‘Test’ Movie Review: Strong Characters Score Big in a Predictable Game
Published: April 2, 2025 | 11:45 PM
A Familiar Game with Fresh Players
‘Test’ is not the first sports drama to hit theaters, and it certainly won't be the last. However, what sets it apart isn’t the story — which treads a fairly predictable path — but the richness of its characters and the emotional gravity they bring to the narrative. Directed by Arjun Krishnan, this cricket-based drama blends the spirit of competition with personal trials and moral choices.
Performances That Anchor the Film
Leading the charge is Arvind Swaminathan, portraying the fallen cricket star seeking redemption. His performance is restrained but powerful, balancing internal conflict with outward composure. Anjali Menon, playing a resilient coach with a tragic past, injects both warmth and grit into the film. Supporting roles, especially by child actor Veeran and seasoned performer Manoj Pillai, round out a well-balanced cast that elevates the film far beyond its script.
Emotion Over Action
Unlike many sports films that chase thrills in high-speed montages or overdramatized commentary, ‘Test’ finds its strength in quiet, emotional moments — a father watching his son’s first match, a coach hesitating before confronting her past, a team standing still for an injured rival. These sequences may seem simple, but they leave a lasting impact. The emotional payoffs are earned through buildup, not gimmicks.
Predictable, But Comforting
The storyline does follow expected beats: a disgraced athlete, a ragtag team, a hostile rival, and a final showdown. But within these confines, ‘Test’ delivers a comforting structure — a reminder of the enduring power of second chances and the redemptive nature of sport. For many viewers, this familiar rhythm adds to the film’s appeal rather than taking away from it.
Visual Style and Music
The cinematography is understated but effective. Shots of sun-soaked cricket fields, bustling locker rooms, and tense silent moments on the bench are captured with sincerity. The background score by Neha Suresh complements the narrative, neither overpowering nor forgettable. The theme track, “One More Over,” has already become a hit with younger audiences.
Final Verdict
‘Test’ may not reinvent the genre, but it plays its game with integrity and heart. For fans of character-driven cinema and anyone who believes in the redemptive power of effort, this film will resonate. It’s not a sixer off the first ball, but rather a steady innings that ends on a high note.