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Liger is a highly anticipated Indian sports-action film, released on August 25, 2022. Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the film stars Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya Panday in lead roles, with boxing champion Mike Tyson making a special appearance. The movie’s genre blends action, sports, and drama, setting a high-energy tone right from the beginning. The plot revolves around an underdog boxer’s journey, with a backdrop of love, ambition, and personal struggle. With a hefty budget, Liger aimed to deliver a gripping cinematic experience for fans of action and sports. However, did it manage to meet the expectations of its audience? This review will delve deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of the film, its box office performance, and overall appeal.
2. Plot Summary
Liger tells the story of a young man named Liger (Vijay Deverakonda), who dreams of becoming a successful boxer despite being born with a stutter. Raised by his mother (played by Ramya Krishna), he travels to Mumbai to train under a boxing coach and seek fame in the ring. Along his journey, Liger encounters several challenges, including personal struggles and the lack of confidence due to his speech impediment. A romantic track unfolds as he falls for Tanya (Ananya Panday), but his passion for boxing soon becomes his ultimate priority. The plot takes an intense turn when Liger faces professional hurdles and finally gets a shot at proving himself in a high-stakes boxing tournament. With the added thrill of a high-profile boxing match, Liger explores themes of ambition, perseverance, and redemption, all within the context of a high-energy sports drama.
3. What’s Good?
Strong Performance by Vijay Deverakonda
The highlight of Liger is undoubtedly Vijay Deverakonda’s dedication to his role. The actor, known for his versatility, dives deep into his character of Liger with both intensity and sincerity. His portrayal of a stuttering underdog trying to find his voice—literally and metaphorically—is compelling. Deverakonda’s boxing sequences are choreographed well, and his transformation for the role is remarkable. His performance manages to carry the weight of the film, especially in emotional scenes where Liger struggles with self-doubt.
Direction and Cinematography
Puri Jagannadh’s direction brings the right amount of flair and energy to Liger. The action sequences are intense and fast-paced, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats. The film effectively blends drama and sports, with the boxing scenes feeling raw and realistic. Cinematographer Maneesh Chandra Bhatt plays a crucial role in elevating the film’s visuals, with stunning shots that enhance the overall viewing experience. The intensity of Liger’s fights, combined with the dramatic moments, is captured beautifully through dynamic camera work.
Music and Background Score
The film’s music, composed by Tanishk Bagchi, is another strong point. The tracks, especially “Aafat,” work well within the context of the film, giving it a lively vibe. The background score keeps the momentum going, complementing the emotional and action-packed sequences. The music heightens the tension during the crucial fight scenes, immersing the audience further into Liger’s journey.
Cameo by Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson’s appearance as a boxing champion adds a star-studded factor to the film. His presence brings an international appeal, and his screen time, although brief, serves as a crucial turning point in Liger’s boxing career. Tyson’s charm and experience in the ring make his cameo impactful, giving a realistic touch to the film’s boxing world.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Vijay Deverakonda’s Performance: As the lead actor, Deverakonda truly shines. His physical transformation and commitment to the role are evident in every fight sequence and emotional moment. His performance is arguably the backbone of the movie.
- Action Sequences: The choreography of the fight scenes is energetic and convincing. The boxing matches, in particular, stand out due to their realism and intensity.
- Cinematography and Direction: The film’s visual appeal and fast-paced direction keep the audience engaged, with many scenes shot to highlight Liger’s struggle and triumph.
- Mike Tyson’s Cameo: Tyson’s involvement brings a touch of authenticity to the film’s boxing element, and his cameo adds an extra layer of excitement for audiences.
Weaknesses
- Predictable Plot: While the action is engaging, the storyline follows a well-worn path of the “underdog rising against all odds.” This predictability may not appeal to those looking for something new or more innovative in terms of the plot.
- Weak Supporting Characters: While Vijay Deverakonda’s performance is strong, some supporting characters, including Ananya Panday’s role as Tanya, fail to leave a lasting impact. The film could have benefited from deeper character development for the supporting cast.
- Dialogues and Emotional Depth: At times, the dialogues feel forced and fail to deliver the emotional depth the film attempts to portray. The focus on action and the rise of the protagonist overshadows the emotional arc, making it feel less genuine.
5. Target Audience
Liger is primarily targeted at action and sports film enthusiasts. Fans of Vijay Deverakonda’s previous works will also appreciate his performance, as he fully embraces the challenges of portraying a boxer with a speech impediment. The film will also appeal to younger audiences who enjoy high-energy action sequences and Bollywood’s brand of drama. Those who love sports-themed movies will find Liger entertaining, though the predictable narrative might not satisfy those seeking a more nuanced story. Boxing fans will appreciate the fight sequences and the cameo from Mike Tyson, adding an international dimension to the film.
6. Box Office Details
Liger had a significant production budget of approximately ₹70 crore, marking it as one of the high-budget films in recent years. The movie had high expectations due to its star cast and promotional push. The worldwide box office collection for Liger was ₹90 crore, making it a moderate success.
The day-wise earnings for the first five days of its release are as follows:
- Day 1 (India): ₹20 crore
- Day 2 (India): ₹18 crore
- Day 3 (India): ₹15 crore
- Day 4 (India): ₹10 crore
- Day 5 (India): ₹8 crore
The film saw a mixed reception at the box office, with a strong opening followed by a gradual drop in collections. The overseas market performed decently, particularly in the United States and the Middle East. However, it struggled to maintain momentum due to mixed reviews regarding the predictability of the plot and the lack of strong character arcs for supporting roles.
7. Recommendation
Liger is an action-packed film driven by a standout performance from Vijay Deverakonda. While the film succeeds in its high-octane action sequences and emotional moments, its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters may leave some viewers wanting more. Nonetheless, for fans of sports dramas and those looking for an adrenaline-pumping movie experience, Liger is worth watching. If you enjoy action films with a solid lead performance, this film delivers on its promise, though it may not leave a lasting impact on everyone.
Genres:
Action, Romance
Rating:
4.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Vijay Deverakonda | Liger |
| Ananya Panday | Tanya |
| Ramya Krishnan | Balamani |
| Ronit Roy | Raghuveer Bhatnagar |
| Makrand Deshpande | |
| Ali Basha | Ali |
| Getup Srinu | |
| Chunky Pandey | Tanya’s Father |
| Mike Tyson | Mark Anderson |
| Shri Tej | |
| Saray Morgan | Rancher |
| Vishu Reddy | Sanju |
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