managed to inspire film buffs and sports enthusiasts with a story revolving around Basketball, ‘Maan Karate’ disrespects a sport like boxing.
Sivakarthikeyan is at his best as usual and manages to evoke laughter at regular intervals. But it’s sad to see his potential going down the drain in characters where he has started to appear quite similar from film after film. But as an actor, he manages to deliver in whatever role he essays. Sathish manages to generate some laughter at regular intervals with his comical punch lines, while the rest of the cast falls flat.
Music and Technicalities
Latest hit wonder Anirudh's music is definitely an asset since the songs are recognizable as you walk in to the movie. The choreography gels with the music and highlights Sivakarthikeyan's prowess in dance. The background music tries its best to provide some credibility to ridiculous scenes and situations. Cinematography, editing and other technical department do their parts. Sivakarthikeyan's colorful, vibrant and trendy dressing is in sharp contrast with the usual jobless-next-door boy character. Anirudh and AR Murugadoss try to amuse the audience with their cameo appearances in 'Open the Tasmac' song.
Verdict - Maan Karate is not as smart as the title suggests! Watch it for Siva Karthikeyan and Hansika Performance.