Instruction
Hit List, directed by Soorya Kathir Kakkallar and K. Karthikeyan and produced by veteran K. S. Ravikumar under RK Celluloids, stars R. Sarathkumar and newcomer Vijay Kanishka in leading roles, with Gautham Vasudev Menon, Smruthi Venkat, Munishkanth, and others in supporting parts.
1. Overview & Production
The film was officially launched in September 2022 in Chennai, marking Vijay Kanishka’s acting debut—he is notably the son of Tamil filmmaker Vikraman. With a runtime of 128 minutes, Hit List combines action, drama, and thriller elements.
The music was composed by C. Sathya, cinematography handled by K. Ramcharan, and editing by John Abraham. The screenplay and dialogues were co-written by Soorya Kathir Kakkallar, based on a story by S. Devaraj.
2. Plot Summary
Vijay (played by Vijay Kanishka) is an IT professional living a peaceful life with his mother and sister. He is a strict adherent of non-violence, influenced by Vallalar’s philosophy.
However, his world collapses when a masked assailant kidnaps his mother and sister. The stranger coerces Vijay into eliminating several targets, including a local don named Kaali and a corrupt doctor, Dr. Karunakar, who profited from oxygen cylinder shortages during the COVID-19 lockdown and was responsible for the death of Dr. Anitha—a neighbor close to Vijay’s family.
While Vijay initially resists, he concedes under duress. Ultimately, he kills both Kaali and Dr. Karunakar. Police officer ACP Yazhvendhan (R. Sarathkumar) is on the trail. Vijay is exonerated legally, as his actions were driven by the imperative to save his family. In a twist, ACP Yazh reveals the masked man was Vijay himself, executing a vigilante mission rooted in personal loss—his father's death due to lack of oxygen during the pandemic.
3. Themes & Character Arcs
At its core, Hit List explores the conflict between spiritual conviction and moral duty. Vijay’s transformation from peace-loving vegetarian to reluctant assassin underlines a tragic form of retribution rooted in systemic failure.
The masked antagonist serves as a symbolic force of karmic justice, targeting those who abused power—particularly emphasizing misuse of medical resources during a crisis. The film weaves themes of grief, justice, and vigilantism, questioning how far one can go when forced into moral corners.
4. Performances & Technical Craft
Vijay Kanishka delivers a sincere debut as a vulnerable but morally upright man pushed into violence. Sarathkumar, as the determined ACP Yazhvendhan, brings powerful screen presence—providing emotional depth and gravitas to the investigative side of the narrative.
Cinematography and editing create a tense, visually coherent thriller atmosphere. While comprehensive reviews of technical merits are limited, the film’s strengths lie in its pacing and suspense-driven intent.
5. Reception & Critical Response
The film opened to mixed reviews. The New Indian Express highlighted that though the message is important, it felt dated—but conceded the film had its heart in the right place.
Filmibeat summed it up as a “good effort,” awarding a user rating of 2.5/5 and calling it a good attempt, even with rough edges. Rotten Tomatoes offers a basic synopsis but no aggregated critic ratings, indicating limited critical evaluation.
Audience reactions are divided. Some find it compelling, while others criticize inconsistent pacing and characterization. A few Reddit users noted thematic parallels with other Tamil vigilante films, though the conversation remains sparse.
6. OTT & Release Data
The film had its theatrical debut on 31 May 2024, followed by its digital release on 9 July 2024, available on Amazon Prime Video and Aha Tamil, with English subtitles.
7. Analysis: What Works & What Doesn’t
Strengths:
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Bold debut: A fresh lead performance from Vijay Kanishka shows promise.
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Societal relevance: Tackles real-world issues like medical corruption during crises.
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Twist-driven plot: Keeps viewers engaged until the end.
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Moral conflict: Offers a compelling exploration of ethical collapse and vigilante justice.
Flaws:
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Early pacing: Sluggish in the first act; comic relief felt misplaced.
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Predictability: Many plot beats follow familiar thriller tropes.
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Supporting roles are uneven: some characters lack depth.
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Execution: Though earnest, the core message sometimes feels outdated.
Final Thoughts
Hit List stands as a commendable debut for Vijay Kanishka, backed by strong production values and anchored by Sarathkumar’s dependable performance. Its thematic ambition is admirable: examining how a man’s convictions—shaped by spiritual non-violence—are forcibly shattered when confronted with systemic injustice and personal loss.
While it may not reinvent the thriller genre or resonate broadly, the film’s emotional core and twisty storytelling give it a solid identity. Its flaws—in pacing, predictability, and early tonal choice—do not completely overshadow the moral weight it attempts to carry.
For fans of Tamil thrillers with emotional undertones and societal commentary, Hit List is worth a watch—especially to witness a grounded, morally conflicted protagonist’s descent into vigilantism.
