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Richie is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Gautham Ramachandran and starring Nivin Pauly, Nataraja Subramanian, and Shraddha Srinath. The film is a remake of the 2014 Kannada film Ulidavaru Kandanthe and features multiple narratives woven around a murder investigation. The film begins with the murder of a local journalist in the fictional town of Manapad, Tamil Nadu. The events that led to the murder are revealed through the perspectives of various characters, each with their own agenda and secrets to hide.

The primary protagonist of the film is Richie, played by Nivin Pauly. Richie is a mysterious and enigmatic man who arrives in Manapad shortly after the murder and becomes involved in the investigation. He is a loner with a traumatic past, haunted by memories of a tragic event in his hometown that he was unable to prevent. His involvement in the investigation, however, is not entirely altruistic, and his motives remain unclear for much of the film.

The film also features a host of other characters with their own unique stories, including a local gangster, a corrupt cop, a struggling filmmaker, and a young woman seeking revenge. The narrative weaves these disparate threads together to create a complex and engaging mystery.

Despite being a remake, Richie stands on its own as a well-crafted and stylish film. The cinematography by Pandi Kumar is striking and moody, with a color palette that highlights the film's noir influences. The performances by the cast are uniformly excellent, with Nivin Pauly delivering a standout turn as the brooding and elusive Richie.

One of the strengths of the film is its structure, with the narrative unfolding in a non-linear fashion that keeps the audience guessing. The various perspectives and agendas of the characters contribute to a sense of complexity and intrigue that makes the film more than just a straightforward mystery.

The film also tackles several weighty themes, including power dynamics, corruption, and the nature of truth. The various characters in the film struggle with their own motivations and desires, and the film ultimately examines the consequences of these choices.

Despite the darkness at the heart of the film, there are also moments of humor and humanity that add depth and warmth to the characters. The film's soundtrack, composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, is also a standout, with a mix of Western and Indian musical styles that complements the film's neo-noir atmosphere.

In conclusion, Richie is a stylish and engaging crime thriller that tells a complex and layered story. The film's non-linear structure, striking cinematography, and excellent performances make it a standout in the genre. And while the film is undeniably dark and moody, it also has heart and humor, making it a well-rounded and memorable cinematic experience.

Richie is a 2017 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.