Chess – Dileep, Saikumar, Bhavana

This Dileep movie is a pure action pot-boiler. Directed by first-timer Raj Babu, Chess is a fast moving flick depicting disorder and anarchy in the life of its protagonist, Jayakrishnan (Dileep); it features a few murder sequences as well.

Although its title is highly misleading and evokes a sense of disbelief amongst audiences, Chess is a surprisingly well-made movie with a tolerable script. The narrative moves back and forth in time, highlighting the trials and tribulations of Jayakrishnan as he attempts to vindicate his dead family. Jayakrishnan’s mother ran Kalakshethra, a dance and music school, but he grew up without a father. Jayan is an illegitimate son. All mayhem breaks loose as his father, Krishnadas IPS (Saikumar) invites mother and son to live with him in his last days. But Krishnadas’ cousin and Police Commissioner, Devarajan (Vijayaraghavan) who covets the family’s fortunes kills everybody, save the hero.

Tortured and feigning blindness, Jayakrishnan carries out his vendetta against the corrupt commissioner and his cronies – Police Superintendent, Abraham Koshy(Bheeman Raghu), Circle Inspector Sarath Chandran (Babu Raj) and Crime Branch Officer Swaminathan (Ashish Vidhyarthi) who helped Devarajan carry out the carnage. Aided by former naxalite, Vasu (Mohan Jose) and a police constable (Jagathy), the young man uses his wits as if in a game of chess to wreck revenge.

Chess has only one song that has been directed by the composer-duo, Bernie Ignacious. Bhavana who plays Dr. Radhika, Jayakrishnan’s love interest has nothing much to do. Bheeman Raghu, Vijayaraghavan and Ashish Vidhyarthi are in their element as the baddies. Dileep, who is noted for his comic roles, does a fine job as the hapless Jayakrishnan. With Salim Kumar and Harishree Ashokan inducing comic relief, Chess would keep you entertained, more so if you are willing forego your sense of logic for at least a couple of hours.