Michael (2023 film)

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Michael is a 2023 Indian Telugu-language neo-noir action thriller directed by Ranjit Jeyakodi. The film stars Sundeep Kishan, Vijay Sethupathi, Divyansha Kaushik, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Varun Sandesh. It was originally shot in Telugu, with the climax scenes later reshot in Tamil. The movie released on February 3, 2023, and runs for 155 minutes. The music is composed by Sam C. S.

Plot (simplified): In the 1980s, Michael is a gangster working for Gurunath, a Mumbai crime boss. Gurunath’s son Amarnath and his wife Charulatha feel threatened by him. After a gang attack on Gurunath, Michael is sent to Delhi to kill his rival Rathan and Rathan’s daughter Theera, but he falls in love with Theera and decides not to kill them. Amarnath reveals he staged the attack to take over Gurunath’s empire and that Theera truly loves Michael. Amarnath kills Rathan and shoots Michael, who survives. Michael returns, defeats Amarnath and his men, and kills Amarnath. He and Theera leave, but Gurunath offers a bounty to kill them. Michael hides with Kannamma and her retired police officer husband. They outsmart Gurunath’s men, and Kannamma’s husband helps them fend them off. Michael learns that his mother Jennifer, who was a singer, had an affair with Gurunath and that Charulatha was her rival. This past motivates Michael as he works toward taking down Gurunath at the right moment. He confronts Gurunath, reveals his family connection, and kills Charulatha and Gurunath, taking over Gurunath’s empire with Theera. A new threat arises when Gurunath’s twin brother kidnaps Swamy and vows revenge.

Release and rights: The film’s soundtrack and score are by Sam C. S. It released in theaters on February 3, 2023. Digital rights went to Aha; Telugu satellite rights to Zee Telugu; Tamil dubbed rights to Star Vijay. It premiered on Aha on February 24, 2023, and the Hindi dubbed version aired on Sony Max on May 28, 2023.

Reception and box office: Michael received mixed reviews from critics. It earned about 11 crore rupees at the box office. The Times of India gave it 3/5, calling it a dark coming-of-age tale for fans of the genre. India Today gave 2.5/5, praising performances and music but noting the film emphasizes style over story. OTTplay also rated it 2.5/5, describing it as a familiar gangster film that doesn’t bring anything new.