Rifle Club is a 2024 Malayalam action-comedy thriller directed by Aashiq Abu and written by Syam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, and Suhas. The film features an ensemble cast including Anurag Kashyap, Dileesh Pothan, Vijayaraghavan, Hanumankind, Vani Viswanath, and Dileesh Karunakaran himself. Set in the early 1990s in the scenic hill district of Wayanad, the film blends rustic camaraderie, gripping action, and sharp humor, set against the backdrop of a historic rifle club threatened by a ruthless gangster’s vengeance.

Plot Summary

The story opens in 1991 with the birthday celebration of Bichu, son of the notorious Mangalore gangster Dayanand Bhare. Bichu’s infatuation with a dancer named Nadiya leads to a chaotic encounter with her partner, Ali, triggering a violent feud between Dayanand’s gang and Ali’s supporters.

To escape the wrath, Ali and Nadiya flee to Kannur, seeking refuge with Ali’s cousin Shajahan, a Malayalam film superstar preparing for a hunter role in the movie Vetamrugam. Shajahan joins the rifle club in Sulthan Bathery, run by longtime hunter Kuzhiveli Lonappan and secretary Avaran, defined by their expertise in hunting and brotherhood.

Ali and Nadiya arrive at the rifle club and are welcomed, but the peace is short-lived as Bheera, Bichu’s older brother, tracks them for retribution. Enraged by previous humiliations and the death of Bichu, Bheera launches a violent attack on the rifle club.

The club members fight back fiercely, with losses on both sides. Injured Bheera is taken by Dayanand to a doctor who refuses to treat him, but eventually, Dayanand retrieves him only for Bheera to succumb to his wounds.

Vowing revenge, Dayanand organizes a bigger assault on the rifle club. Amid this, Avaran’s wife Sisily tries to warn him by sending a message via their dog. Tragically, the dog is killed by a tiger, underscoring the dangers surrounding them.

The final climactic battle unfolds with the rifle club defending their home and legacy, ultimately defeating Dayanand and his men.

Characters and Performances

Shajahan (Dileesh Karunakaran):

Portrays the film star turned hunter, bringing humor and vulnerability to his character, balancing a reluctant hero’s journey.

Dayanand Bhare (Anurag Kashyap):

The imposing and intelligent gangster, showcasing restrained menace in key moments.

Kuzhiveli Lonappan (Vijayaraghavan):

The wise, seasoned hunter and club leader representing tradition and community spirit.

Avaran and Sisily (Dileesh Karunakaran and Vani Viswanath):

Their relationship adds emotional depth and emphasizes family ties amidst chaos.

Ali and Nadiya:

Their storyline injects fresh narrative energy and personal stakes.

Themes and Analysis

Brotherhood and Loyalty:

The rifle club symbolizes communal bonds and shared pride in tradition and survival skills.

Revenge and Violence:

Explores the cyclical nature of gang rivalries and the costs borne by innocents.

Man vs Nature:

The forest setting becomes a character itself, posing threats as dangerous as human enemies.

Identity and Legacy:

Characters grapple with their heritage, personal choices, and the price of upholding honor.

Humor and Tragedy:

The film finds moments of levity amidst tension, deepening audience engagement.

Direction and Cinematic Artistry

Aashiq Abu’s direction is confident and stylish, blending grit with glossy action sequences, reminiscent of a Wild West drama transplanted into Kerala’s lush hills.

Syam Pushkaran and team’s screenplay wields sharp dialogue and well-crafted character arcs, offering both spectacle and substance.

Cinematographer Sameer Thahir captures Wayanad’s verdant forests and misty landscapes, creating a haunting yet beautiful visual juxtaposition to the violence.

The soundtrack by Rex Vijayan and The Imbachi injects energy and complements the film’s mood swings, from tense action to humorous banter.

Reception and Impact

Rifle Club has been praised for its strong ensemble cast, well-executed action sequences, and vivid depiction of an almost forgotten tradition of rifle clubs in Kerala. The film resonates with audiences longing for thrilling narratives rooted in cultural specificity.

Critics highlight its balance of thrilling gunplay, intricate character dynamics, and engrossing storyline.

The film’s layered storytelling and character dynamics help it stand out in the contemporary Malayalam action genre.

Memorable Moments

• Shajahan’s introduction to the rifle club and his amusing clashes with traditional hunters.

• The initial fight that sets the gang war in motion.

• Emotional sequences featuring Avaran and Sisily’s devotion.

• The clever use of wilderness and animals as natural hazards during the conflict.

• The dog’s fatal journey to warn the rifle club, symbolizing loyalty and sacrifice.

• The final battle showcasing unity, skill, and bravery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who directed Rifle Club?

The film was directed by Aashiq Abu.

Who stars in the movie?

Key actors include Dileesh Karunakaran, Anurag Kashyap, Vijayaraghavan, Vani Viswanath, and Hanumankind.

What is the film about?

It revolves around a historic rifle club in Wayanad defending their legacy against a vengeful gangster’s attack.

Is the film set in the present day?

No, the movie is set in 1991, capturing the era’s political and social atmosphere.

What genre does the film belong to?

Action, thriller, and comedy.

Does the film reflect real traditions?

Yes, it showcases the rifle clubs’ unique cultural heritage linked to hunting and communal identity.

Is the movie suitable for action lovers?

Yes, it contains intense and stylish action sequences with strategic and realistic gunplay.

How was the film received critically?

Critics lauded the performances, direction, and mixture of intense action with humor.

Rifle Club is a gripping, stylishly made action thriller with a strong ensemble cast, set in an evocative landscape, balancing thrilling gunfights with tender human moments. It celebrates the spirit of community and survival in a period marked by violence and loyalty, making it a significant entry in Malayalam cinema’s recent repertoire.# Rifle Club Movie Review

Rifle Club is a 2024 Malayalam action comedy thriller directed by Aashiq Abu, featuring an ensemble cast including Anurag Kashyap, Dileesh Pothan, Vijayaraghavan, Vani Viswanath, and Dileesh Karunakaran. The film is set in the scenic hill district of Wayanad in the 1990s and revolves around the tale of a historic rifle club that becomes the target of a vengeful arms dealer and his gang. Combining rustic camaraderie, high-intensity action, and moments of humor, the film crafts an engaging narrative about survival, honor, and friendship.