Cobra arrived in 2022 with towering expectations, boasting a star-studded cast led by Vikram and the directorial flair of R. Ajay Gnanamuthu. Pitched as a high-concept action thriller merging mathematics, crime, and psychological intrigue, the film promised to be a cerebral rollercoaster. Unconventional storytelling, Vikram’s penchant for transformative performances, and a globe-trotting premise brought tremendous hype. But does Cobra add up, or does the sum of its parts fall short? This review unpacks its sprawling narrative, memorable characters, thematic ambitions, box office journey, similar cinematic adventures, rewatch value, and more.
Detailed Plot Summary
The Enigmatic Assassin
The film takes off with a flurry—a series of assassinations worldwide, each executed with mind-boggling precision. Whether a corporate honcho in Russia, a royal in France, or a political bigwig in Scotland, the murders leave authorities confounded. Clues and ciphers are everywhere, and each crime scene hints at the involvement of an unparalleled mathematical mind.
Madhiazhagan, a.k.a. Cobra
Enter the film’s protagonist: Madhiazhagan, nicknamed “Cobra” (Vikram). By day, he is an unassuming math teacher living a modest life in Chennai, mentoring underprivileged children. But beneath his gentle exterior lies a master assassin and polymath—an artist in disguise, employing advanced mathematics, cryptography, and shape-shifting makeup to orchestrate precision hits.
Madhiazhagan’s gift is also his curse. Haunted by traumatic childhood memories—an abusive stepfather and the mysterious death of his brother—he slips in and out of delusion, conversing with his dead sibling, Madhi (also represented by Vikram in a dual role). These visions blur the line between his genius and madness.
A Deadly Web
Interpol gets involved, with French officer Aslan Ilma (Irfan Pathan) on the assassin’s trail. Ilma teams up with local law enforcement, aided by the sharp NCB officer Nellaiappan (Robo Shankar) and journalist Nellaiappan (Roshan Mathew), to decipher the mathematical clues.
To complicate matters, Bhavana Menon (Srinidhi Shetty), a brilliant cryptologist, emerges as both an academic admirer of Cobra’s genius and a determined adversary. Her investigation draws her closer not only to the crime spree but to Madhiazhagan himself.
The Villain – Rishi and the Power Cabal
Behind the curtain is the cold-blooded business tycoon Rishi (Roshan Mathew), the puppet master who contracts Cobra for his assassinations. As Madhiazhagan gets deeper into this shadow world, he realizes he’s being manipulated. When Rishi turns on him, the film shifts into a manhunt—hunter becomes hunted, with personal redemption and survival at stake.
Split Identities and Emotional Core
In flashbacks, we learn of Madhiazhagan’s childhood trauma—the root of his dissociative identity disorder. His relationship with his late brother, Madhi, is poignant, with the “ghostly” presence guiding, haunting, and at times, destructively influencing his choices. The dual characterization adds psychological complexity, taking the narrative beyond a straightforward thriller.
The Final Showdown
As the net tightens, Madhiazhagan faces a choice: continue as a tool of corporate criminals or embrace accountability. The climax is ensconced in a mathematical puzzle, with multinational agencies closing in, Rishi’s machinations turning deadly, and Madhiazhagan battling both outside threats and his inner demons.
In the end, justice prevails, but at a cost. Madhiazhagan’s confession and sacrifice lend the story a note of tragic catharsis. The denouement suggests that even the most brilliant minds are not immune to suffering, and true redemption requires self-awareness and acceptance.
Character Analysis
| Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Madhiazhagan / Cobra | Vikram | Complex math genius, assassin with a nuanced moral core, suffering from dissociative disorder. |
| Rishi | Roshan Mathew | Stylish, manipulative corporate kingpin; Cobra’s handler and ultimate adversary. |
| Bhavana Menon | Srinidhi Shetty | Cryptologist and Cobra’s intellectual nemesis-turned-ally, balancing empathy with determination. |
| Aslan Ilma | Irfan Pathan | Interpol agent; driven, resourceful, matches wits with Cobra across continents. |
| Madhi (Ghost Brother) | Vikram | Represents Cobra’s tragic past and mental frailties; both a comfort and a delusional adversary. |
| NCB Officer Nellaiappan | Robo Shankar | Comic relief paired with procedural grit, adds lightness amid the darkness. |
| Supporting Cast | Various | Additional officers, crime lords, family figures, providing texture and subplots. |
Highlights:
-
Vikram’s performance anchors the film—he slips into multiple disguises and personas, each with unique physicality and voice.
-
Roshan Mathew brings a modern villain’s chill, and Srinidhi Shetty proves more than a mere romantic lead with her presence.
-
Irfan Pathan, in his acting debut, offers a credible, understated antagonist to Cobra’s methods.
Themes
Genius and Madness
Cobra is preoccupied with the thin line dividing genius from mental illness. Madhiazhagan’s brilliance is both weapon and wound—mathematics offers salvation and damnation, depending on its use and the traumas it seeks to heal or hide.
Identity, Trauma, and Redemption
The film grapples with dissociative identity disorder, showing how trauma shapes our moral universe. The two “Madhis”—the real and the imagined—serve as metaphors for the fractured self in a world demanding certainty.
Mathematics as Metaphor
Equations, fractals, and ciphers aren’t just plot devices—they symbolize the patterns of fate, consequence, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The motif is a novel twist, setting Cobra apart from formulaic thrillers.
Crime, Power, and Exploitation
The collusion between genius and crime is explored, with Cobra’s talents exploited by Rishi’s cartel. The film critiques how systems of wealth and power recruit, then discard, those with unique abilities.
Morality in Shades of Grey
Nobody in Cobra is all hero or villain—everyone navigates a moral Rubik’s cube, with empathy and ruthlessness often coexisting. The film refuses easy answers, making its characters both compelling and unpredictable.
Cinematic Qualities
Direction & Screenplay
R. Ajay Gnanamuthu’s direction is ambitious, blending multiple genres—psychological thriller, action spectacle, and emotional drama. The screenplay is nonlinear, fleet, and sometimes overloaded, reflective of Cobra’s frenetic inner world.
Visuals
The cinematography leaps across continents and tones: neon-lit European cityscapes, gritty Indian slums, high-tech offices, intimate flashbacks, and elaborate disguises for Vikram. The use of backlight, makeup, and visual effects enhances the “shape-shifter” motif.
Music
A. R. Rahman’s score is pulsating, weaving suspense, melancholy, and grandeur. The songs—ranging from haunting (“Uyir Uruguthey”) to energetic (“Thumbi Thullal”)—fit naturally within high-tension scenes, adding emotional color and momentum.
Editing & Pacing
While Mashy’s editing injects adrenaline and urgency, the film’s length—nearly three hours—at times feels indulgent, with subplots and emotional digressions slowing the main narrative arc.
Box Office Collection
Cobra was positioned as a pan-India blockbuster:
-
Budget: Estimated ₹75 crore
-
India Opening Day: ~₹16 crore (gross), with a largely positive initial response.
-
First Weekend India: ~₹29 crore gross, buoyed by star hype and wide release.
-
Global Gross: Approximately ₹55 crore in the first week.
-
Lifetime Collection: Estimates place it between ₹60–65 crore worldwide, as negative word-of-mouth and mixed critical reception slowed its run.
-
In Tamil Nadu, the film performed best, but was soon overshadowed by smaller, critically acclaimed releases.
While not a commercial flop, Cobra underperformed compared to expectations given its budget, star power, and pre-release buzz.
Similar Movies
Fans of Cobra may find these titles compelling for their mix of genius, psychological drama, and high-stakes thrills:
| Title | Thematic Overlap |
|---|---|
| Anniyan (2005) | Split personality, vigilante justice, Vikram’s versatility. |
| Kamal Haasan’s Vikram (2022) | Gritty thriller, cat-and-mouse game, lavish production. |
| Gentleman (1993) | Genius-turned-vigilante, moral ambiguity. |
| Seven (1995, Hollywood) | Puzzle-based crimes, psychological tension, flawed hero. |
| Darr @ the Mall (2014, Hindi) | Haunted protagonist, trauma, nonlinear storytelling. |
| The Prestige (2006, Hollywood) | Obsession, duality, illusion. |
| Don (2006) | High-concept crime, globe-hopping, mystery identities. |
Why You Should Watch Cobra
-
Vikram’s Performance: Experience one of Indian cinema’s most transformative actors take on a multi-faceted, physically demanding role.
-
Mind-Bending Plot: Enjoy a thriller that values puzzles and cerebral excitement alongside set-piece action.
-
Visual Spectacle: The film is a treat for fans of elaborate makeup, globetrotting cinematography, and high style.
-
Themes Beyond Action: If you appreciate stories about trauma, fractured identities, and the burden of genius, Cobra offers plenty to ponder.
-
A.R. Rahman’s Soundtrack: The score and songs are immersive, elevating suspense and melodrama in equal measure.
Conclusion
Cobra is an audacious attempt to blend the mathematical mind’s abstract elegance with the messy chaos of the thriller genre. While its ambition sometimes threatens to overload its running time and coherence, the film remains a visually striking, narratively dense, and thematically ambitious ride. At its best, Cobra soars due to Vikram’s tireless commitment—he breathes individuality into each mask, crafting a nuanced portrait of genius on the edge. Its legacy may lie not in box office records but in its willingness to push the boundaries of what a mainstream Indian thriller can attempt.
Despite flaws—uneven pacing, narrative bloat, and logic stretches—Cobra offers a cinematic experience worth dissecting, discussing, and, for some, revisiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Cobra based on a true story?
No, though inspired by the world of mathematics and high-concept thrillers, Cobra is a fictional creation by director R. Ajay Gnanamuthu.
Who is the main villain in the film?
Rishi, played by Roshan Mathew, is the central antagonist—a cunning corporate overlord orchestrating murders for his gain.
How is Vikram’s performance?
Vikram delivers an intense, multi-layered portrayal, shifting between identities, accents, and emotional registers with trademark dedication.
How long is the film?
Cobra runs for nearly three hours, inclusive of songs, flashbacks, and multiple plot arcs.
Is it suitable for children?
With its violence, psychological complexity, and some intense sequences, the film is appropriate for teens and adults.
Does the movie have a romantic subplot?
Yes. The chemistry and emotional stake between Madhiazhagan and Bhavana Menon add depth and vulnerability to the protagonist.
How was the critical reception?
Mixed. While praised for uniqueness and performances, some critics found fault with pacing and over-complication.
What are the movie’s main highlights?
Vikram’s dedication, the visual flair, A.R. Rahman’s music, and the use of mathematics as narrative device.
Is Cobra just another action film?
No—it seeks to mix emotional and intellectual stakes, asking what happens when trauma and genius combine in a figure haunted by their own brilliance.