Dhruva Sarja, one of the most popular stars in the Kannada film industry, took a long hiatus after Pogaru (2021), leaving fans eagerly awaiting his next project, Martin. From the very first look, with Dhruva Sarja famously known as the “Action Prince,” audiences anticipated a high-octane, action-packed film. Directed by A.P. Arjun, with a story penned by Arjun Sarja and produced by Uday K. Mehta, Martin became one of the most talked-about projects, especially due to its grand scale of production. But the real question is—did the film live up to its massive hype and expectations?
The film revolves around the central question: Who is Martin? When the title was announced, audiences expected Dhruva Sarja’s character to embody the titular role. To their surprise, after an introductory fight scene, Dhruva is shown as a heavily sedated man who has lost his memory and is imprisoned in Pakistan. The character, described as having the “beast power of an elephant,” communicates more through grunts than words. After a series of fights and a daring escape from jail, it is revealed that he is actually Arjun, a Navy officer on a quest to find Martin. In a twist, it turns out Dhruva is playing a dual role, portraying both the honorable Navy officer Arjun and the antagonist, Martin.
The film also includes a love story, accompanied by vibrant song-and-dance sequences shot in picturesque locations. One standout moment is the unique “meet-cute” between the hero and heroine during a snow avalanche, followed by romantic songs that add charm to their relationship. While there are several supporting actors, Dhruva Sarja rightfully commands all attention. His portrayal of the hulking, beast-like gangster Martin dominates the screen, but it is his role as Arjun, the Navy officer, that feels more relatable and likable. In fact, many viewers might wish Arjun had more heroic moments to shine. Unfortunately, the film’s plot feels unnecessarily complicated and frequently descends into loud and chaotic moments.
While the story lacks depth, there were hopes that the technical aspects would make up for it. Sadly, the direction falls short in this area as well. Although the music, cinematography, and editing were commendable, they follow the familiar templates seen in films like KGF. It’s clear that filmmakers need to move beyond the KGF hangover and create fresher visual experience. The climax, which should have been an epic spectacle featuring army tanks, ammunition, and Dhruva Sarja’s dual roles battling each other, was marred by noticeable VFX and CGI glitches, leaving the grand vision somewhat underwhelming. It seems This left us feeling that director A.P. Arjun may have bitten off more than he could chew with Martin.
However, for Dhruva Sarja’s fans, this movie is a treat. They’ve been eagerly waiting to see their favorite star return to the screen, and he delivers, particularly with his powerful dual roles. His larger-than-life presence, commanding action sequences, and moments of grandeur are sure to please his audience. The film also carries undertones of patriotism and includes a subplot involving the medical mafia, which adds additional layers to the story. And just when you think it’s over, Martin teases a sequel, leaving viewers excited to see Dhruva Sarja return in a fresh avatar for part two.
Despite its flaws, Martin showcases Dhruva Sarja’s strengths and hints at potential for the future, making it an entertaining watch for action lovers and fans alike.
