Movie Review: Diesel (2025)
Diesel, directed and written by Shanmugam Muthusamy, dives into the world of crude oil smuggling and the human struggles behind it. Set in North Chennai, the story begins with the government’s plan to lay a crude oil pipeline extending up to Manali. While this project is promoted as a developmental move, it sparks intense protests among the local fishing community, who fear that their livelihood will be destroyed. What starts as a fight for survival soon turns into a battle between power, greed, and loyalty.
Sai Kumar plays a powerful role as a man who takes control of the illegal crude oil trade, using his influence to suppress local resistance. His foster son, played by Harish Kalyan, continues the same risky business, drawn by money and the thrill of power. However, things take a darker turn when another gang, led by Vivek Prasanna, steps in to claim a share of the smuggling network. What follows is a clash of egos, where each side fights to prove dominance, leading to a series of tense and emotional confrontations.
Director Shanmugam Muthusamy handles the narrative with a grounded approach, keeping the story close to the lives of ordinary people affected by industrial greed. The film captures the grit of North Chennai, its people’s raw emotions, and the tough choices they are forced to make. The dialogues are realistic and the screenplay keeps the tension alive, though some parts move at a slower pace.
Technically, Diesel stands out for its strong visuals and sound design. The cinematography by M. S. Prabhu and Richard M. Nathan beautifully captures the rugged coastal backdrop and the city’s darker corners. San Lokesh’s editing ensures the film maintains a tight grip on its intense moments, while Dhibu Ninan Thomas’s music adds depth to both the emotional and action-packed scenes.
Overall, Diesel is a gritty action drama with emotional layers that highlight the clash between survival and ambition. It speaks about how power and politics can twist people’s lives, especially those struggling at the bottom. Despite a few predictable turns, the strong performances and realistic storytelling make Diesel an engaging watch for audiences who enjoy raw, local-flavored dramas with a social message.
