After the wacky "Vikram", I continue to familiarize myself with the work of director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who is building his film universe. Here comes "The Prisoner" which is a prequel of sorts to "Vikram" but with a different protagonist and some overlapping characters. Despite the more modest budget (in "Vikram" the man did not on a joke unfolded), the director squeezes out of this simple road movie the maximum possible. The movie has a great rhythm, well-paced action, moderate and appropriate inclusions of drama, charismatic actors. The picture immediately takes the bull by the horns and without unnecessary rasping throws the viewer into the thick of events, giving only brief moments of respite in dramatic episodes. In general, on all fronts, this is a solid and solidly made genre work.