Tamil cinema welcomes a gripping new entry this Friday with the release of Relay, an action-packed thriller directed by David Mackenzie.
Slated for theatrical release on August 22, 2025, the film stars Riz Ahmed, Lily James, and Sam Worthington in a tense narrative that explores the murky ethics of corporate espionage and whistleblower protection.
Bilingual Rollout
Originally produced in English, Relay has been dubbed into Tamil for its Indian release, offering audiences a globally resonant story with local accessibility.
Check out this exclusive clip from the new thriller #Relay – in theaters Friday.
Starring Lily James, Riz Ahmed, Sam Worthington, and Willa Fitzgerald. pic.twitter.com/Pe0Pk8Ez1z
— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) August 19, 2025
The film will be screened across major multiplexes in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other metros.
Cast & Crew
- Riz Ahmed plays Tom, a covert broker who facilitates secret payoffs between corporations and whistleblowers.
- Lily James portrays Sarah, a mysterious client whose motives challenge Tom’s rigid moral code.
- Sam Worthington appears as a corporate enforcer with a hidden agenda.
- Directed by David Mackenzie, known for Hell or High Water, the film blends noir aesthetics with modern-day urgency.
A world-class "fixer" is enlisted by an alluring, unpredictable whistleblower in a "twisty, confident homage to classic paranoid thrillers" (@IndieWire). Watch the trailer for RELAY starring Academy Award winner @rizwanahmed and Lily James. In theaters August 22. #RelayMovie pic.twitter.com/Pnj5tIM8aj
— Bleecker Street (@bleeckerstfilms) July 2, 2025
Plot Snapshot
Tom operates by strict rules: no personal involvement, no second chances. But when Sarah seeks protection instead of payment, his world begins to unravel.
As danger escalates and loyalties blur, Relay becomes a race against time—where trust is the most volatile currency.
What to Expect
- A taut screenplay with psychological depth
- Stylish cinematography and urban backdrops
- Themes of redemption, secrecy, and survival
- A rare Tamil-English crossover with an international cast appeal
Execution & Atmosphere
Critics have praised Relay for its immersive atmosphere and strong performances. The film opens with a fresh and intriguing setup, drawing viewers into a morally complex world.
However, the final act leans on narrative shortcuts that dilute the impact of its premise, leaving audiences with a thriller that’s competent but frustratingly uneven.
Screening Details
- Languages: Tamil & English
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Now Showing: PVR, INOX, and major multiplexes across Chennai and other metros
Relay is a stylish, character-driven thriller that starts strong but stumbles in its resolution. Worth watching for Riz Ahmed’s performance and the atmospheric tension, even if the payoff doesn’t fully deliver.
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