Mark movie review : With some stylish scenes and a few catchy dance numbers, ‘Mark’, starring Sudeep and directed by Vijay Kartikeyaa, tries to be a gripping thriller, but it ultimately misses the mark on delivering a memorable experience

Mark movie review Sudeep’s thriller – Full Movie Passes 

Max, Vijay Kartikeyaa’s first collaboration with Sudeep, won big on novelty factor. A one-night story unfolding in minimal locations felt different for a star film. It felt encouraging to see Sudeep experimenting with scripts. The film balanced its unorthodox storytelling with whistle-worthy moments for fans.

So, with Mark, the actor-director duo was expected to go a notch higher. Though it’s far from a forgettable movie, Mark falls short of Max. Though unfair, the comparison is inevitable. Both films star a hot-headed cop. Apart from a similar-sounding title, both movies have plots that unfold within 24 hours. Mark movie review Sudeep’s thriller – Full Movie Passes 

Additionally, with Mark, Vijay Kartikeyaa shows that his team can pull off an action-thriller, shot in various locations, within 4-5 months. However, the movie fails to provide an engaging experience. The film also boasts of multiple subplots and characters, but they are present just to distract us from the thin story.

Ajay Markandayya, the suspended, temperamental cop, swings into action when he learns of children getting kidnapped in the city. Also in the mix are a corrupt politician eyeing the CM’s position, a gangster family, and a drug dealer. Mark movie review Sudeep’s thriller – Full Movie Passes 

On paper, the world of Mark appears pulpy enough for an action-thriller. However, the movie follows the template of a one-man show, with Sudeep’s character conveniently appearing at every turn to beat the baddies. The twists are never shocking, people die and backstab without much impact on the audience, and a host of characters aren’t intertwined to form an interesting drama. Mark movie review Sudeep’s thriller – Full Movie Passes 

Surprisingly, Sudeep stars in a subdued character, lacking in energy and mass appeal. Apart from a couple of punchy dialogues and a brilliantly choreographed climax action sequence, Ajay Markandayya doesn’t produce the frenzy required from a ‘masala’ hero character. Mark movie review Sudeep’s thriller – Full Movie Passes 

It’s the technicians who keep Mark afloat. Apart from two peppy dance numbers, Ajaneesh Loknath wins big with his gripping background score. Shekar Chandra’s cinematography complements the film’s racy nature, while Shivakumar’s art direction is a big strength of the film.

A major grouse is the film’s casting, with actors from the Tamil film industry appearing in important roles. Though gifted actors, their inability to speak Kannada has evidently affected their performances.

Naveen Chandra gets a one-note character who is always screaming at the top of his voice, while Yogi Babu’s dry wit is half-effective thanks to the dubbed voice. Vikranth gets a key role, but it’s fleshed out in a dull manner. Shine Tom Chacko appears out of place as a corrupt politician. Guru Somasundaram, in a quirky character, is a delight to watch, though.

Mark also manipulates emotions using children, a dated trope that commercial cinema should let go. A stylish and brave attempt, Mark still falls short as the effort of pulling off a quick film is let down by a run-of-the-mill script.