Review #501: Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014)

Kaaviya Thalaivan Movie Review

Plot: The two best disciples of Sivadas Swamigal, the earnest owner of a Drama school, are by design pitted against each other by the guru himself and this create multiple calamities ending in the duo’s separation. Years pass by as one finds a good holding and the other wobbles away as a drunk loser only for them to cross paths again when the ongoing Indian Independence Movement gives another chance for the tables to turn!

What Works?

• Vasantha Balan elevates himself to a new level with this painstakingly made film that relies so much on Jeyamohan’s story & the combine’s screenplay as it does on Balan’s direction.
• Siddharth may have played second fiddle in Jigarthanda but here he rules the roost & gives the performance of his lifetime with an interval ranting showing at his Guru as the stand-out portion. Prithviraj’s role as a foil is nobly sketched giving proper justification for his character’s oft-conniving acts and the actor brings that to screen quite convincingly.
• Nasser shows the veteran power in the film and earns instant respect as he goes about lecturing on the attributes of a quality drama artiste.  Vedhika fits very well as Vadivu and scores in her Thirupugazh performance scene.
• The film’s technical crew is of top quality – Rahman leads the way with excellent songs (well placed and picturised) & immaculate background score fittingly culminating with the Shehnai version of Porai Niruthu when the end credits roll. Nirav Shah’s camerawork does its bit in explaining the shades and moods characters show in the film & Praveen’s editing presents itself on the forefront in sequences that show years & days roll by in the narrative.
• This is Vasantha Balan’s second period film & putting that alongside his Veyil & Angaadi Theru , his level of detailing doesn’t come across as a surprise. Art Director Santhanam & the constume design team deserves applause for their efforts in providing  the director what he might have wanted!

What Doesn't?

• The romance between Siddharth and debutant Anaika happens out of the blue & if that portion still leaves a lasting impact, it is because of the two impactful ‘curse’ scenes that follow as its aftermath.
• The polarization of the two prime characters were explained poetically through the film that the clichéd conversation in the climax was not all that necessary

In a Nutshell
The specialty of the film is – The villain in the film is not without his nobility & the hero here is not without his faults! In bringing out memorable showings from his cast & technical crew & making Kaaviya Thalaivan a stand-out film in their resumes, Vasantha Balan elevates his own level.

Naadagam Paaka Ponga!

Two Line Reviews - #421

Movie: Naan (Thamizh, 2012)

Plot: A student coming out of Juvenile school forges his way rush-fully into a medical college assuming a false identity. One of his close friends at college comes to know of his impersonation and wants to use this against him to score over a ruckus he had created earlier. Things turn dirty as the hero is made to bring more of his impersonation skills to the fore.

What Works?

• A music director makes his debut as an actor & producer, so does a director doubling up as a cinematographer as well. Considering this, the premise and the narration have been bold!
• The story offers scope for engaging sequences, of which good use has been made.
• The visuals are neat with pretty faces and decent performances; background music is noteworthy and the songs aren't speed-breakers!
• Director's smart usage of Vijay Antony by masking his lack of ability to act with oft-repeated 'thiruttu muzhi looks' and short 'sir' dialogues work!

What Doesn't?

• The very purpose behind the hero's attempt to impersonate to start off with is not dealt with at all!
• After building the character respectfully, the director takes a u-turn after the interval. So, his attempt at trying to justify the character at the end falls flat.
• Huge holes in the script are being hastefully filled with convenient plugs that are Unconvincing in logic!

A good premise; Could have been made better!

Two Line Reviews - #356

Movie: Kaadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Eppadi (Thamizh, 2012)

Plot: The love affair of a B.E. studying duo literally breaks with a hit on the hero's forehead! That's when he gets into the retrospective mode offering pies of advice when his friend attempts to indulge in a love -trip.Simple things get blown out of proportion and big issues get solved before a wink and the mystery that shrouds around is let to stay the way it is.

Highlights:

• The film-debut of Balaji Mohan, the maker of the short with the same title shows he is quite intelligent; He has interspersed two of his short-film tales with a solid camera-facing narrative that makes him a welcome addition.
• Siddharth is casual and effortless and impresses with the way he carries himself and the role in the film; a solid run in Thamizh this guy deserves.
• With her pretty costumes and a nice hair-do, Amala Paul is a delightful eye-candy and more, thanks to a decent show with her action.
• Experimental shots, songs, boy-girl scenes, the curious friend who throws superb humour at places are positive factors too. 

• The negative that is to be pointed out comes in the form of a 'sodhappal' handling of the Suresh saga towards its end! Mockery..
• The SS music VJ who plays John & his Thamizh accent irritate to the core.

• Songs aren't impressive in an otherwise catchy film.

Breezy light-hearted entertainer!