Anniyan

A commoner, overwhelmed by the rampant corruption and apathy in society, develops a split personality to punish wrongdoers. His alter ego, 'Anniyan', unleashes a series of brutal and creative punishments that mirror the ancient concept of the 'Ram Rajya'. As the vigilante's actions escalate, a determined police officer tries to hunt him down, unaware that the man he's seeking is closer than he thinks.

Anniyan was a massive commercial success and received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique premise, Vikram's powerful performance, Shankar's direction, and the film's social commentary. Some criticism was directed at its lengthy runtime and the extreme nature of the punishments depicted.

• Praiseworthy for its thought-provoking social message and unique storyline.
• Vikram's dual role performance is highly lauded as a significant strength.
• Shankar's directorial vision and grand scale are appreciated, though some find the narrative overly long.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's impactful social message against corruption and injustice. Vikram's versatile performance as a man with multiple personalities is a recurring point of praise, with many appreciating the creative and often shocking methods of vigilantism depicted. The film's scale and Shankar's direction are also noted positively.

Anniyan won numerous awards, including Filmfare Awards South for Best Actor (Vikram), Best Director (S. Shankar), and Best Film. It also received awards at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and was India's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2007, though it was not nominated.

The film's antagonist's name, 'Ambi', is derived from the word 'ambidextrous', hinting at his ability to operate from multiple personalities.