RDX - Robert Dony Xavier Movie Review: What's with two of the Onam 2023 releases bringing action back to the '90s, featuring extensive flashbacks, and have its main conflicts caused by petty rivalries? We have King of Kotha and RDX coming out in the same week, that is all about gangs duking it out and a prodigal son returning to a land he once ruled. While King of Kotha is mostly a one-man show, RDX is more of a two-and-a-half men show. Why, two and a half men? I will explain ahead, but of course, there are some SPOILERS. Shane Nigam Walks Out of RDX Movie Sets in Middle of Film's Shoot; Reports Allege Misbehaviour From the Star Multiple Times.

RDX, an acronym representing its trio of protagonists: Robert (Shane Nigam), Dony (Antony 'Pepe' Varghese), and Xavier (Neeraj Madhav), marks the directorial debut of Nahas Hidayath. The movie commences by setting the stage for its major conflict and delving into an extensive flashback. Robert and Dony are siblings, while Xavier is their close companion. During their younger years, they were a formidable team, honing their martial arts skills at a local academy led by Antony Master (Babu Antony), a close friend of their father, Lal. However, an altercation with a rival gang compels the trio to part ways for their own safety.

Fast forward a couple of years, a brutal assault on Dony and his family necessitates RDX's reunion, only for them to realize that their adversaries haven't left the past behind.

Watch the Trailer of RDX:

RDX thrives on a familiar formula, yet manages to execute it effectively. While there are some uneven segments, the film remains gripping. The initial half effectively establishes the captivating charisma of RDX as a unit. However, the core plot primarily revolves around Robert, whose romance with the charming Mini (Mahima Nambiar) serves as the catalyst for an ensuing conflict. The romantic angle is endearing, and the lighthearted scenes succeed in making the protagonists likable.

A Still From RDX

The interval point proved intriguing and even subversive in the way the scene concludes, as a grand display by the heroes leads to chaos that continues to haunt them for months. The latter half offers more excitement as the heroes opt to retaliate against their adversaries, only to realize that their heroism alone cannot salvage the situation.

Undoubtedly, the film's highlights lie in its action sequences. However, I perceived them as a mixed bag. The physical prowess of the actors is commendable, lending them a formidable and credible presence as martial artists. Yet, the vibrancy of the action choreography becomes muted due to rapid editing cuts and the use of shaky camerawork, which fail to deliver the desired impact. Given our exposure to international cinema, particularly the dynamic action sequences portrayed in Asian films, achieving such levels of masterful action presents a challenge for our own cinema. Sadly not many of our films have risen up to accept that challenge, including RDX.

A Still From RDX

An example I would like to cite to explain the above point is a scene in the Assault on Precinct 13-inspired climax. A veteran actor gets his chance to show off his action chops. It was a moment we all know was coming and when he picks up the nunchucks, I was clapping. Regrettably, the subsequent action sequence falls short of this anticipation.

Nonetheless, there still remains much to like here. First and foremost is Sam CS's remarkable background score, elevating the impact of the action sequences. Secondly, I appreciate how RDX bestows a sense of vulnerability and recklessness upon its protagonists' heroism, heightening the nail-biting excitement in pivotal scenes. I've always disapproved of certain Indian action films that grant their protagonists invincibility and all-encompassing power, thereby erasing the essential tension required for a compelling film. When the hero is impervious to defeat, apprehension loses its place. This concern was also apparent in King of Kotha. King of Kotha Movie Review: Dulquer Salmaan's Violent Swagger is Trapped in This Inconsistent Gangster Flick.

A Still From RDX

However, in RDX, Nahas Hidayath portrays the heroes as formidable but not infallible, and this dynamic greatly enhances some of the film's most intense scenes. Whether it's the sequence where Robert and Dony are pursued through the rival gang's territory or the gripping climax, this is what truly drives the film's appeal!

Regarding performances, Shane Nigam delivers an impressive portrayal, excelling in both the action sequences and the more emotive (even comedic) moments. Antony's role is somewhat secondary to Shane's, yet the actor still garners ample screen time to shine throughout. I particularly admired his performance in the film's opening act when his family comes under attack. Neeraj Madhav excels in the action scenes, but his character faces the least favorable development among the trio, rendering him more of an afterthought than a fully fleshed-out individual, primarily due to the lack of substantial screen time. This is why, to me, RDX felt more like a show centered around two-and-a-half men, rather than three.

A Still From RDX

Mahima Nambiar delivers a commendable performance, and she even has her own triumphant moment akin to the Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey moment in the climax. Lal, Babu Antony, and Baiju Santosh lend considerable credibility to their respective roles.

Final Thoughts

RDX turned out to be a nice surprise package that offers good kicks, mass moments and gripping gang conflicts, with good lead performances. While the storyline might not be something to boast about, and the action scenes could use more refinement, RDX compensates with a captivating screenplay and and some pumping thrills.

Rating:3.0

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2023 05:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).