Sashikanth’s directorial debut, Test, featuring R. Madhavan, Siddharth, and Nayanthara, is a gripping sports drama that explores cricket, ambition, and personal struggles. While the film boasts stellar performances, its screenplay loses momentum, preventing it from hitting a sixer.
Plot Overview
Set against the backdrop of India’s most beloved sport—cricket—Test follows Indian cricketer Arjun (Siddharth), his childhood friend Kumudha (Nayanthara), and her husband Saravanan (R. Madhavan).
Arjun, struggling with his form, is on the verge of being dropped from the Indian team. Determined to bow out with pride, he hopes to secure a spot in a crucial India-Pakistan match in Chennai. Meanwhile, Kumudha, a teacher, is desperate to have a child and is preparing for IVF, only to be blindsided when her husband, an MIT-educated scientist, reveals he needs ₹50 lakh to resolve licensing issues for a canteen. However, his true struggle lies in securing funding for his hydro-fuel project, which has put him in deep debt.
As their paths cross, Test delves into themes of personal ambition, morality, and sacrifice. The trio faces difficult choices, compounded by a police investigation into match-fixing ahead of the big game.
Strong Performances, but a Weak Narrative
Madhavan, Siddharth, and Nayanthara deliver exceptional performances, carrying the film through its high and low points. Nayanthara, in particular, shines in the emotional conflict scenes with Madhavan, while Siddharth’s chemistry with Meera Jasmine (who plays his wife Padma) adds depth to the narrative.
Despite well-developed characters and a promising premise, the film stumbles when transitioning into its thriller mode. While the early portions focus on character-building, the match-fixing subplot and dramatic twists feel stretched, making the film drag in its second half.
Technical Aspects
Musician Shaktishree Gopalan and cinematographer Viraj Singh elevate the film with their work, and editor TS Suresh keeps the runtime tight, though a few scenes could have been trimmed to maintain the pace.
Verdict
While Test has a compelling premise and strong performances, its screenplay fails to sustain the excitement. Director Sashikanth shows promise in his debut but doesn’t quite deliver a knockout punch. Test is now streaming on Netflix—watch it for its outstanding performances, but temper your expectations regarding the storyline.
Sources By Agencies
