Film: The 100
Rating: 2.5/5
Cast: RK Sagar, Misha Narang, Vishnu Priya, Dhanya Balakrishna, Tarak Ponnappa, Anand, Kalyani Natarajan, Vamshi Nekkanti, VV Giridhar, Temper Vamshi, and others
Music Director: Harshavardhan Rameshwar
Cinematographer: Shyam K Naidu
Editor: Amar Reddy Kudumula
Producers: Ramesh Karutoori, Venki Pushadapu, J. Tharak Ram
Director: Raghav Omkar Sasidhar
Release Date: 11 July 2025
The film The 100 released without much hype. Starring RK Sagar of Mogalirekulu TV fame, the film, as per the trailer, deals with crime and investigation.
Let us delve into what the movie actually offers.
Story:
Vikranth (RK Sagar) is an IPS officer who achieves his position after years of perseverance, hard work, and sincerity. His mother (Kalyani Natarajan) is a psychiatrist. While on duty, he comes across a young dancer named Aarthi and develops an interest in her.
Meanwhile, a group of unidentified robbers start targeting homes exclusively on amavasya nights. They kill the residents but steal only gold, leaving cash and other valuables untouched. During the investigation, Vikranth learns that Aarthi's family was also victimized. On further inquiry, it is revealed that Aarthi was gang-raped by the attackers.
Vikranth eventually captures the robbers, but in a shocking twist, he discovers that while they committed the robberies, they were not involved in the rape. So, who actually committed the crime? What really happened? This suspense becomes the crux of the film’s second half, leading to the eventual revelation.
Performances:
RK Sagar carries his role with sincerity, but his age is visible. He is fit and convincing as cop, but in close-up shots, his grey facial stubble is noticeable, slightly affecting his on-screen presence.
Misha Narang looks beautiful and performs well in emotionally heavy scenes, showcasing her acting range.
Vishnu Priya is adequate in a supporting role and contributes meaningfully in the flashback portions.
Dhanya Balakrishna impresses as a bold and manipulative character who plays a key role in the narrative.
Tarak Ponnappa has a strong screen presence, and his entry scenes are well-staged.
Kalyani Natarajan is convincing as the hero’s mother, while Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, as the heroine’s mother, brings grace to her role as a dancer and parent.
VV Giridhar, playing a Sub-Inspector, attempts to provide relief, though the film largely maintains a serious tone.
Technical Aspects:
Background Score by Harshavardhan Rameshwar, known for Arjun Reddy and Animal, fails to elevate the film here. The score lacks the punch needed for a thriller.
Cinematography of Shyam K Naidu's work is serviceable but uninspired. The film misses out on striking visuals or innovative shots.
Editing by Amar Reddy Kudumula ensures a crisp pace. There are no noticeable lags.
Highlights:
Storyline
Screenplay
Drawbacks:
Predictable narrative
Lack of originality
Commercial-style execution
Average music
Over-the-top performances in certain scenes
Analysis:
A cop solving a mystery is nothing new. We've seen similar themes in the HIT series (Vishwak Sen, Adivi Sesh, and Nani) as well. Audiences are now used to such formulaic storylines, so what matters is how the story is told and the technical finesse behind it.
The 100 doesn’t bore, and it maintains viewer engagement. But that alone isn’t enough—films in this genre must excite and mesmerize to leave a lasting impact. Unfortunately, this film lacks that spark.
Additionally, some scenes feel outdated and forced. For instance, the NHRC officer's overly dramatic yelling lacks realism. The hero’s introduction shots and romantic track feel inserted just for theatrical appeal.
Had this film been made in the style of a serious Malayalam OTT thriller — with no songs, no forced mass elements — it could have earned more critical respect. RK Sagar is a capable actor and would do well to pick unique, content-driven roles rather than fall into commercial tropes.
One of the major complaint of the film is its excessive reliance on the rape element, which feels clichéd and overused in Indian cinema. This looks like only choice to build hatred on the antagonist with no other imagination.
The film uses it primarily as a plot device to drive the investigation forward making the protagonist vengeful. This not only reduces the emotional gravity of such a serious issue but also reflects a lack of narrative originality. As a result, the impact feels diluted, and the storytelling appears formulaic and beaten.
The 100 keeps you interested but doesn’t impress. For fans of crime and investigative thrillers, it’s a decent one-time watch. However, those expecting a high-octane cinematic experience may feel underwhelmed. It neither roars nor bores; it simply hovers in between.
Bottom Line: 50 out of 100