Introduction
Beast is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language action-thriller film that stars Thalapathy Vijay in the lead role, portraying a former RAW agent entangled in a high-stakes hostage situation. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, the film tries to blend slick action with satirical comedy, political undercurrents, and a hero-centric narrative.
Set largely within the confines of a hijacked shopping mall, the film borrows inspiration from classic hostage thrillers like Die Hard and The Negotiator, but adds a uniquely Indian and sometimes comedic twist. It is also notable for being a star vehicle for Vijay, offering him ample screen presence, stylish action sequences, and punchy one-liners.
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Plot Summary
Prologue – The RAW Mission Gone Wrong
The story begins with Veera Raghavan (played by Vijay), a highly skilled but emotionally scarred RAW agent. He is introduced during a secret mission where he is tasked with capturing a dangerous terrorist, Umar Saif. Though the mission succeeds in eliminating many threats, it ends tragically when a child is accidentally killed during crossfire. This emotional trauma causes Veera to quit RAW, blaming the system and himself for collateral damage.
Veera becomes a recluse, distancing himself from any form of government service. He spends his time with psychologist friends and struggles to find peace. His PTSD-like symptoms make it difficult for him to integrate into a normal civilian life.
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The Hijack
Veera reluctantly agrees to accompany his girlfriend Preethi (Pooja Hegde) to the grand opening of the East Coast Mall, a lavish shopping center in Chennai. Coincidentally, on the same day, a group of well-armed terrorists, led by the menacing Umar Farooq (Shine Tom Chacko), hijack the mall, taking hundreds of civilians hostage. They demand the release of their leader Umar Saif, who is in government custody.
The Indian government finds itself in a quandary. Releasing a terrorist would weaken their