‘Test’ Review: Madhavan & Nayanthara Anchor a Slow-Burn Drama

April 5, 2025

By Vinit Hirave

Introduction: A Star-Powered Drama with Mixed Results

‘Test’ Review Netflix’s Tamil-language original, Test, comes with high expectations—and for good reason. Directed by S. Sashikanth, the film features powerhouse performances from R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth, and Meera Jasmine. It promises a tense mix of sports, personal dilemmas, and ethical crossroads. But does it hit the mark? Not quite.

The Plot: High Stakes on and off the Field

Set in Chennai, Test intertwines the lives of three individuals during a critical India-Pakistan cricket match. While the game unfolds in the background, personal storms brew in the foreground:

Saravanan (R. Madhavan) is a brilliant scientist, fresh from MIT, on the brink of a breakthrough in hydro-fuel technology. But he needs one final test—and funding—to bring it to life.
Kumudha (Nayanthara), a schoolteacher and Saravanan’s wife, finds herself torn between the emotional toll of a medical crisis and the strain on their marriage.
Arjun (Siddharth) is a cricketer trying to save his career. On the verge of being dropped, he’s desperate for one last shot to prove himself on the field.

The trio’s lives collide in unexpected ways, making for a film that is more about inner battles than batting averages.

Performances: The Real Winning Team

If Test has one undeniable strength, it’s the performances. R. Madhavan brings gravitas and restraint to Saravanan, a man chasing science and redemption. Nayanthara once again proves why she’s one of Indian cinema’s most bankable actors—her portrayal of emotional conflict is subtle but powerful. Siddharth shines in perhaps his most grounded role in years, giving viewers a deeply human portrayal of a sportsman unraveling under pressure.

Meera Jasmine’s return to the screen as Arjun’s wife is a quiet triumph, adding texture to the emotional dynamics without ever stealing the spotlight.

Direction & Pacing: An Endurance Test

S. Sashikanth, making his directorial debut, clearly aims for a layered, cerebral sports film. But Test leans too heavily into introspection. The storytelling is deliberate—often too slow—and scenes stretch longer than needed, affecting the film’s overall momentum.

What’s meant to be a pressure-cooker scenario often feels like a slow boil, testing the viewer’s patience as much as the characters’.

Visuals & Score: A Solid Technical Backdrop

The film scores well on production value. Cinematography captures the bustling yet emotionally charged vibe of Chennai, seamlessly blending the cricket stadium’s chaos with quiet domestic spaces. The background score is understated, elevating the emotional tension without becoming overbearing.

Verdict: Worth a Watch, If You’re in the Mood for a Slow Burn

Test is an emotionally ambitious film with layered characters, moral complexity, and a unique perspective on what it means to succeed. However, it demands patience. If you go in expecting a fast-paced sports drama, you might walk away disappointed. But if you’re open to a slow, thoughtful exploration of personal sacrifice, ambition, and love, this film may just hit home.