While the number of characters and pacing does pose a problem in CCV, the performances make up for it.

All the four male actors have equal importance and screen space, though Vijay Sethupathi ends up with the best one-liners, which make him the scene-stealer in the climax.

Ice-cold and business-like, low on emotion despite the inflamed passions and muscle-flexing on display, and amoral to the core even with a backdrop of crime and punishment - and that's what is so good about it.

Chekka Chivantha Vaanam feels like the work of a fresh director with an impressive understanding about the craft of filmmaking.