Test Review: When Cricket Meets Crossroads
A character-driven sports drama that hits some boundaries but struggles in the second innings
Release Date: April 4, 2025 | Platform: Netflix | Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes | Director: S. Sashikanth
The Pitch
Netflix’s latest Tamil offering “Test” brings together the powerhouse trio of Madhavan, Nayanthara, and Siddharth in a sports drama that uses cricket as a backdrop to explore life’s complex challenges. Marking the directorial debut of S. Sashikanth, who also co-wrote the script with Suman Kumar, the film attempts to weave together personal struggles and professional ambitions against the high-stakes canvas of an India-Pakistan test match.
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Stumps and Boundaries: The Plot
Set in Chennai, “Test” follows three distinct characters whose lives intertwine during a crucial cricket match at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk). Madhavan plays Saravanan “Sara,” a scientist working on an alternative fuel project who finds himself at a moral crossroads. Nayanthara portrays Kumudha, a school teacher and Sara’s wife, navigating her own battlefield of emotions as the couple pursues parenthood through IVF. Completing the triangle is Siddharth’s Arjun Venkatraman, a cricketer battling form issues and fighting for his place in the team.
What begins as a character study gradually shifts gears into thriller territory as match-fixing elements are introduced. The narrative explores how ordinary people make extraordinary decisions when pushed to their limits, challenging the binary notions of right and wrong.
Star Performers: The Cast
The film’s greatest strength undoubtedly lies in its performances. Madhavan delivers a nuanced portrayal of a morally ambiguous character, reinforcing his versatility as an actor capable of bringing depth to complex roles. His delivery of the line “The world doesn’t exist in binary, it’s f*****g unreasonable” encapsulates the film’s thematic core.
Nayanthara brings authenticity to Kumudha, a woman juggling personal aspirations with relationship challenges. Her chemistry with Madhavan shines particularly in their conflict scenes, bringing raw emotional energy to the screen.
Siddharth, who underwent nine months of cricket training for his role, convincingly portrays the professional and personal pressures faced by athletes. The film also marks Meera Jasmine’s return to Tamil cinema after a decade, adding another layer of acting prowess to the ensemble.
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Technical Innings: Production Value
The film benefits from high production standards with cinematography by Viraj Singh Gohil capturing both the intensity of cricket matches and intimate character moments with equal finesse. Shakthisree Gopalan makes her debut as a music composer, delivering a soundtrack that includes tracks like “Arena” and “Hope,” which complement the narrative without overpowering it.
Shot across Chennai and Bengaluru, the film creates an authentic atmosphere, particularly in the cricket sequences filmed at Chepauk Stadium. The attention to detail in depicting the sport deserves appreciation, likely a result of Siddharth’s extensive training and the production team’s commitment to authenticity.
Middle-Order Collapse: The Pacing Issues
Where “Test” stumbles is in its second half. After building a solid foundation with character development, the narrative shifts into thriller mode with match-fixing elements that many viewers have found dragging. At 2 hours and 25 minutes, the film struggles to maintain momentum throughout its runtime.
The thriller elements lack the tension necessary to keep audiences engaged, resulting in what some have described as an “exhausting” viewing experience. This structural imbalance prevents what could have been a boundary-hitting film from scoring a perfect century.
The Verdict: Hit or Miss?
“Test” is a mixed bag that showcases excellent performances trapped in a narrative that loses steam. For fans of character-driven dramas and the lead actors, there’s much to appreciate in the first half’s exploration of personal dilemmas and relationship dynamics.
However, viewers seeking consistent pacing or a tightly executed sports thriller might find themselves checking the runtime as the second half unfolds. The film deserves credit for attempting to blend sports drama with thriller elements and for its exploration of moral complexity, even if the execution falls short of its ambitions.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Strengths: Strong performances, character development, authentic cricket sequences
Weaknesses: Pacing issues in second half, thriller elements lack tension
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Stream or Skip?
“Test” is worth streaming for the performances alone, particularly if you’re a fan of Madhavan, Nayanthara, or Siddharth. The first half offers enough emotional depth and character work to justify a viewing, even if you might find yourself reaching for the fast-forward button during some parts of the second half.
Available in Tamil with dubs in Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, and Telugu, the film offers accessibility to viewers across India, making it a convenient weekend watch option for those with a Netflix subscription.
What did you think about “Test”? Does it hit a six or get bowled out early? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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