Buffoon (2022) is a Tamil-language crime drama directed by Ashok Veerappan in his directorial debut. The film follows Kumaran (Vaibhav), a street theatre artist who, in search of a better life, takes up a driving job. Unbeknownst to him, the vehicle he drives is used for transporting illegal drugs. When Kumaran and his friend Muthaiya (Anthakudi Ilayaraja) are falsely implicated in a drug smuggling case, they become entangled in a political power struggle. The duo, along with Ilayaal (Anagha), a Sri Lankan refugee, attempt to flee the country, but are relentlessly pursued by the police, led by Superintendent Haridas (Tamilarasan) .

The film delves into themes of political corruption, the plight of refugees, and the complexities of power dynamics. While the narrative is ambitious, it has been critiqued for its inconsistent execution and tonal shifts . However, the performances, especially by Vaibhav, and Santhosh Narayanan’s music have been highlighted as strengths. Buffoon offers a gripping portrayal of an individual’s struggle against systemic forces, though its potential is marred by certain narrative choices.