In a cinematic landscape saturated with thrillers and crime sagas, RK Sagar’s The 100 enters the ring with ambition, intensity, and a concept that sparks curiosity. Touted as a crime drama with a high-stakes mystery and emotional undertones, the film attempts to blend procedural investigation with psychological depth.
But does it fully deliver?
Well, to an extent.
While The 100 boasts some gripping moments, interesting characters, and a strong central performance by Sagar himself, the film doesn’t quite rise above the tropes it tries to challenge. It keeps you watching—but rarely shocks or shakes you.
🎬 The Plot: 100 Days, 100 Suspects
Set in the criminal underbelly of a sprawling Indian metropolis, The 100 centers around ACP Arjun Dev (played by RK Sagar), a sharp but emotionally scarred officer tasked with solving a series of murders connected to a long-dormant case from his past.
The twist?
There are 100 suspects—each with motive, means, or memory that ties back to a fateful event from 20 years ago.
As Arjun dives deeper into the layers of this criminal puzzle, his own past begins to unravel—forcing him to confront trauma, betrayal, and institutional decay.
👍 What Works
✅ 1. RK Sagar’s Performance
Sagar, who not only directs but also stars in the lead role, brings a weathered stoicism to ACP Arjun Dev. His performance is restrained but impactful, especially in scenes dealing with grief and guilt. He successfully carries the weight of a man who’s been failed by the system—and himself.
✅ 2. Atmosphere & World-Building
The film excels in creating a grim, noir-ish setting, with shadowy cinematography and a somber score that immerses you in its moody universe. The city feels alive, yet indifferent—just the kind of backdrop a noir crime thriller needs.
✅ 3. Narrative Hooks
The idea of 100 suspects is clever. It gives the film an episodic tension that feels like a countdown. Each suspect brings a new clue, a new contradiction, a new revelation—keeping the viewer intrigued even when the pacing falters.
👎 What Doesn’t Work
❌ 1. Pacing and Editing
At nearly two and a half hours, The 100 could have benefitted from tighter editing. Several scenes linger too long, especially emotional flashbacks and exposition-heavy dialogues. The middle act, in particular, drags, diluting the narrative momentum.
❌ 2. Underwritten Supporting Characters
With a title promising 100 layers of intrigue, you’d expect memorable suspects. But many of the characters feel underdeveloped or stereotypical. Only a few truly stand out, like the conflicted journalist (played by Pavitra Lokesh) or the retired judge with a secret.
❌ 3. Predictable Twists
Despite its complex premise, the film often falls into familiar territory. The final reveal is serviceable but not surprising. In a genre where audience expectations are constantly evolving, The 100 plays it a little too safe.
🎥 Direction & Vision
Sagar’s directorial choices are bold in places—there’s an attempt to bring psychological nuance and even philosophical reflection into a genre usually driven by speed and spectacle. Themes like memory, justice, and moral compromise are touched upon with sincerity.
However, the execution sometimes lacks polish. Scenes meant to be emotionally heavy come off as melodramatic, and some tonal inconsistencies—especially between the gritty realism and stylized action—interrupt the overall flow.
🧩 Final Verdict: Worth a Watch, But Temper Expectations
The 100 is a solid one-time watch, especially for fans of Indian crime dramas looking for something more reflective than formulaic. RK Sagar deserves credit for trying to bring emotional depth and moral ambiguity into a genre dominated by quick resolutions.
But in aiming for high concept and emotional complexity, the film ends up neither fully gripping as a thriller nor deeply moving as a character study.
If you go in expecting a slow-burn mystery with flawed characters and a touch of noir, you’ll likely appreciate it. Just don’t expect a genre-defining masterpiece.
⭐ Final Rating: 3/5 stars
FAQs
Q1: Is The 100 based on a real story or inspired by true events?
No, the film appears to be a fictional crime narrative, though it may be influenced by real-world institutional failures and cold cases.
Q2: Where can I watch The 100?
The film is currently streaming on select regional OTT platforms and may have a limited theatrical release depending on location.
Q3: Is The 100 suitable for family viewing?
Not entirely. Due to its dark themes, violence, and psychological elements, it’s better suited for adult audiences or mature viewers.
Read More:
