Beast, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and starring the always-charismatic Vijay, is a 2022 Tamil-language action thriller that explodes into the realm of genre spectacle. Set mostly within the claustrophobic surroundings of a besieged shopping mall, the film serves a blend of relentless action, darkly comic moments, social commentary, and star-powered heroics. With Pooja Hegde playing the female lead, a rousing musical score by Anirudh Ravichander, and a supporting ensemble that brings color and energy, Beast dives headlong into the mechanics of a modern action blockbuster.

Below, discover an in-depth exploration of Beast’s plot intricacies, its varied characters, the underlying themes, the film’s box office journey, similar movie recommendations, reasons to put it on your watchlist, and thoughtful answers to frequently asked questions.

Detailed Plot Overview

Prologue: Pain and Disillusionment

Beast opens with Veera Raghavan (Vijay), a cool-headed and lethal RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) officer, orchestrating a high-stakes covert operation against terrorists who have kidnapped a child. What should be a successful rescue ends bloodily, with the child shot before Veera’s eyes due to political interference. Shattered by guilt and disillusioned by the system’s callousness, Veera resigns, retreating into solitude in Chennai.

The Calm Before the Storm

Several months later, Veera grapples with PTSD and tries to find normalcy with the support of Preethi (Pooja Hegde), who befriends him at a friend’s wedding and helps him regain his confidence. To break his isolation, Veera agrees to accompany Preethi and a company of oddball colleagues to the city’s largest shopping mall for a business negotiation involving property concessions.

Hostage Crisis: All Hell Breaks Loose

Just as the group settles in, a ruthless terrorist group led by Umar Saif storms the mall, taking hundreds hostage—including Veera, Preethi, and a mix of businessmen, security guards, children, and everyday shoppers. Their demand to the Indian government: release their imprisoned leader or slay all hostages in retaliation.

Authorities cordon off the mall and engage negotiators while the terrorists, heavily armed and fanatically committed, turn the site into a fortress. Most notably, the authorities remain blissfully unaware that Veera—the RAW agent with elite skills—is among the hostages.

Cat-and-Mouse: One Man Army

Veera, initially trying to stay unnoticed, is soon forced into action. Employing cunning tactics, hand-to-hand combat, and guerrilla warfare, he silently takes down terrorists floor by floor. The mall’s CCTV system and ventilation network become his allies as he orchestrates distractions, misinformation, and close-quarters ambushes.

Preethi and a goofy collection of hostages, including the comic duo of Althaf and VTV Ganesh, provide both comic relief and occasional assistance as Veera unravels the terrorists’ plot. Small victories lead to bigger risks, as Veera’s successes provoke paranoia and brutality from Umar Saif.

Twists, Double-Crosses, and Daring Rescue

Outside, government negotiator Althaf Hussain (Selvaraghavan) tries to buy time, hoping to avoid civilian casualties. As pressure mounts, the terrorists raise the stakes, planting bombs and threatening executions. The plot thickens as inside conspirators and red herrings multiply.

In a series of tightly choreographed showdowns—on escalators, in elevators, and finally at the rooftop helipad—Veera methodically dismantles the gang, exposes the mastermind’s identity, and defuses planted bombs. The action builds to a climactic hand-to-hand duel where trauma from Veera’s past almost overwhelms him, but he emerges victorious, saving both the day and his own conscience.

Epilogue: Redemption

The film ends with Veera’s reputation restored, his trauma somewhat eased, and his relationship with Preethi deepened by shared adversity. Beast closes on a triumphant note as society hails Veera as an unsung hero, subtly critiquing the media’s earlier vilification of him during the botched RAW mission.

Characters & Performances

Vijay shines in his role, blending stoic trauma with explosive action, and slips into moments of humor with natural charisma. Pooja Hegde delivers an earnest and likable performance, providing both heart and laughs. Lilliput Faruqui’s terrorist antagonist is menacing yet never cartoonish, while Selvaraghavan and the supporting cast strike the right balance between urgency and levity.

Major Themes

Isolation and Redemption

Veera’s journey from traumatized isolation to reluctant savior touches upon deep wounds left by violence and institutional betrayal. His path is not one of unmitigated glory but of incremental healing through action and human connection.

Heroism and Celebrity

Beast explores how society and the media both lionize and vilify real-life heroes—raising questions about who gets celebrated, and why, in the age of 24/7 spectacle.

Satire of Systemic Inefficiency

Through farce and dark humor, the film lampoons everything from bureaucratic bumbling to corporate greed, showing how ordinary people are often pawns in deadly games.

Modern Terror and Urban Vulnerability

The film is rooted in contemporary anxieties—urban terrorism, hostage crises, and the unpredictability of everyday spaces transformed into battlegrounds.

Group Dynamics Under Pressure

By alternating nail-biting tension with moments of teamwork and panic among the hostages, Beast probes how groups fracture, unite, and adapt under existential threat.

Romance Amidst Chaos

The interludes between Veera and Preethi serve as subtle reminders that even under the most intense circumstances, human bonds can flower and provide hope.

Box Office Collection

Despite polarizing critical reviews, Beast emerged as a robust commercial success—driven by Vijay’s star power, high-octane promotions, and lavish production values.

• The film had a strong opening in Tamil Nadu and performed well in Kerala, Karnataka, and among the Tamil diaspora globally.

• Its pre-release business, fueled by distribution rights and digital streaming deals, put Beast among the highest first-day Tamil openers.

• The box office run settled after the initial weekends, ensuring profit for its makers and positioning Beast as a 2022 summer hit.

Similar Movies

If Beast left you hungry for more pulse-pounding action and hostage suspense, check out these films with similar DNA:

These films blend high-stakes drama, tight set pieces, and layered protagonists reminiscent of Beast’s core appeal.

Why You Should Watch Beast

• Vijay’s Electrifying Screen Presence: For fans and newcomers alike, Vijay’s performance is both emotionally resonant and physically dynamic.

• Adrenaline-Soaked Action: The film never lets the stakes drop—its set-pieces, chases, and hand-to-hand fights are executed with style.

• Fresh Comic Relief: Despite tense subject matter, the riotous dialogues and supporting cast keep things lively.

• Slick Visuals and Music: Anirudh Ravichander’s background score and songs add thumping energy to the proceedings.

• Modern Mass Entertainer: Appeals to audience looking for a mix of spectacle, wit, and rousing heroics.

• Strong Female Lead: Pooja Hegde’s Preethi is more than just a love interest—she actively influences the hero and plot.

• Contemporary Relevance: Tackles themes of terrorism, trauma, and redemption with a modern Indian context.

Conclusion

Beast is a quintessentially stylish, crowd-pleasing actioner from the heart of Kollywood. It fuses fever-pitch suspense with moments of levity, all while showcasing the magnetic star persona of Vijay. The film’s plot, while not without its predictable turns, thrives on inventive set pieces, memorable characters, and a heartbeat of social relevance that grounds the spectacle.

Though some may argue expectations from director Nelson and Vijay’s combination were sky-high, Beast largely delivers the goods for fans seeking a rapid-fire, high-stakes movie night. Its success at the box office, buoyant soundtrack, and meme-worthy moments ensure that Beast will remain a significant part of Tamil mass cinema conversations for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the hero of Beast?

Vijay headlines as Veera Raghavan, a RAW agent who takes on terrorists in a shopping mall while battling his personal demons.

What is the core plot of Beast?

An elite agent with PTSD is forced back into action when terrorists take over a mall, leading a deadly cat-and-mouse rescue mission.

Is Beast suitable for family audiences?

Though centered on a hostage crisis, the blend of action, humor, and lack of graphic violence make it broadly accessible for teens and adults.

How did Beast fare at the box office?

It was one of the top Tamil blockbusters of 2022, grossing nearly ₹250 crore worldwide.

Who directed and composed music for Beast?

Nelson Dilipkumar directs, with Anirudh Ravichander composing a dynamic, popular soundtrack.

Are there similar films in Indian cinema?

Thuppakki, Kaithi, and Master, among others—especially if you enjoy clever protagonists and tight, action-heavy plots.

What makes Beast different from other hostage thrillers?

Its combination of quirky humor, larger-than-life heroics, and a self-aware style that pokes gentle fun at genre conventions.

What are its weak points?

Some may find the tonal shifts and comic interludes jarring, especially in tense moments, but fans of masala cinema will likely be entertained.

Will there be a sequel?

As of now, there’s no official confirmation, though the film’s ending leaves the door open for future adventures.

Why is the movie called Beast?

It references the unchained, ferocious side of Veera that emerges under crisis, as well as the inner demons he must wrestle.